Deep Deuce in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Charles (Charlie) A. Christian

July 29, 1916 - March 2, 1942

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

1. Charles (Charlie) A. Christian Marker

Inscription. Recognized as the greatest jazz guitarist, he was born in Bonham, Texas, and moved to Oklahoma City as a child. A musical genius, at age 14, he performed with the Don Redman Orchestra at Honey Murphy's Club and then played with his brother's band at clubs in Deep Deuce. In 1930 he performed as a jazz singer and, in 1934, secured his first professional job as a bassist with the Alphnso Trent Band. He played piano in Oklahoma City until 1939 when he joined the Benny Goodman Band. He recorded with Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, and Metronome All Stars.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical date for this entry is July 29, 1916.

Location. 35° 28.182′ N, 97° 30.442′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Deep Deuce. It is at the intersection of Northeast 2nd Street and North Central Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Northeast 2nd Street. Marker is embedded in the sidewalk at the northeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 NE 2nd St, Oklahoma City OK 73104,

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United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James (Jimmy) Andrew Rushing (a few steps from this marker); Charles “Bird” Christopher Parker Jr. (a few steps from this marker); Dr. William Lewis Haywood (a few steps from this marker); James “Doughbelly” Brooks (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Inman E. Page (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lyons Mansion (about 300 feet away); Dr. Frederick Douglas Moon (about 400 feet away); Russell M. Perry (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

Also see . . .
1. Christian, Charles Henry (1916-1942). In a short life of just twenty-five

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

2. Charles (Charlie) A. Christian Marker

years, Charlie Christian forever impacted the world of music. (Bob Burke, in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, Oklahoma Historical Society) (Submitted on August 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Swing to Bop (1941) by Charlie Christian (YouTube). As well as playing guitar for Benny Goodman, Charlie participated in after hours jam sessions with other musicians in places such as Mintons and Monroes in New York City. On 12 May 1941 Charlie played Swing to Bop (also known as Topsy) at Mintons. (Uploaded by wilson mcphert Nov. 4, 2009) (Submitted on August 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Charlie A. Christian performing at Waldorf Astoria, New York image. Click for full size.

Charles B. Nadell, DownBeat magazine; via Wikipedia (Public Domain), circa October 1939

3. Charlie A. Christian performing at Waldorf Astoria, New York

His amplified, one-string playing technique was a precursor to the lead guitar role within later musical ensembles and bands. He died of tuberculosis at 25 and was buried in an unmarked grave in Bonham, Texas, his hometown

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.