Governor W. Lee O'Daniel
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(March 11, 1890 - May 11, 1969) Born in Ohio, Wilbert Lee O'Daniel moved to Texas in 1925. A flour mill executive, he pioneered in radio advertising and country music. His "Hillbilly Boys" theme song resulted in his nickname "Pappy." In his first try for public office he won a primary over 12 oponents and became Governor of Texas (1938). During his second term in 1941 he won a special election to the U.S. Senate, defeating Lyndon B. Johnson and others. He was elected to a full term in 1942. Recorded - 1981
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Ohio-born W. Lee O'Daniel moved to Texas in 1925 and became a flour-mill executive who pioneered radio advertising and country-music promotion, earning the nickname "Pappy" from his Hillbilly Boys' theme song. In his first bid for office in 1938 he won the governorship over twelve opponents, and in 1941 he captured a U.S. Senate seat by defeating Lyndon B. Johnson, winning a full term the next year.
Why it matters
O'Daniel's improbable career illustrates the new power of radio and popular entertainment to remake American electoral politics in the mid-twentieth century.
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Related people
- · W. Lee O'Daniel
- · Lyndon B. Johnson
Related events
- · 1941 U.S. Senate special election
Themes & tags
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