This page highlights music stories from across Arkansas beyond the Ozarks.
Charlie Rich, John Denver and the Complicated Burning Myth
Charlie Rich was the underdog. The guy who became a superstar and sex symbol at the ungodly age of 40. Then, on Oct. 13, 1975, and just shy of his 43rd birthday, he nearly threw it all away. Summoned by the Country Music Association to announce the Entertainer of the Year for its annual awards…
Leon McAuliffe: The Return of a Steel Guitar King
Note: This is the first of a four-part series. Undated publicity photo of Leon McAuliffe. When Leon McAuliffe settled in Arkansas, it appeared as if his glory days were behind him. The old-timers remembered him best. Before Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys went to Hollywood in the 1940s, they played Northwest Arkansas frequently in…
Leon McAuliffe: The Return of a Steel Guitar King (Part II)
< Leon McAuliffe: The Return of a Steel Guitar King (Part I) ‘SWEETEST MUSIC THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN’ Leon loved the big bands and pop music. Performing in a country and western band provided a good living, but he was ready to branch out to other genres. His experience with Wills while in the Navy…
echoesoftheozarks.com 