Oklahoma has many famous folks that were born within its borders. Oklahomans aren't just country singer and football players. They aren't only the big wigs of giant oil companies. In fact, you will probably be amazed at the people who were born in Oklahoma and went on to do amazing things.
Oklahoma is home to more astronauts than any other state. L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., from Shawnee is just one of the many astronauts born in Oklahoma. Major General Thomas P. Stafford is from Weatherford. William Read Pogue is from Okemah. There is also Shannon Lucid from Oklahoma and Owen Garriott is from Enid.
Hollywood has more than its share of Okies. Chuck Norris was born in Ryan and raised in Wilson. James Garner was born in Norman and is the winner of two Emmys. Brad Pitt, the other half of Angelina Jolie, was born in Shawnee. Rue McClanahan was born in Healdton and starred both on Broadway and in television. Of course, there is Academy award-winning director, Ron Howard from Duncan.
Henry Starr, a famous outlaw, was born near Fort Gibson. His uncle, Sam Starr, was married to the famous Belle Starr who is buried in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has more than its fair share of famous athletes. Bobby Cox, the manager of the Atlanta Braves was born in Tulsa. The only two brothers both in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Lloyd and Paul Warren, are both from Harrah. Johnny Bench and Joe Carter were both born in Oklahoma City. Olympic gymnast, Shannon Miller, was born in Edmond. Pepper Martin, a major league baseball player, was born in Temple. Of course, there is Jim Thorpe, who was considered to be the greatest athlete of his time.
Oklahoma is also home to many inventors and their inventions. Chester Gould, the creator of Dick Tracy, was born in Pawnee. Beggs is home to Bob Dunn who invented the electric guitar in 1935. Sylvan Goldman, invented the shopping cart in Ardmore. Clinton Riggs, Tulsa, designed the first YIELD sign. Bill Picket, the inventor of "bull dogging," now known as steer wrestling, was born in Oklahoma. Kingfisher is the birthplace of Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart.
Without Paul Harvey, a Tulsa native and radio personality, we never would have known "the rest of the story." Another Okie with the gift of gab was Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers, who was born in Oolagah.
Of course, there are the famous singers and songwriters from Oklahoma. Patti Page was born in Claremore. Toby Keith was born in Clinton and raised in Moore. Joe Diffie was born in Tulsa and raised in Velma. Vince Gill was born in Norman. Reba McEntire was born in little town of Chockie. Garth Brooks was born in Owasso, attended college in Stillwater and now resides in Yukon with his wife, Trisha Yearwood.
Oklahoma is more than cowboys, oil and football. Many Oklahoma natives have had huge impacts on our lives. No matter what their claim to fame may be, these Okies are indeed famous and have done many great things in their lives.