Oklahoma State Balladeer

Les Gilliam

"Oklahoma Balladeer"

Adopted on April 30, 1998.

Les Gilliam is the official "Oklahoma Balladeer", so designated by the Oklahoma State Legislature on April 30, 1998.

He is a native of Gene Autry, Oklahoma and is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist. Les has been voted one of the top five male performers in western music by the Western Music Association. He is currently based in Ponca City, Oklahoma and entertains both as a solo act and with his band, The Silverlake Band. He is a former member of the Big D Jamboree in Dallas. Les has recorded six albums as well as two videos. He is a member of the Oklahoma Arts Council Touring Program as well as the Heartland Arts Alliance based in Kansas City.

Some of his recent noteworthy performances include the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri; The International Country Music Festival in Vienna, Austria; The Gene Autry Film and Music Festival in Gene Autry, OK; Rex Allen Days in Wilcox, AZ; Prairieville Farm Days in Michigan; The Bakersfield Opry in California; Western Music Festival in Tucson, AZ; The Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City; The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee, OK; and many others. He has entertained with some of the top names in Western Music including Riders in the Sky, Rex Allen, Jr., Roy Rogers, Jr, Johnny Western, Don Edwards, Red Steagall and the Sons of the Pioneers. He has been featured with many top Country Music Acts including Johnny Cash, Bill Anderson, Hank Thompson, Sonny James, Cal Smith, Billy Parker, Jack Green, Jan Howard, Jett Williams, and others.

Les' concerts of country and/or cowboy music include fascinating stories about the songs and the artists who performed them. His country dances feature the tops in Western Swing Music and fun activities for the audience. He always includes original songs and humorous material, adding a touch of nostalgia and good ole fashion patriotism.

LES GILLIAM
Eagle Enterprises
P.O. Box 350
Ponca City, OK 74602
(580) 762-4837
(580) 762-0965 (fax)
lesgill@poncacity.net
House Concurrent Resolution No. 1091
A Concurrent Resolution designating Les Gilliam
to be The Oklahoma Balladeer;
and directing distribution.
WHEREAS, in the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "Music is the universal language of mankind"; and
WHEREAS, well-known country and western entertainer, songwriter and recording artist Les Gilliam, who is a native of Gene Autry, Oklahoma, speaks that language most eloquently; and
WHEREAS, Les Gilliam's presentation of music combined with enthralling stories about the music and recording artists provide a unique entertainment experience; and
WHEREAS, Les Gilliam's many appearances at events such as the International Country Music Festival in Vienna, Austria, and many events throughout the United States have been thoroughly enjoyed by his audiences who are left with lasting memories of quality entertainment; and
WHEREAS, Les Gilliam's music provides a pathway for his audiences to experience the richness of country and western music; and
WHEREAS, Les Gilliam, through his work with the Oklahoma Arts Council Touring Program, the Western Music Association and the International Western Swing Association, has extended a positive image for country and western music and for this state; and
WHEREAS, Les Gilliam has been a prominent goodwill ambassador for the State of Oklahoma and deserves official recognition of his services to this state.
Now, Therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 2nd Session of the 46th Oklahoma Legislature, the Senate concurring therein:
THAT Les Gilliam is hereby designated The Oklahoma Balladeer, to commemorate his many accomplishments and to give evidence of the high esteem held for Les Gilliam in this state.
THAT a copy of this resolution be dispatched to Mr. Les Gilliam.

Adopted by the House of Representatives the 29th day of April, 1998.
Adopted by the Senate the 29th day of April, 1998.
Filed with the Secretary of State April 30, 1998