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Gene O'Quin

1932 – 1978

American musician

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About Gene O'Quin

Lived 1932 – 1978 (aged 46). Gene O'Quin was an American singer-songwriter, composer, musician and bandleader.

Gene Louis O'Quin (or Oquin) (September 9, 1932 – November 27, 1978) was an American country and western and honky tonk singer born in Dallas on September 9, 1932 He established himself professionally at Dallas' Big "D" Jamboree, a Grand Ole Opry-like radio showcase, becoming one of its most popular entertainers. O'Quin recorded his first song at the age of 15 and was signed by Capitol Records.

He later relocated to California. His recording career reached its peak between 1950 and 1955.

O'Quin's voice was high and nasally and had a twang evocative of Little Jimmy Dickens. He cut many novelty songs and boogie-woogie records. The persona in his records was happy-go-lucky and well suited to hillbilly music. Although he did not record any rockabilly songs in his career, rockabilly enthusiasts have embraced him. His career was eclipsed with the advent of rock and roll but he did not successfully make the transition as rockabilly artists did.

O'Quin died when his car was hit by a bus in Riverside, California on November 27, 1978.

Discography "Boogie Woogie Fever" "It's No Use Talkin' Baby (I'm Through)" Capitol 1821

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Important facts

People in Gene O'Quin's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Gene O'Quin's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Gene O'Quin?

American musician

When was Gene O'Quin born?

Gene O'Quin was born on 9 September 1932 in Dallas.

When did Gene O'Quin die?

Gene O'Quin died on 27 November 1978.

What was Gene O'Quin's occupation?

Gene O'Quin was a singer-songwriter, composer, musician and bandleader.

What nationality was Gene O'Quin?

Gene O'Quin was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Gene O'Quin

· Wikidata: Q1501419

· DBpedia: Gene O'Quin

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Gene O'Quin. https://biography.guide/gene-o-quin/

MLA: "Gene O'Quin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/gene-o-quin/.

Chicago: "Gene O'Quin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/gene-o-quin/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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