OKPOP Museum

08/29/2026

John Denver wasn't born in Oklahoma, but its where both sides of his family were from! His father, Henry John Deutschendorf, Sr. was from Wash*ta County south of Clinton, Oklahoma and his mother, Erma Louise Swope was from Tulsa. They were married in Claremore in February of 1942.

John Denver's father, the son of Russian German immigrants, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in June of 1943, which brought him to the Roswell Army Air Field in New Mexico. And, that's where his son, Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr., was born in December of 1943. Or, John Denver, as we know him.

With both sides of his family being Okies, John Denver spent a lot of time in Oklahoma, working summers at the old family farm. When he was around twelve years old, his grandmother gave him his first guitar. Denver would later say that some of his happiest memories of his childhood came from summers spent in Oklahoma.

08/27/2026

Ever wondered why there are so many famous people from Oklahoma? Here's the story of how the 46th state became a crossroads for American pop culture. See link below ⬇️

📸 BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN

08/25/2026

We're sad to hear of Dolly Parton's passing. Though not an Oklahoman, she certainly played her fair share of concerts in Oklahoma over the years. Did you have the chance to see any of them?

This photo is from a performance of Dolly Parton, playing with the Wagonmasters at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City on October 8th, 1968, while on tour with her performing partner Porter Wagoner.

08/24/2026

Today is Mason Williams' birthday! Mason Williams is known for writing the iconic instrumental song "Classical Gas" in 1968, but he was also a comedian, a writer, and a poet. Though he was born in Texas, he spent time growing up in Oklahoma, eventually graduating from Northwest Classen High School and attending Oklahoma City University.

08/21/2026

Did you know the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants was from Oklahoma? We imagine you do by this point! And, today would have been his 65th birthday!

Creator Stephen Hillenburg was born on this day in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1961. He created SpongeBob SquarePants in 1999, and he continued to run it until his death in 2018 at the age of 57, following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

08/21/2026

BACK TO SCHOOL! Here are a few famous Okies from their high school days! Can you name them all?

08/17/2026

OKPOP and the OKPOP Foundation mourn the loss of our dear friend and supporter, John Reaves.

A true champion of the arts, John had a deep passion for local music and an enduring love for Oklahoma’s film, music, and creative communities. When the OKPOP Phase II Capital Campaign first began, John and Leigh were among the very first to step forward. Their early belief and generous support helped lay the groundwork to ensure our state’s rich artistic heritage and homegrown talent are forever celebrated.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude, and deepest condolences to Leigh, Claire, and the entire Reaves family.

08/16/2026

In case you missed it, check out this article from TulsaPeople Magazine about Tom Kenny's visit to OKPOP last week!

On Aug. 7, OKPOP hosted a preview of their collection “The Creative Impact of Stephen Hillenburg,” celebrating the Oklahoma-born creator of “SpongeBob SquarePants” and his influence on animation, comedy and

08/15/2026

We wanted to wish a happy birthday to legendary songwriter and composer Jimmy Webb!

Webb was born on this day in 1946 in Elk City, Oklahoma, and is known for writing hits like "Wichita Lineman," "Up, Up and Away," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "MacArthur Park," and many others.

08/13/2026

In case you missed it, check out this article from the Tulsa World about Tom Kenny's visit to OKPOP last week!

Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, and Derek Drymon, creative director of the “SpongeBob SquarePants” series and co-wrote and co-produced the first feature length movie, were in town for Oklahoma Comic Con.