Artist Info
Biography
Lead vocalist and chief songwriter of the Upsetters, which took its named from Little Richard's band, Jack Dunham helped to lay the foundation of, what became known as, the "Tulsa sound". An energetic mix of rockabilly, rock & roll and blues, Dunham's songs were covered by country singer Conway Twitty and influenced such roots-oriented artists as Ry Cooder, David Lindley and J.J. Cale.Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dunham grew up, from the age of one, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Singing along with the radio since earliest memory, he formed the Upsetters, featuring Leo Feathers on guitar, Jimmy Williams on saxophone, Ron Ryle on electric bass, Russell "Leon" Bridges on piano and Chuck Blackwell on drums,as a student at Oklahoma State University. Although he continued to front the group, after transferring to the University of Tulsa the following year, he left for southern California in 1960. One of the first of several Tulsa musicians who followed him to Los Angeles, Durham signed with Imperial as Jackie Durham. Although he released two singles, neither proved a commercial breakthrough. Turning his attention to songwriting, he worked for Gene Autry's 4 Star Music Publishing Company, Central Songs, Tree International Music Publishing, "Twitty Bird" Music and Checkmate. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide
