The Soul Of Music Culture

Our History

The Historic Big 10 Ballroom, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a significant cultural and musical hub, particularly during the mid-20th century. Established in 1948, it quickly became a cornerstone of the African American community and a prominent venue on the Chitlin' Circuit, which comprised a network of performance spaces that were safe for Black entertainers during segregation. The ballroom hosted legendary artists such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner, and James Brown, contributing to its reputation as a vibrant center for jazz, blues, and R&B music. Beyond entertainment, the Big 10 Ballroom served as a community gathering place, fostering social connections and cultural expression. Despite its decline and eventual closure in the late 1960s, efforts have been made in recent years to restore and preserve the venue's legacy, recognizing its historical significance and impact on both local culture and the broader narrative of American music history.

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Timeline of Excellence

40's

Count Basie

Ella Fitzgerald

Lionel Hampton

  • Count Basie
    Count Basie was a pioneering jazz bandleader and pianist whose swing band defined the era. His performances brought the excitement and sophistication of Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom direct to Tulsa, inspiring local musicians and dancers.
  • Ella Fitzgerald
    Ella Fitzgerald, already famous for her pure tone and impeccable phrasing, brought star power to the Big 10 Ballroom. At the Big 10 Ballroom, she would have wowed audiences with classics like “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” and "Sophisticated Lady". Her stops at venues like the Big 10 were part of an essential touring network for Black artists in segregated America, building her fanbase and community connections.
  • Lionel Hampton
    A virtuoso vibraphonist and energetic bandleader, Hampton’s shows were famous for their showmanship. Hampton’s performances at the Big10 Ballroom were electrifying, combining jazz with early rhythm and blues.

50's

Ray Charles

Fats Domino

Etta James

  • Ray Charles
    By the 1950s, Ray Charles was fusing gospel, blues, and jazz into what would become soul music. His Big 10 shows introduced Tulsa audiences to a new, deeply emotional sound. As a blind Black musician, Ray’s success and presence on the Big 10 stage inspired many, showing what was possible despite adversity.
  • Fats Domino
    With his rolling piano style and warm vocals, Fats Domino’s shows were joyful affairs that had everyone dancing. Domino’s music bridged the gap between R&B and rock ‘n’ roll, and his popularity drew diverse crowds to the Big 10.
  • Etta James
    Etta James brought a raw, passionate energy to her performances, thrilling audiences with hits like “The Wallflower” and “Good Rockin’ Daddy.” Her style blended R&B, blues, and early rock and roll, appealing to a wide cross-section of Tulsa music fans.

60's

Ike & Tina Turner

James Brown

Bobby "Blue" Bland

  • Ike & Tina Turner
    Ike & Tina Turner’s shows were famous for their high-octane energy, raw emotion, and electrifying stage presence—hallmarks that made their Big 10 concerts legendary. Audiences witnessed Tina Turner’s powerful voice, dynamic dance moves, and magnetic charisma—qualities that would soon make her a global superstar.
  • James Brown
    "The God-Father Of Soul" James Brown’s appearance at the Big 10 Ballroom was a seismic event, as he was revolutionizing American music with his kinetic performances and innovative sound.
  • Bobby "Blue" Bland
    Bobby "Blue" Bland bridged blues and soul, offering Tulsa audiences a sophisticated, urban sound that resonated with a wide range of listeners. Bland’s smooth, expressive vocals and emotionally charged delivery made his performances at the Big 10 deeply memorable.

00's

The Historic Big 10 Ballroom:
A Journey from Restoration to Revival (2007–2015)

  • Once the stage for legends like Ray Charles, The Temptations, Ike & Tina Turner, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie, the Big 10 Ballroom had gone silent for decades, its doors closed and its legacy nearly forgotten. But under Dr. Shaw’s leadership & vision, The Big 10 Ballroom restoration to its former glory, became a long-term community effort.
  • In 2007, The Big 10 Ballroom was purchased by Dr. Lester Shaw, Executive Director of A Pocket Full of Hope, Inc.
  • From 2007–2015 restoration began making Structural evaluations and early cleanup efforts, fueled by volunteers, private donations, and grassroots support.

Present Day

The Historic Big 10 Ballroom:
A Journey from Restoration to Revival (2015–Present)

  • From 2015- 2019 The Big 10 Ballroom’s original architecture and floor plan were preserved while modernizing key systems to meet city code.
  • From 2020–2021 with the Pandemic placing a pause on renovation and in-person events, Dr. Shaw and his team used the time to pursue grants, update long-term plans, and refine the vision for a cultural renaissance.
  • 2022–2024 was the rebirth of The Big 10 Ballroom as Renovation milestones were reached, and the Ballroom began hosting special events again
  • The Big 10 Ballroom has become a teaching tool for the youth involved in A Pocket Full of Hope, offering real-world experience in music, media, leadership, and event planning offering educational programming including historical reenactments, music showcases, and arts-centered mentoring. 

 

The Walk Of Fame

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