Spade Cooley, once hailed as the self-proclaimed King of Western Swing during the 1950s, saw his career plummet after being found guilty of murdering his wife, marking a dark chapter in country music history.
Renowned for leading one of the most sought-after live bands nationwide, Cooley and his group were a crowd favorite with hits like “Shame on You.”
Additionally, he showcased his talent on a popular TV show and graced the screens in various Western films, solidifying his status in the industry.
The downfall of Cooley unfolded in 1961 following his decision to end his marriage with his second wife, Ella Mae, with whom he shared three children.
Known to battle alcoholism and pill addiction, Cooley’s jealousy towards his younger spouse, coupled with accusations of infidelity, culminated in a tragic event that shook the music world.
On April 3, 1961, Cooley brutally murdered Ella Mae in their residence, pressing a cigarette into her skin posthumously.
The heinous act transpired before their daughter, Melody, who bravely testified against her father in a highly publicized trial that culminated in a conviction on August 19, 1961.
Subsequently, Cooley received a life sentence on August 22, 1961.
However, a peculiar turn of events saw him granted parole by the State of California after serving just eight years.
Anticipating a potential resurrection of his career, Cooley was granted temporary leave to partake in a charity concert on November 23, 1969, prior to his scheduled release on February 22, 1970.
Despite receiving a standing ovation at the charity event, Cooley’s aspirations for a musical comeback were tragically cut short by a fatal heart attack backstage, signaling an eerie conclusion to his tumultuous journey.
Once a prominent figure in the country music scene, Cooley’s legacy has faded into obscurity over the years, overshadowed by the haunting memory of his appalling crime.
The poignant saga of Spade Cooley serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and tragedies that can unravel behind the glitz and glamour of the music industry
