— The Small Town Boy Returns Home —

Even though his career took him all across the country, Dallas Bartley always considered Springfield "home." He is shown at a Pike family reunion in the Bartley home.

In 1969, after more than 30 years on the road with such big-name bands as Louis Jordan, Bartley returned to live in Springfield. Here he formed his own group and played with a variety of local musicians (including John 'Bebop' Brown and Dave Bedell, members of the Lincolnites in the 1930s.)

In the mid-1970s, Bartley helped form a local jazz society, which disbanded a few years after he died in 1979. He also served as business agent for Local 150 of the American Federation of Musicians.

In 1970, Albert Verweire, Missouri State lecturer in music, persuaded Dallas Bartley to enroll at Missouri State as a special student. It was Verweire's idea that Bartley, with his years of experience, would be an asset to the Missouri State University Stage Band. After Verweire's death, Bartley continued playing with the band and taking courses. In May 1971 Bartley was chosen to direct the Missouri State University Stage Band in a jazz concert to honor Verweire.

Below are additional images from Dallas Bartley's time in Springfield.

Bartley (center) teams up with local musicians. Shown on the far right is his long-time friend, John "Bebop" Brown.

Below left, Bartley is with long-time friend, Bob Betts. He's seen with Lee Stovall and her group on the right.

 

 

This online exhibit is from the
Special Collections and Archives Department,
Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri.
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This exhibit was last updated on May 18, 2006.