Biography
Jack Dunham served as lead singer and primary songwriter for the Upsetters, a band whose name derived from Little Richard’s ensemble, and his efforts helped establish the bedrock of what came to be called the “Tulsa sound.” His compositions blended the high-energy drive of rockabilly with rock & roll and blues, later attracting covers from Conway Twitty while shaping the work of roots-minded musicians such as Ry Cooder, David Lindley and J.J. Cale.
Although born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dunham moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of one. From his earliest recollection he sang along with whatever played on the radio, and while attending Oklahoma State University he assembled the Upsetters, whose lineup featured Leo Feathers on guitar, Jimmy Williams on saxophone, Ron Ryle on electric bass, Russell “Leon” Bridges on piano and Chuck Blackwell on drums. After transferring the next year to the University of Tulsa he remained the group’s frontman, yet in 1960 he relocated to southern California. Among the earliest Tulsa musicians to make the same westward journey, he secured a contract with Imperial Records under the name Jackie Durham. Two singles appeared, but neither achieved notable sales. Shifting focus to songwriting, he took positions at Gene Autry’s 4 Star Music Publishing Company, Central Songs, Tree International Music Publishing, “Twitty Bird” Music and Checkmate.
Although born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dunham moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of one. From his earliest recollection he sang along with whatever played on the radio, and while attending Oklahoma State University he assembled the Upsetters, whose lineup featured Leo Feathers on guitar, Jimmy Williams on saxophone, Ron Ryle on electric bass, Russell “Leon” Bridges on piano and Chuck Blackwell on drums. After transferring the next year to the University of Tulsa he remained the group’s frontman, yet in 1960 he relocated to southern California. Among the earliest Tulsa musicians to make the same westward journey, he secured a contract with Imperial Records under the name Jackie Durham. Two singles appeared, but neither achieved notable sales. Shifting focus to songwriting, he took positions at Gene Autry’s 4 Star Music Publishing Company, Central Songs, Tree International Music Publishing, “Twitty Bird” Music and Checkmate.
Albums
