John Wooley

John Wooley, the only writer inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, has been writing about the state's music for more than a quarter of a century. A veteran novelist, music historian, journalist, scriptwriter, and musician, his writing talents have been showcased in virtually every form of entertainment. John’s distinctive, distinguished literary voice resonates with the heart and spirit of Oklahoma.

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From the Blue Devils to Red Dirt: The Colors of Oklahoma Music In celebration of Oklahoma’s Centennial, this richly stimulating history brings insight to those who want to listen with new meaning to the music they love. Highlighting the musical currents that have swept from Oklahoma across the world, it traces the tributaries of individual style and talent as they merge to form the river of songs unique to Oklahoma’s rich culture. John Wooley paints a vivid panorama of the artists, the business behind the scenes, and the strong sense of community they share. From the jazz influence of the Oklahoma City Blue Devils to the power of western swing, the Tulsa Sound, Red Dirt, and a growing list of mega-country stars, he captures the explosion of musicians who transformed their Oklahoma energy and soul into magic on stages across the world. Although the entertaining narrative and spectacular photos make The Colors of Oklahoma Music: From the Blue Devils to Red Dirt a thrilling historical voyage—readers will treasure the intriguing truth behind the evolution and revolution of Oklahoma music. Ghost Band Trumpeter Miles West only planned to tour with a dance band for a couple of years after college. Now middle-aged, he finds himself still riding a bus across the country with a group that plays under the name of a long-dead bandleader—in musical parlance, a Ghost Band—whose melodic tributes revive a more innocent time in our nation’s history. Miles has watched the crowds slowly dwindle as the Big Band era fades with its generation. Playing music that revives long-forgotten memories and rekindles romances, the band is never far from the spectres of the past. In a breathtaking moment during a special song for sweet-hearts, Miles is shocked to discover the link to the past is far more real than anyone ever dared to imagine… Voices From the Hill: The Story of Oklahoma Military Academy Voices from the Hill: The Story of Oklahoma Military Academy, records the history, camaraderie, tradition, heritage, and legacy of the institution that proudly earned the reputation as the West Point of the Southwest. Founded in 1911, it quickly became Oklahoma’s primary training ground for the United States Armed Forces. Although its doors officially closed in 1971, the legacy of the Oklahoma Military Academy lives on through the almost 10,000 cadets who entered the halls of OMA as wide-eyed “rabbits,” and through hard work and determination grew to become upstanding citizens in their communities—the backbone of our nation. The esprit de corps, a deep and complex set of emotions beating in the hearts of those former cadets still pulls many of the academy’s graduates back to the Hill year after year. The lessons of courage, loyalty, and honor formed the basis of the cadet’s adult lives and have since been passed to the generations they fathered. Although the school has been closed for many years, as long as those principles exist in the life of our nation and our world, the voices from the Hill will never be stilled. The Big Book of Biker Flicks The Big Book of Biker Flicks celebrates the amusing, serious, and often shocking movies that saluted bikers and their legendary lifestyles at the height of America’s fascination with the subculture. Hollywood’s larger-than-life outlaw cyclists capture the essence of the era while proving that motorcycles and movies are the perfect combination of wild, wicked pleasures. Packed with behind-the-scenes details, press book tidbits, and stunning full color photos, it has all the hot, steamy fun of an old-fashioned movie without the horn-honking and mosquitoes! Awash in the Blood Televangelist Mo Johnston is doing all right for himself, with a steady if not spectacular media ministry and a comfortable lifestyle. But on All Souls' Night, while vacationing in Eastern Europe, Mo Johnston is attacked. The locals think he was bitten by a vampire. Johnston believes he has grappled with Satan himself. And when he returns home, his ministry acquires new power and vitality - as does Johnston. But slowly, the Reverend Mo Johnston begins to change. He seeks the darkness as fervently as he once sought the light. He finds himself spinning into an abyss of evil, pulling others down with him, drawing out their lifeblood with razored teeth even as he fights even as he fights against his own transformation. Miraculously, his bite brings eternal life. And that's just what his God-fearing disciples crave. Isn't it? "An exciting and powerful story, vividly written. I had trouble putting it down." - Hugh B. Cave, award-winning author of The Evil and Lucifer's Eye