Big D Jamboree

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The Big D Jamboree was an American radio program transmitted by KRLD. The show consisted of appearances by famous country musicians as well as sketch comedy and jokes.

[edit] History

The Big D Jamboree started in 1947 as the Lone Star Barn Dance, but was renamed soon after. It was held in the Dallas Sportatorium. The show was initially produced by Al Turner and OD McLemore, and then later by Johnny Hicks and Johnny Harper. The number of musicians who performed regularly where rose from 20 to 50 by 1953. Around 1956 the Big D Jamoree was syndicated by CBS, and afterwards could be heard on radio throughout most of America. A number of country stars rose to fame as a result of the program, including Jimmy Lee Fautheree, Webb Pierce, and Hank Locklin.

Since it was the only country music program in the Dallas area, it enjoyed years of great popularity toward the end of the 1950s, but lost listenership in the 1960s. For many musicians the Big D Jamboree was a jumping point into larger shows such as the Louisiana Hayride or the Grand Ole Opry.

[edit] Performers

Jimmy Lee Fautheree Johnny "Country" Mathis Webb Pierce Hank Locklin Hank Thompson Lefty Frizzell Hank Snow Janis Martin and the Marteens Jimmy Wakely Sonny James Johnny Carroll Wanda Jackson

Billy Walker Charline Arthur Werly Fairburn Warren Smith The Hilltop Ramblers "Specs" Dickson The Texas Stompers Leon Payne and his Lone Star Buddies Orville Couch Riley Crabtree Eddie McDuff Bobby Williamson George Kent Sunshine Ruby

[edit] External links

• Big D Jamboree at the Rockabilly Hall of Fame