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  • Oral History

Johnny Hicks

March 3, 1995 OHC358 116 min.
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Biography


Radio announcer. Born May 19, 1918. Announcer and master of ceremonies for Dallas radio station KRLD’s Big D Jamboree during the 1950s.

Interview Summary

1995 March 3
(1 hour, 56 minutes)
Radio announcer Johnny Hicks recalls his career in Texas during the 1940s and 1950s. Discussion includes his family background; his early experiences in radio, including work with Pappy O’Daniel; impact of the 1940s musicians’ strike on radio; the popularity of border stations during the 1940s; his association with Lyndon B. Johnson; memories of the radio show Cornbread Matinee, including the on-air wedding of Hank Thompson; his work as a freelance announcer; memories from the radio show Hillbilly Hit Parade; early record promoters and promotion techniques; experiences from his work as host of the Big D Jamboree; his band, the Country Gentlemen; working for Howard Hughes; memories of country performers, including Bob Wills, Billy Walker, Hank Snow, and Elvis Presley; changes at the Big D Jamboree with the advent of rock & roll; and a summary of his career after leaving radio in 1959.