Spade Cooley

Spade Cooley

Deceased · Born: Dec 17, 1910 · Died: Nov 23, 1969

Personal Details

BornDec 17, 1910 Grand, Oklahoma, USA

Biography

The life story of the individual in question is a fascinating tale of triumph, perseverance, and dedication.

Spade Cooley, a multifaceted artistic genius, showcased his remarkable versatility as a masterful violinist and cellist, possessing a profound understanding of the intricacies of both instruments. His vocal abilities as a singer were equally impressive, and he demonstrated a natural aptitude for acting, effortlessly conveying emotions and bringing characters to life on screen.

As a composer and songwriter, Cooley's creative genius knew no bounds, as he crafted melodies and lyrics that captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the music industry. His exceptional skills as a conductor allowed him to expertly lead orchestras, while his talent for arrangement enabled him to reimagine and reinterpret musical pieces in innovative and captivating ways.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Cooley was also an inventor, constantly seeking to push the boundaries of technology and explore new frontiers. His inventive spirit and innovative thinking helped to popularize western swing music, a genre that has endured for generations and continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Through his work in film, recordings, radio, and television, Cooley brought western swing music to the masses, sharing his passion and creativity with the world. His dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on the music industry, ensuring that his legacy would endure for years to come.

As a testament to his enduring impact, Spade Cooley remains a beloved and respected figure in the world of music, his contributions to the genre of western swing serving as a lasting tribute to his remarkable talent and innovative spirit.

Cooley's life story began in the picturesque state of Oregon, where he was first introduced to the world of classical music through his studies of the violin and cello at a remarkably young age. By the time he had reached the tender age of eight, he was already showcasing his remarkable talent by performing at local community dances and rustic hoedowns alongside his father. As the years went by, Cooley continued to refine his skills, gradually developing a strong foundation that would serve him well in his future endeavors. Eventually, his dedication and perseverance paid off, allowing him to eke out a modest living by playing in bars and outdoor events throughout the sun-kissed state of California.

Notable events in the life of Cooley commenced with a pivotal career move, as he secured a position as a stand-in for the legendary Roy Rogers at Republic Pictures, thereby opening the door to a singing career that would soon unfold. This initial breakthrough led to his collaboration with the Riders of the Purple Sage, resulting in his first recording in 1941, with the esteemed Cal Shrum. Subsequently, Cooley went on to establish his own orchestra, the Spade Cooley Orchestra, which would eventually become a mainstay attraction at various esteemed ballrooms and venues throughout Los Angeles, showcasing his remarkable talent to a wider audience.

It was the year 1948 when Cooley embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of television, marking the beginning of his illustrious career at KTLA, a prominent broadcasting station.

During this period, Cooley had the unique opportunity to broadcast live from the iconic Santa Monica Ballroom, a location that undoubtedly added to the excitement and appeal of his performances.

As it turned out, Cooley's television career was a resounding success, with his programs captivating a staggering 75% of the viewership, a testament to his undeniable talent and charisma.

However, despite his continued success, Cooley's orchestra ultimately dissolved in the year 1959, bringing an end to this chapter of his career.

Although this marked the conclusion of his work with the orchestra, Cooley remained active in the entertainment industry, pursuing various projects and ventures.

One such project that garnered significant attention was his ambitious plan to establish an amusement park, an idea that, unfortunately, never came to fruition.

Notwithstanding his remarkable achievements, Cooley's life was marked by intense personal turmoil, as he grappled with the debilitating effects of alcoholism, which significantly impacted his relationships, particularly his marriage, leading to profound discord and emotional distress.

Furthermore, his health began to deteriorate, causing him immense physical and mental anguish, which only served to exacerbate his existing struggles.

As his popularity and fame began to wane, Cooley's life took a devastating turn, culminating in his imprisonment for the heinous crime of first-degree murder, following the tragic and untimely death of his wife, a loss that would haunt him for the remainder of his days.

Here is the biography:

Patrick Cooley, a man of remarkable talent and resilience, made the most of his time in prison by establishing a music program and orchestra, which not only provided a sense of purpose and fulfillment but also showcased his remarkable skills as a musician. His music program, which he founded during his incarceration, was a beacon of hope and positivity, offering concerts that brought joy to those around him and earned him a reputation as a model prisoner. Despite the challenges and difficulties he faced, Cooley remained committed to his passion for music, learning to play the guitar and even developing an electric violin. His dedication and perseverance ultimately paid off, as he was granted parole in 1969, marking a new chapter in his life.

Cooley's unforeseen release from confinement proved to be a fleeting respite from the rigors of incarceration, as his life was tragically cut short in an instant. The sudden and unexpected nature of his demise was a shocking blow to all who had gathered to witness his electrifying performance at the Oakland Auditorium, where his music had been met with a thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd.

As the news of his passing spread, it was met with widespread sorrow and disbelief, leaving behind only questions about the fate of his remains. In a somber and poignant conclusion to his life, Cooley's body was reduced to ashes, and the enigmatic fate of his cremated remains has remained a mystery to this day, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to captivate and inspire all who had the privilege of experiencing his music.

Career

{"id":201121,"title":"The Big Tip Off","year":"1955","character":"Spade","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-big-tip-off","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_201121.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_201121.jpg"},"released":1}
1955
{"id":174585,"title":"The Silver Bandit","year":"1950","character":"Spade Cooley","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-silver-bandit","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_174585.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_174585.jpg"},"released":1}
1950
The Silver Bandit
The Silver Bandit as Spade Cooley
{"id":82768,"title":"The Kid from Gower Gulch","year":"1950","character":"Spade Cooley","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-kid-from-gower-gulch","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82768.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82768.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":186956,"title":"Border Outlaws","year":"1950","character":"Spade Cooley","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/border-outlaws","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_186956.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_186956.jpg"},"released":1}
Border Outlaws
Border Outlaws as Spade Cooley
{"id":174654,"title":"Square Dance Jubilee","year":"1949","character":"Spade Cooley","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/square-dance-jubilee","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_174654.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_174654.jpg"},"released":1}
1949
Square Dance Jubilee
Square Dance Jubilee as Spade Cooley
{"id":133098,"title":"Vacation Days","year":"1947","character":"Spade Cooley","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/vacation-days","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_133098.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_133098.jpg"},"released":1}
1947
Vacation Days
Vacation Days as Spade Cooley
{"id":187217,"title":"Outlaws of the Rockies","year":"1945","character":"Singer Spade","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/outlaws-of-the-rockies","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_187217.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_187217.jpg"},"released":1}
1945
{"id":187219,"title":"Texas Panhandle","year":"1945","character":"Band Leader Spade","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/texas-panhandle","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_187219.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_187219.jpg"},"released":1}
Texas Panhandle
Texas Panhandle as Band Leader Spade
{"id":175141,"title":"Senorita from the West","year":"1945","character":"Bandleader","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/senorita-from-the-west","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_175141.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_175141.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":70217,"title":"Rockin' in the Rockies","year":"1945","character":"Spade Cooley","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/rockin-in-the-rockies-1945","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70217.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70217.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":201466,"title":"Thundering Hoofs","year":"1942","character":"Fiddler (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/thundering-hoofs","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_201466.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_201466.jpg"},"released":1}
1942
Thundering Hoofs
Thundering Hoofs as Fiddler (uncredited)
{"id":120547,"title":"Sunset on the Desert","year":"1942","character":"Musician","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sunset-on-the-desert","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_120547.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_120547.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":117645,"title":"Heart of the Golden West","year":"1942","character":"Rustler","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/heart-of-the-golden-west","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_117645.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_117645.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":98642,"title":"Man from Cheyenne","year":"1942","character":"Cowhand","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/man-from-cheyenne","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_98642.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_98642.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":71726,"title":"Lost Canyon","year":"1942","character":"Fiddle Player","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/lost-canyon","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71726.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71726.jpg"},"released":1}
Lost Canyon
Lost Canyon as Fiddle Player
{"id":71397,"title":"Romance on the Range","year":"1942","character":"Townsman","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/romance-on-the-range","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71397.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71397.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":71323,"title":"Home in Wyomin'","year":"1942","character":"1st Fiddler (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/home-in-wyomin-1942","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71323.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71323.jpg"},"released":1}
Home in Wyomin'
Home in Wyomin' as 1st Fiddler (uncredited)
{"id":71224,"title":"Dawn on the Great Divide","year":"1942","character":"Fiddler","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/dawn-on-the-great-divide","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71224.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71224.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":71672,"title":"Sheriff of Tombstone","year":"1941","character":"Fiddle Player","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sheriff-of-tombstone","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71672.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71672.jpg"},"released":1}
1941
Sheriff of Tombstone
Sheriff of Tombstone as Fiddle Player
{"id":71669,"title":"Robin Hood of the Pecos","year":"1941","character":"Soldier (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/robin-hood-of-the-pecos","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71669.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71669.jpg"},"released":1}
Robin Hood of the Pecos
Robin Hood of the Pecos as Soldier (uncredited)
{"id":71597,"title":"Bad Man of Deadwood","year":"1941","character":"Musician","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bad-man-of-deadwood","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71597.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71597.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":71485,"title":"Nevada City","year":"1941","character":"Musician","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/nevada-city","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71485.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71485.jpg"},"released":1}
Nevada City
Nevada City as Musician
{"id":71471,"title":"In Old Cheyenne","year":"1941","character":"Cowhand \/ Musician","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/in-old-cheyenne","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71471.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71471.jpg"},"released":1}
In Old Cheyenne
In Old Cheyenne as Cowhand / Musician
{"id":72110,"title":"Bullet Code","year":"1940","character":"Fiddler (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bullet-code","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72110.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72110.jpg"},"released":1}
1940
Bullet Code
Bullet Code as Fiddler (uncredited)
{"id":120118,"title":"The Ranger and the Lady","year":"1940","character":"Bent's Banjoist","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-ranger-and-the-lady","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_120118.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_120118.jpg"},"released":1}
The Ranger and the Lady
The Ranger and the Lady as Bent's Banjoist
{"id":72018,"title":"Melody Ranch","year":"1940","character":"Melody Ranch Band Musician","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/melody-ranch","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72018.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72018.jpg"},"released":1}
Melody Ranch
Melody Ranch as Melody Ranch Band Musician
{"id":72002,"title":"The Border Legion","year":"1940","character":"Musician","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-border-legion","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72002.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72002.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":71902,"title":"Colorado","year":"1940","character":"Henchman","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/colorado","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71902.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71902.jpg"},"released":1}
Colorado
Colorado as Henchman
{"id":71879,"title":"Young Bill Hickok","year":"1940","character":"Musician","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/young-bill-hickok","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71879.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71879.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":71870,"title":"You're Not So Tough","year":"1940","character":"Fiddle Player","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/youre-not-so-tough-1940","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_71870.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_71870.jpg"},"released":1}
You're Not So Tough
You're Not So Tough as Fiddle Player
{"id":26912,"title":"Southward Ho!","year":"1939","character":"Fiddler","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/southward-ho","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_26912.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_26912.jpg"},"released":1}
1939
Southward Ho!
Southward Ho! as Fiddler
{"id":72433,"title":"The Marshal of Mesa City","year":"1939","character":"Fiddler (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-marshal-of-mesa-city","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72433.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72433.jpg"},"released":1}
The Marshal of Mesa City
The Marshal of Mesa City as Fiddler (uncredited)
{"id":72409,"title":"The Arizona Kid","year":"1939","character":"Union Soldier","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-arizona-kid","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72409.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72409.jpg"},"released":1}
The Arizona Kid
The Arizona Kid as Union Soldier
{"id":72294,"title":"Frontier Pony Express","year":"1939","character":"Charley Weston","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/frontier-pony-express","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_72294.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_72294.jpg"},"released":1}
Frontier Pony Express
Frontier Pony Express as Charley Weston
{"id":11968,"title":"Destry Rides Again","year":"1939","character":"Fiddle Player (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/destry-rides-again","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_11968.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_11968.jpg"},"released":1}
Destry Rides Again
Destry Rides Again as Fiddle Player (uncredited)
{"id":185034,"title":"More Things That Aren't Here Anymore","year":"1998","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/more-things-that-arent-here-anymore-1998","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_185034.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_185034.jpg"},"released":1}
1998
{"id":175184,"title":"Spade Cooley: King of Western Swing","year":"1945","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/spade-cooley-king-of-western-swing","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_175184.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_175184.jpg"},"released":1}
1945