Twentieth-Century Honky-Tonk: The Amazing Unauthorized Story of the Cain's Ballroom's First 75 Years

by John Wooley, Brett Bingham

It was supposed to be a car dealership. Instead, it became one of the most famous American music venues of all time...

Only one place in the whole world can claim to be both the Carnegie Hall of western swing and the penultimate stop on the Sex Pistols’ infamous American tour. Now, for the first time ever, all the secrets of the hottest honky-tonk of the 20th Century—Cain’s Ballroom—are revealed, in the words of the people who made it happen.

Spanning the famed venue’s first 75 years, from 1924 through 1999, Twentieth-Century Honky-Tonk tells it all, from Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys—who became a national sensation with their clear-channel ballroom broadcasts—to U2, the Police, and Van Halen—as Cain's became an essential stop for breakout acts and cosmic cowboys. The book also covers cutting-edge alt-rock acts, metal bands, and off-the-wall attractions like ladies’ mud wrestling (which worked) and Pig Time Racing (which didn’t).

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2020

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love music, particularly country/Western swing and music history, you’ll love the stories in this book. It’s not the most well written book you’ll find, but you’ll no doubt find entertaining stories about a historic music venue, a piece of Tulsa history, plus stories of famous and unknown musicians. I hope someone will write an update on the years not covered.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Tulsan, music lover, and Cain’s fan, this book was a must read once I heard about it. I’ve been to over 60 shows there over the years, and I’ve always wondered about the details of the Cain’s history. About half the book deals with Bob and Johnnie Lee Wells and their reign over western swing and the Cain’s. The second half deals with the years—specifically the ownership of Larry Schaefer—after the Wills brothers and the Texas Playboys moved on. Though not always an easy ride for the owners through the years, the Cain’s has flourished in spite of the challenges. And it solidified my belief that the Cain’s is one of the most magical venues in the world. The description of and interviews with artists and former employees—some passed away now—shows the respect and reverence with which they viewed the place. It’s the same feeling I have as a fan every time I walk in the building. Greatness. Tradition. Magic. Every time.

[Monte Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, OK, has been around for about 100 years and has had quite a history of its own. It is primarily known for being where Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys played for many years and became famous. However, it has also had many rock concerts in addition to many country and western acts throughout its lifetime. It's a fun read.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed learning more of the history of Cain’s. It makes more sense why folks call it “the Cain’s” rather than just Cain’s.

This is not the best written book I have ever read, but it was enjoyable. At times it’s a little repetitive.

[Randy Krehbiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Wish it was longer.

[Lisa Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tulsa lover? Music lover? History and nitty gritty local color lover? Yes.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read...tulsa music stories about a concert you most likely attended.

[Jeff Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story itself is great. Lots of good information and I liked it. Buy the book rather than the audiobook. Current version of the audiobook uses Virtual Voice and is not great.