Jimmy Strader Dead at 54

Tulsa musician Jimmy Strader passed away Monday after a long illness. He was 54.

Strader played with many bands including the Sweeny-Campbell Band, Bruner-Strader Blues Project, The Mystery Band, Bill Davis Band, The Shakers and Lightyear. He also recorded with the Tractors and Scott Ellison. He frequently played with Steve Pryor, David Teegarden and Steve ‘Doc’ Hickerson.

From The Tulsa World:

“I’ve known him for a long time and had the opportunity to perform on stage with him and was always in awe of his genius ability to play all kinds of music. He’s definitely going to be missed,” said Teegarden, longtime drummer for Bob Seger and friend of Strader.

“This is a tragic loss for the local music community. It’s a real shame he wasn’t able to be recognized world wide. He definitely was one of the best musicians on this planet.

“He had a great voice and was very creative.”

A 1992 Tulsa World article said: “(He) is one of Tulsa’s freshest and finest natural resources. He is to the music scene what Philbrook is to the art community. He brings credibility and professionalism to every stage and microphone. Be it blues or jazz, Strader is right at home with his bass playing and vocal sailings.”

Funeral services will be at 4pm Friday at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria Ave, in Tulsa.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.