Created by the State Historical Society of Missouri-Springfield Research Center, the "Broadcasting the Ozarks: A History of RadiOzark Enterprises" exhibit showcases the history of Springfield's RadiOzark Enterprises, the company behind nationally-known syndicated radio programs such as The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show, The Red Foley Show, and Shorty Thompson's Saddle Rockin' Rhythm.
Learn about Springfield's legacy as the "Crossroads of Country Music" and listen to audio clips from the RadiOzark Record Collection housed at the State Historical Society of Missouri's Springfield Research Center. The exhibition is made possible by the Melinda J. McDaniel Charitable Trust, UW, Bank of America, N. A., Trustee.
Right-click on links to open them in a new tab.
Manuscript Collection - https://files.shsmo.org/manuscripts/springfield/SP0071.pdf
KWTO Collection - https://files.shsmo.org/manuscripts/rolla/R0834.pdf
Lester Cox Papers - https://files.shsmo.org/manuscripts/columbia/C3596.pdf
Missouri Times Article, page 14
https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.shsmo.org/publications/missouritimes/2023winter.pdf
Radio interview by Haley on 92.3.
https://923kick.com/assets/podcaster/2171/2023_08_09_2171_140263_.mp3
KWTO, PBS documentary - https://www.ninepbs.org/blogs/history/kwto-legendary-live-country-radio/
Reference Materials
Ozark Jubilee: a living legacy (OPT documentary; not available online)
Remembering the Ozark Jubilee by Reta Spears-Stewart (available through Amazon, or local libraries)
Broadcasting the Ozarks: Si Siman and Country Music at the Crossroads by Kitty Ledbetter and Scott Foster Siman (upcoming publication)