2025 OK Blues Hall of Fame Inductees

It is with great honor that we induct David Warren Brown into the Blues Hall of Fame. Born on May 8, 1952, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Jacob Milton Brown (Oglala Sioux of Wanblee, SD) and Alma Bruce Martin Brown (Muscogee Nation, Bear Clan), with the Native surname Hawk on Head. David’s life was a testament to his deep-rooted cultural heritage and passion for music.

David’s passion for music began while growing up in Oak Cliff, Texas where he went to Sunset High School and became a member of the Sunset Musicians’ Guild, founded by lifelong friend and bandmate, Robert Ware. Throughout high school and afterwards, David played with several bands, including a band called Meat with his old friend Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1973, Barry Rhodes (from Sounds INC, a 60’s Rock Band) asked David and Joe Morale (well-known guitarist of East Tx) to join a new band called Texas Rock. They opened for national acts and played big clubs in Texas and Oklahoma. He also played at two Oak Cliff Reunion Concerts organized by Christian Brooks, the last one featured his old friend Stevie Ray Vaughn. After 13 years with Texas Rock, David pursued a solo career playing the Blues.

David’s music was infused with the essence of his Native heritage, blending traditional elements with the soulful sounds of the Blues. In the mid-1980s, he showcased this unique integration at the American Indian Days at the Texas State Fair, where he performed while his family danced. The Brownhawk Band, which he formed, debuted at the Texas State Fair in 1990, followed by the release of the “Get Down by the Creek” album in 1992, produced in collaboration with Jordan Productions. As a devoted mentor, he shared his expertise as a guitar instructor, inspiring the next generation of musicians.

In 2002, David and his beloved Pamela Reneau relocated to Lodi, California, where he became an integral part of the local music scene, jamming with groups such as No Border Blues and Double D, and establishing new friendships that enriched his life.

David Brown passed away on November 12, 2022, of complications during surgery and will be remembered as more than just a performer. He was a soulful musician with a magnetic personality and an unforgettable stage presence. His relentless optimism, creativity, and healing nature left a profound impact on everyone he encountered. As we celebrate his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, we honor his legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate within the Blues community.

David Brown Highlights YouTube Playlist full

Jesse is a second generation performer on both sides.  His father – Rolf Cahn – was a guitar teacher and performer; he was a pioneer in the early Folk scene of the late 1950s and early 60s.  He recorded with Folkways Records (Smithsonian), and in 1963 he opened the Cabale in Berkeley, modeled more or less after the famous Club 47 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  It hosted many of the artists on the Coffee House Circuit at that time, including many of the Old Blues Greats, as well as the Old Timey, Bluegrass, and Folk luminaries of that era.  Rolf went on to be a pretty formidable  songwriter in his later years.  He passed away in 1994 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Jesse’s mother was also involved – early on – in the Folk scene, and went on to sign with Capital Records in the late 1950s. She made some amazing recordings in that era on several labels including her own – Paredon Records (Smithsonian).  Her name is Barbara Dane, and she passed away October 20, 2024.  Before she passed she published her memoirs.  There is also a feature film out about her: ‘The Nine Lives of Barbara Dane’.  (It can be seen on the Film Festival circuit in the U.S., and in general distribution in Canada.)                   

She recorded CDs right up until recently and they are available on her webpage.  She opened a venue – Sugar Hill – in North Beach, San Francisco in 1961, which hosted many of the Blues and Jazz greats of the early 1960s including T-Bone Walker, Victoria Spivey, Mama Yancey, Big Mama Thornton, Brownie & Sonny, Lonnie Johnson, and so on.  It was an amazing era for American Music.   Jesse has many memories from this time period with T-Bone Walker, Brownie McGhee, Lonnie Johnson, Jesse Fuller, Mance Lipscomb, KC Douglas, Big Mama Thornton, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and more, that he Loves to share with true Blues fans who appreciate the history and tradition of The Blues.

He started as a guitar player with his emphasis on Blues around 1962 and then – in 1965, (he was still ‘Nicky’ Cahn until 1978), on the urging of the Chambers Brothers, (who needed a drummer at the time) switched to Drums for a couple of years.  He played drums on their first album, ‘People Get Ready for The Fabulous Chambers Brothers’  recorded live at the Ash Grove in L.A. and The Unicorn in Boston, and released on the Vault record label.  He also did a couple of recording sessions with Al Kooper in 1966.  Then back to guitar and the SF and NYC R&R scenes for the rest of the 60s.  (He notably co-led the S.F. Rock band ‘Tongue & Groove’ in 1967.)  Jesse settled back in Oakland in 1969, co-leading a Rock band – XTC (not the famous one), and then, around 1971 a ‘Country Rock’ band – ‘Tanglewood’, up to around 1973.  Right about then he laid out for a couple of years, somewhat exhausted.

Jesse got back into Music full time around 1975 and moved to Santa Cruz in 1977.  In 1978 he started ‘Jesse Chisholm & the Goodnight-Loving Band’, (Taking the stage name ‘Jesse Chisholm’), which was his focus for the next 15 years.  That experience culminated in some awards – and most significantly – the release of ‘Lady Come Lately’ – a ‘Radio Hit’ which was released in 1987 and added to over 250 stations’ play lists all across the country.  He was named ‘New Artist of The Week’ on several of them – extending all the way to the East Coast.

In 1993 Jesse took a pause from Music once again, until 1995, when he came back with an emphasis on Gospel, Trad Country, and Blues.   He Fully committed to Blues around 1999 after moving to Oklahoma in 1997.  (The Computer Hardrive company he worked for at the time – as a Senior Support Technician – paid for his move out to Oklahoma from California.)

In 1999 he met and became very close friends and associates with Dorothy ‘Miss Blues’ Ellis and went on to be her Lead Guitar player and Band Leader for the next few years.  During that time they played many festivals, and club dates, and guested on live radio locally – as well as actively teaching Blues in the Schools around Oklahoma and Texas. 

In 2002 they made a trip to The Delta, in Jesse’s 1994 Lincoln Town Car dubbed ‘The Blues Mobile’ (BLUZMBL).  Their trip included visits to Clarksdale, Jackson, and Oxford Mississippi.  They were able to play many venues and meet lots of interesting characters along the way.   She was Jesse’s dear friend, and mentor right up until her passing. 

Presently Jesse teaches privately – everything in the band except Piano, and Horns.  Vocal coaching and Stage Craft are big favorites of his, as well as Song Writing, and anything associated with it.

He has been hosting Jesse Cahn’s Open Mic at JJ’s Alley in Bricktown for 15 years – it happens two times a week: Saturday night 6:30-9:30 downstairs, and Sunday afternoon 3:00-7:00pm upstairs.  All players are welcome.  His goal is to try and create as much of a true ‘performance’ vibe as possible on Saturday, and then a more laid back, kitchen, backporch feel on Sunday. 

Jesse enjoys Fishing, Golf, and Archery as well as many musical adventures.  He lives on a little 10 acre place out East of OKC with his wife, Jane, and their dog Bonnie.

Matt Kohl was nominated by OBHOF members David Berntson, Scott Ellison & Bob Wallace. He has over 50 years experience as a Blues bass player and is a founding member of Steve Pryor & the Mighty Kingsnakes (1980’s). He toured on the road with Buddy Miles, played bass with Junior Markham & the Jukes (1980’s 2000’s), and played bass and recorded with Scott Ellison

His Discography includes:

• Glenn R. Townsend – Can’t Live Without Your Love – 1986
• Steve Pryor & the Mighty Kingsnakes – El Nino Chicken Dog – 1998
• Scott Ellison & Jr. Lemley – Change of Heart – 2006
• Liz Mandeville – The Stars Motel – 2016
• Junior Markham – That’s What I Like About You

Matt’s rock solid blues bass playing has provided the pulse for countless blue shows locally and around the country. He is a true bluesman and has been a mighty force on the Oklahoma blues scene for decades. Due to Matt’s failing health, we feel time is of the essence to celebrate Matt’s contribution to Oklahoma blues.

“What can I say about Steve? Well… Steve was a class act. and a damn fine musician. io used to say that if it was a popular song then he probably knew how to play it. I remember going to watch him play with Anita at Juniors even before I really got to know him. Then when he came to lead our band for the Blues Society – that’s when we really took off. It’s a formula that works. and it’s not really a secret so I’ll share it here.

All you need to do is take 1 venue with ample parking and amenities + the best band in town = successful recurring event. And that’s what we had for a while was the best band in town, and we regularly would pack out Friends every month. The reason we had the best band was because of Steve Coleman. He was an excellent musician but also a great band leader. He knew who to call and he knew how to keep them together on stage and from gig to gig over an extended period of time.

And the man knew a lot about music in general and he taught me a lot about how to be a working musician. Steve was a good man, and a good friend. Our blues society band came into my studio one time and we recorded a few songs. When Steve died, I put those songs on my SoundCloud and they stayed at the top of my popular tracks for several months after that. especially their version of Rolling and Tumbling. I think about Steve a lot. and he is greatly missed.”

Biography written by Matt Kemp

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Steve Coleman was an original member of the Historic Oklahoma Funk and Soul band, Uptown Syndicate. Formed on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, in the early 70’s.

Bill Morgan is the youngest of 5 children of the last house call doctor in Oklahoma. He has played bass professionally since the age of 14 and has played every kind of music in those years, having spent time with country, bluegrass, rock and blues artists, notably inductee Shy Willie Mabry.

Bob “Bobby Greenshoes” Parker was nominated by OBHOF members David Berntson, Scott Ellison & Bob Wallace. Here is a short summary of his career of over 60 years experience as a blues guitarist, singer, composer, and recording artist:

• Played guitar and sang with the Notions 1989-1997
• Solo blues shows 1991-1997
• El Bob & X-Wray featuring Mike Bruce 1991-1994
• Played guitar and sang with the Oscillators 1998-1999
• Played guitar and sang with Jr. Markham and the Jukes 2000-2005
• Played guitar and sings in a duo, the Duo-Sonics, with David Berntson, 2000-present
• Played guitar and sings with the Retro Rockets, 2021-present
• Blues educator with David Berntson, serving thousands of students in Oklahoma and across the country since 2005
• Provides music education classes in conjunction with the Bob Dylan Center to Tulsa area schools 2023-present

Hi lengthy discography includes:

• Bob Childers – I Ain’t No Jukebox – 1979
• The Notions – Nobody Knows – 1994
• The Notions – 45rpm – Oooh Baby/Santa Boogie
• Mike Bruce – unreleased CD – Dixie
• Duo-Sonics – Tavern Tan – 2006
• Bobby “Greenshoes” Parker – Keep Cool Little Baby – 2010
• Phil Seymour – Phil Seymour – 2011
• Duo-Sonics – N URTOWN – 2015
• Bobby “Greenshoes” Parker – (Just Can’t) Tell Her No – 2023

Bob Parker’s love of the blues, playing, writing, teaching and his relationships with countless blues players makes him a true Oklahoma blues treasure. Greenshoes is a Tulsa native, steeped in the Oklahoma blues tradition, and still performing regularly well into his 70’s. We feel it is time for Bob Parker to be recognized for his contributions to Oklahoma blues.

Leonard Bo Walker born the 12th child of Hosea Walker, Sr and Veltee Walker in McAlister, Oklahoma. Affectionately called “Lil Bo Walker” by all, grew up in a musical family 1950. Bo Walker started learning guitar at the early age of 5 by his father Hosea Walker Sr and older Brother’s Sir James Walker, Sr And Roy Walker, Sr.

Like most of the Walker children Bo played in the school bands from Junior High through High School. While in high school Bo Walker also, played in a Band with his older brother’s and sister called the Moroccos a band that played community festivals and High School Dances. After High School Bo moved to Kansas City, MO and played in another band with his older siblings on the local Blues Scene.

After leaving Kansas City, MO Bo moved to Oklahoma City, Ok and began to play with well known bands that were opening acts for Queen of the Blues Koko Taylor, Johnnie Taylor and Bobby Blue Bland to name a few. For over 50 years Bo Walker has been a reliable sideman for Blues Artist & Bands working throughout Oklahoma, Texas, Hawaii, Kansas and Arkansas. But mostly representing his home state of Oklahoma.

Jasper Walker born the 13th child of Hosea Walker, Sr and Veltee Walker in McAlister, Oklahoma. Grew up in a musical family in 1952. Jasper Walker started learning play guitar and bass guitar at the early age of 5 by his father Hosea Walker Sr and older Brother’s Blues Hall of Famer Sir James Walker, Sr And Roy Walker, Sr.

Like most of the Walker children Jasper played in the school bands from Junior High through High School. While in high school Jasper Walker also, played in a Band with his older brother’s and sister called the Moroccos a band that played community festivals and High School Dances.

After High School Jasper moved to Oklahoma City, Ok and played in several bands on the local Blues Scene. Bands that were opening acts for Artist such as Johnnie Taylor and Bobby Blue Bland to name a few. For over 50 years Jasper has been a reliable sideman for Blues Artist & Bands working throughout Oklahoma, Texas, Hawaii and Kansas. But mostly representing his home state of Oklahoma.

“I began piano when I was about 15 years old, after I attended a Ray Charles concert and was mesmerized completely.  During the years in Tulsa, I played with many great musicians.  In 1963, I had a mixed-role group when a national recession was running rampant.  Later, I played at Dono’s Club for a year.  The group at that time included later-Grammy winner Gordon Shyrock, Ricky Calhoun, another Tulsan who gained fame, and me, with Gus Hardin singing.  I’ve been with a number of groups over the years, including recording with Little Joe McLerran and working with Pete and Jennifer Marriott.      

“Since working with and learning some jazz secrets from late Sapulpa music legend Ted Moses, I’ve been focused on jazz, and that’s almost certainly the contributing factor that got me involved in the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame (Ted was no stranger to the Jazz Hall, himself, by the way).          

“Other members of the core group of musicians who work with me at the Jazz Hall weekly jam include Doug McDuffie, bass; Jerry Smoot, tenor; Stephen Cosper, guitar; Mike Patterson, conga; Pam Van Dyke Crosby, vocals; and Richard Hoe, drums.  A number of prominent local talents sit in, including Spike Gore, Kevin Flint, Richard Jones, Mike Leland, Tony Yohe, James Bradley, David Brennan and many more—any one is welcome to play.  The Jazz Jam equals community!  The wonderful loyal jazz fans deserve a lot of credit for their support, loyalty and friendship.   And the staff at Baxter’s Interurban (the Jam’s long-term temporary home)—they’re the best. 

“The Tuesday jam started in 2010, the year the Jazz Hall officially opened, when Chuck Cissel, the Hall’s first director, emceed and sometimes sang.  Tulsa music legends like Mike Leland, Bill Crosby, Bill’s wife, premier songstress Pam Van Dyke Crosby, Spike Gore and many more got things going, and were staples through the beginnings of the COVID epidemic.          

“The jam was designed to accommodate all, from street people to the affluent, and regardless of the level of musicianship.  The resulting diversity brings influences from jazz, blues, R&B, funk, gospel, rock, rap and even country music.  That diversity helps music breathe and stay alive.  I feel that the weekly jam is a great way to bring the diverse people of a community together.   

“The weekly jam at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, aka The Jazz Depot or Jazz Hall, had been a Tulsa Tuesday staple for years by the time I started sitting-in around 2014.  The jam was then from 6 PM to 10 PM, with the first two hours, more or less devoted to jazz, and the last two hours to the blues.  The jammers ranged from age 13 to age ninety-nine.          

“Interestingly, the jam has had very few misses, maybe over 15 years only three or four times.   Mostly, the jam is going to happen whether it’s Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or whatever holiday happens to hit on a Tuesday.  The misses have mostly been during the Jazz Hall’s closing for renovations, when at times temporary locations have had events or don’t have employees working.   Luckily, this has only happened a few times during the roughly two-and-a-half years since the jam has been held at Baxter’s Interurban Restaurant in downtown Tulsa.         

“When COVID struck, things changed.  For one thing, people were, for obvious reasons, not congregating as much from 2019-2022 as they did before the virus.  Indeed, things changed dramatically in terms of gathering together everywhere.  Faced with this situation, Jason McIntosh, the then-director, had four or five musicians perform for two hours or so on Tuesdays.  Instead of a live audience.   He broadcasted the performance each week on the Jazz Hall’s FM radio station, and on Facebook.   It worked.  It was during this time that I began to have a regular role at the keyboardist-in-residence at the Hall.  Other regulars then included Bill Crosby, another bassist from Fort Worth who temporarily lived in Tulsa.”