Gene O'Quin explained

Gene Louis O'Quin (or Oquin) (September 9, 1932 – November 27, 1978)[1] was an American country and western and honky tonk singer born in Dallas on September 9, 1932[2] He established himself professionally at Dallas' Big "D" Jamboree, a Grand Ole Opry-like radio showcase, becoming one of its most popular entertainers. O'Quin recorded his first song at the age of 15 and was signed by Capitol Records.[3]

He later relocated to California. His recording career reached its peak between 1950 and 1955.

O'Quin's voice was high and nasally and had a twang evocative of Little Jimmy Dickens. He cut many novelty songs and boogie-woogie records. The persona in his records was happy-go-lucky and well suited to hillbilly music.[4] Although he did not record any rockabilly songs in his career, rockabilly enthusiasts have embraced him. His career was eclipsed with the advent of rock and roll but he did not successfully make the transition as rockabilly artists did.

O'Quin died when his car was hit by a bus in Riverside, California on November 27, 1978.[5]

Discography

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gene O'Quin - Music on Google Play . Play.google.com . 2020-04-13.
  2. Web site: Keven. Koffey. Bopping.org. Citing liner notes for 'Boogie Woogie Fever'. 4 February 2011. Bear Family. 19 July 2011.
  3. Web site: Bjorke. Matt. Guys of the Big "D" Jamboree - Various Artists. About.com. 26 January 2012. 20 January 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120120050137/http://countrymusic.about.com/library/blguysofbigdjamboreerev.htm. dead.
  4. Web site: Adams. Greg. Boogie Woogie Fever: Gene O'Quin. All Music. 26 January 2012.
  5. https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/62911927/ Services set for singer
  6. Web site: Artist . Artistdirect.com . 2020-04-13.
  7. https://archive.today/20120803161757/http://www.lib.unc.edu/mss/sfc1/sfc_recordings/sfc_performance.html?performance_ID=3280 Southern Folklife Collection-SFC Recordings Admin Interface - Display Physical Item Search Results