Four to be inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

The newest inductees were announced Monday at a news conference at the Tulsa Press Club.

The four will perform at the 14th annual Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.

Harris, Oldaker, Shepard and Gilliam will join other music performers and artists who have been recognized by the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame since 1997, including Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Merle Haggard, Wanda Jackson, Hank Thompson, The All American Rejects and Carrie Underwood.

"All four of this year's inductees are worthy recipients of this honor," said Holly Rosser-Miller," the hall's board president. "Each has contributed different types of notoriety and musical talent to the rich heritage of Oklahoma musicians."

Harris, a Cushing native who grew up in Sand Springs, has spent more than two decades in the public eye with a career including singing, acting, writing, producing and directing. He became a household name during the premiere season of TV's "Star Search" when 25 million viewers tuned in week after week to follow him.

In an oversized tailcoat and Converse sneakers, Harris sang an emotionally charged version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow," winning the grand prize. Harris has recorded nine studio albums that have sold in the millions.

Tulsa native Oldaker began playing the drums at age 9 after hearing a recording by jazz great Gene Krupa. In 1971, Oldaker joined Bob Seger's band and worked with him through 1974 when he joined Eric Clapton's band during the "461 Ocean Boulevard" sessions. He remained with Clapton's band through 1980 and joined for a second stint from 1983 to 1986.