The Oklahoma Sound

Photograph by Bryn Banfield

Being an artist in Oklahoma presents unique challenges, particularly due to the renowned Oklahoma musicians' rich legacy of creativity. The bar is set high. The weight of expectation can sometimes feel overwhelming. 

Cali Sickler feels she has much to live up to as an up-and-coming performer.

“If you're trying to make it from Oklahoma, you have to be sort of on the same level, if not better than them,” Sickler said. 

A working musician and Epic graduate, Sickler, 18, combines pop and country influences in true singer-songwriter fashion. It’s a combination that other prominent Oklahoma musicians have used to great acclaim.

Bands like Stillwater’s Cross Canadian Ragweed. 

The Boys From Oklahoma 

Cross Canadian Ragweed is one of the most celebrated bands from Oklahoma. You’ll instantly recognize their unique blend of rock, country and Red Dirt music, sort of an updated, outlaw country sound for the 2000s. 

"I think that if there is a sound of Oklahoma, it is what they define as Red Dirt, which is anywhere from folk rock to alternative country … definitely got its own sound. But it also has a hard time being defined," Cody Canada of music group Cross Canadian Ragweed said in an interview with ENN. 

Their most memorable track is "Boys from Oklahoma," a sing-along, counterculture anthem that captures the pride of their home state compared to its contiguous-state peers through the lens of … rolling a joint. But Cross Canadian Ragweed's music features plenty of carousing, drinking, and trouble with women and the law — the trappings of classic country and folk rock alike. 

Merle Haggard, whom Canada said is his songwriting inspiration, would be proud. 

Cross Canadian Ragweed’s songs showcase the band's distinct sound and lyrical storytelling, contributing to their enduring popularity and legacy in music. 

“I didn’t think we’d be as successful as we are,” Canada said a month before playing sold out reunion shows in Stillwater. 

A rich tapestry 

Oklahoma music boasts a profound and diverse cultural heritage that radiates from its earliest days, even before it achieved statehood. 

The state's musical roots can be traced back to the rich tapestry of Native American traditions that thrived on its lands long before settlers arrived. 

Many Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, Osage and Choctaw contributed to the region’s early musical landscape, with their unique rhythms, songs and traditions shaping the local sound. 

Oklahoma-born composer-conductor Louis Ballard (Quapaw-Cherokee) contributed significantly to developing Indian symphonic and chamber music, showcasing the versatility of Native American musical expression. 

One of the most iconic figures in Oklahoma's musical history is Woody Guthrie. Guthrie emerged as a groundbreaking artist during the tumultuous times of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. His lyrics often reflected the struggles and resilience of everyday people, making him a voice for the disenfranchised. His influence extended beyond folk music, inspiring countless artists and movements in subsequent generations. 

The evolution of Oklahoma's music scene did not stop with Guthrie. Throughout the years, the state has produced myriad influential musicians across various genres. From the iconic country sound of artists like Bob Wills, who is often dubbed the “king of western swing,” to rock legends like The Flaming Lips and alternative country musicians such as Sturgill Simpson, Oklahoma has continuously contributed to the broader tapestry of American music.

Oklahoma loves its home-grown musicians. And they return the love. Cross Canadian Ragweed frontman Canada has played everywhere. But his favorite venue remains in Tulsa. 

Perhaps you've heard of it or seen the iconic red-and-white, L-shaped sign. 

“Cain's Ballroom, hands down, forever,” Canada said. 

Keeping the music going

Local venues, universities, and community organizations support emerging artists and keep the spirit of Oklahoma music alive, ensuring its evolution continues while honoring its historical roots. 

One of the most iconic spots is Cain's, renowned for its rich history and lively atmosphere. This venue became famous as the home of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys,  whose influence on western swing music is legendary. 

The ballroom's rustic charm, complete with hardwood floors and a dance floor that has seen countless two-stepping couples, makes it a pilgrimage site for music lovers. 

And its concert calendar remains a top-notch mix of established and soon-to-be-huge bands. 

Another gem is The Blue Door, a more intimate setting known for its cozy vibe and exceptional acoustics. This venue is dedicated to supporting local talent while bringing in regional and national artists, allowing audiences to experience various genres and styles. 

Whether it’s an up-and-coming singer-songwriter or a more established band, The Blue Door provides a stage for artists to connect with their fans in a warm and welcoming environment. 

Canada saw Geroge Strait when he was little in a similar small club, and he was, he said, "struck by lightning." There was no choice other than music. 

Canada said what makes his music, and Red Dirt music in general, so powerful is its raw honesty. 

“There’s no real agenda like, I’m gonna write this song, I’m gonna write this beat,” he said. “And I’m gonna make a bunch of money. You know, with the people from Oklahoma, it’s all about I’m gonna write this song because it’s therapeutic. And then other people are going to latch onto it because they need therapy, too. That’s how I’ve always felt about it.”

Why does Oklahoma have such an abundance of musical talent? No one can say for sure, but the authenticity of Oklahoma musicians’ songs must play a large role.