Bob Wills Itinerary

Bob Wills Itinerary

Take this Bob Wills-themed road trip and you may just have a brush with his ghost. The King of Western swing played a daily radio show at Cain’s Ballroom, a historic Tulsa venue rumored to be haunted by ghost of Wills himself. Whether you run into him or not, this road trip provides an authentic Bob Wills experience. After cutting a rug on the dance floor that helped Wills change music history, pay homage to the late legend at his gravesite.

Tulsa

Cain's Ballroom is a popular Tulsa landmark with a rich history. It was once the home of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys and has hosted hundreds of big name concerts over the decades.
423 N Main St
Tulsa, OK

Stop 1: Cain's Ballroom

From 1935 to 1942, Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys broadcast a daily radio show from Cain’s Ballroom, taking his popular Western swing music and delivering it to fans coast to coast. Cain’s still honors Bob, celebrating his life and music each year with the annual Bob Wills Birthday Bash.

Related Listings: Cain's Ballroom

Start from: 423 N Main St, Tulsa, OK

Distance:

Arrive at: E Archer St & Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK

The intersection of Greenwood Ave. and Archer St. in Tulsa's historic Greenwood district. The GAP Band took their name from Greenwood, Archer and Pine streets in Tulsa.
E Archer St & Greenwood Ave
Tulsa, OK

Stop 2: Corner of Archer & Greenwood

The “King of Western Swing” loved Tulsa. It was his adopted hometown and he even wrote the lyrics “Would I like to go to Tulsa? Boy I sure would/Well, let me off at Archer, and I’ll walk down to Greenwood,” in his popular hit song, “Take Me Back to Tulsa.”

Start from: E Archer St & Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK

Distance:

Arrive at: 427 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK

ITIN Philtower
427 S Boston Ave
Tulsa, OK

Stop 3: KVOO Radio

Bob’s Western Swing magic began on February 9, 1934 when KVOO gave a trial broadcast to Bob Wills and his band at midnight. They were then given a daily show, which changed music history and brought Bob’s unique sound to the forefront. During Bob’s era, KVOO broadcast their station from Tulsa’s Philtower building, one of Tulsa’s original art deco skyscrapers. While KVOO is no longer there, visitors can still view this beautiful example of art deco architecture, which is famous for its colorful, sloping roof.

Start from: 427 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK

Distance:

Arrive at: 5111 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK

ITIN Cemetery
5111 S Memorial Dr
Tulsa, OK

Stop 4: Memorial Park Cemetery

The “King of Western Swing” passed away in 1975. His grave can be found in section 15, lot 560, space 2 in Tulsa’s Memorial Park Cemetery.

Start from: 5111 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK

Distance:

Arrive at: , , OK

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