Weirdo Video Rare & authentic films of cultural, historical, and ironical significance.

Take Me Back to Oklahoma

1940

Take Me Back to Oklahoma

Feature Film: Take Me Back to Oklahoma - 1940

  Bob Wills’ feature film debut including performances with Leon McAuliffe and Tex Ritter. Bob Wills is one of the most important musicians in the history of 20th century country music. The King of Western Swing, Wills’ songs have become an influential part of the repertoire of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings, […]

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Gordon Terry: It Ain’t Right

1959

Gordon Terry: It Ain’t Right

Gordon Terry: It Ain't Right - 1950's

Gordon Terry performs his hit song ‘It Ain’t Right’ live, backed by the great Billy Mize and the equally talented Cliff Crofford. Another clip documenting the birth of authentic rockabilly.

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Cliff Crofford & Billy Mize: Waterloo

1959

Cliff Crofford & Billy Mize: Waterloo

Cliff Crofford & Billy Mize: Waterloo - 1959

In this clip multi-instrumentalists and all-around talents Cliff Crofford & Billy Mize perform rollicking, stomping rendition of Waterloo. From 1959, this number is another prime example of the world famous Bakersfield Sound.

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Tex Ritter: Jealous Heart

1950's

Tex Ritter: Jealous Heart

Tex Ritter with Joe Maphis: Jealous Heart - 1959

In this short clip from Town Hall Party in 1959 virtuoso guitar player Joe Maphis backs up Tex Ritter as he sings his 1945 hit Jealous Heart. Tex Ritter, a singing cowboy of the calibre of Gene Autry, is most known as the balladeer who sings the intro music to the classic film High Noon. […]

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Bob Wills: Good Old Oklahoma

1940

Bob Wills: Good Old Oklahoma

Bob Wills: Good Old Oklahoma

In this clip, from the B Western “Take Me Back to Oklahoma,” Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys croon in perfect harmony ‘Oklahoma we love you’ in an upbeat version of “Good Old Oklahoma” with Wills’ signature backup calls. Riding with Tex Ritter, they sing together ‘Calamity Kate.’ But, clearly, the King of Western Swing […]

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Bob Wills: Fiddlin’ Man

1940's

Bob Wills: Fiddlin’ Man

Bob Wills: Fiddlin' Man - 1940's

Bob Wills:  Fiddlin’ Man – 1950’s Bob Wills exhibits his master showmanship as both bandleader and musician in this short known as Fiddlin’ Man. Backing the king of western swing, the gum-chewing pianist, the expressionless guitarist, and the giddy drummer make playing with Wills look easy.

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Bob Wills: Lone Star Rag

1940's

Bob Wills: Lone Star Rag

Bob Wills: Lone Star Rag

In this clip, from a 1940’s B Western, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, on stage to entertain the locals, are introduced by Tex Ritter. The King of Western Swing then launches into a rendition of his classic ‘Lone Star Rag.’ “They’re good, aren’t they?” Tex Ritter responds, “Best in the West.” Too right, too […]

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Joe Maphis: Dim Lights, Thick Smoke

1950's

Joe Maphis: Dim Lights, Thick Smoke

Joe Maphis: Dim Lights, Thick Smoke - 1959

Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and LOUD, LOUD music) performed by Joe Maphis & wife Rose Lee, LIVE in 1959. Maphis. known for the flatpicking style he developed in the 1930’s, sings magnificent harmony with wife Rose in this 1950’s crowd-pleaser.  

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