Spade Cooley: King of Western Swing (1945)

• 60%
• 1945
• Jack Scholl

Fiddle player Spade Cooley and his band play western swing music. His band came into prominence when, during the local elections for sheriff, both campaigns asked him to play for them. He decided to be bipartisan and play for both. The band then played at the local rodeo, and then moved on to several other venues, such as a dude ranch. Even at non-traditional western swing events such as a square dance, Cooley's band added its own special brand of music. These events led to a national radio broadcast and more widespread fame.