A Swingin' Tragedy Starring Spade Cooley

Okie migrant Spade Cooley (1910-1969) rose from street corner fiddle player to become the "King of Western Swing." His bands packed the Los Angeles ballrooms during World War II where his music and down-home manner attracted service members, defense workers, and locals. The charismatic Cooley appeared in more than 50 movies, made dozens of recordings, and hosted popular Los Angeles radio and televisions shows. In 1961, Cooley beat his wife Ella Mae to death. Cooley was sentenced to life in prison. In 1969, he received a prison furlough to play a benefit concert. During intermission, after a standing ovation, he suffered a heart attack and died.