Grammy Museum Curator Kelsey Goelz, Woody Guthrie Center Executive Director Deana McCloud and country music legend Wanda Jackson invite you to explore “Stronger Together: The Power of Women in Country Music” exhibit through April 4, 2022 at the Woody Guthrie Center, 102 E. Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The exhibit will feature artifacts from such celebrated country artists as Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, Yola, Little Big Town, Brandi Carlile, Maybelle and Sara Carter, Rosanne Cash, Caylee Hammack, Patsy Montana, Maren Morris, Minnie Pearl, Margo Price and more!
Photos courtesy of Tim Bonea, photographer.
The Woody Guthrie Center has been a prized addition to Tulsa’s cultural arts scene since its very inception. The center has provided Oklahoma citizens with invaluable information about one of the state’s most extraordinary sons; though he passed at the early age of 55, his creative life was astoundingly prolific, and the center, now in its seventh year, honors Guthrie’s life by teaching visitors about his relevance today – as well as bringing attention to those who also embody his talent and his message of equality and justice. One such notable example is the current exhibition “Stronger Together: The Power of Women in Country Music.”
“This GRAMMY Museum exhibit celebrates the contributions that women have made since Country music became its own genre,” states Deana McCloud, Executive Director of the Woody Guthrie Center. “From the Carter Family to Kitty Wells, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline and Emmylou Harris, women have always been a part of country music. These legendary acts eventually made way for performers such as Alison Krauss, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Faith Hill and contemporary artists such as Maren Morris, Yola and Brandi Carlile; female artists continue to play an important role.”
(L-R) Taylor Swift’s dress worn in Tim McGraw’s music video and her banjo played in her 2010 music video “Mean.” Faith Hill’s 2017 Soul2Soul Tour dress and 2002 Grammy award. Miranda Lambert’s dress worn during “Mama’s Broken Heart” 2010 music video.
There will be many effects to view and appreciate throughout this exhibition and will be displayed with full Woody Guthrie Center style and aplomb.
“I think seeing the local additions are quite a treat,” declares McCloud. “We have Wanda Jackson items as well as items from Tulsa native Gus Hardin, and poster frames made from the original floorboards of the Cain’s Ballroom. And who doesn’t want to see Dolly’s dresses and beautiful banjo with butterflies inlaid on the neck?”
(L-R) Dresses worn by Kacey Musgraves, Marin Morris, Margo Price and Brandi Carlile.
Oklahoma continues to rank in the top 3 states for country music. Large country music festivals, small town Oprys and an ever-growing Red Dirt alternative-country scene keep Oklahoma high upon this list. It’s cultivated its own history and heroes who have helped shape every genre of music.
Loretta Lynn, who became a bride at age 13, grew up to become one of America’s most iconic singer-songwriters of our time - a career spanning over 60 years.
“Oklahoma music has been and continues to be the most unique blend of styles for any regional music,” says McCloud. “Our location in the middle of the country enables artists to absorb influences from all coasts as well as our Native American culture. I definitely have personal favorites, but I can’t pick a favorite child (artist) on the record!”
“Stronger Together: The Power of Women in Country Music” exhibition will run until April 4, 2022. The Woody Guthrie Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 general admission, with discounts for seniors and military. Students 17 and under and teachers always tour for free.
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