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When Matt O'Meilia was 10 years old, a rock star moved into his neighborhood. And not just any rock star. A hometown boy made good.
There was no MTV in 1972. In lieu of that, O'Meilia and the other kids on the block spent their long summer days perched atop a giant, iron gate watching limousines drive in and out of the old Aaronson mansion. There were rumored sightings of Paul and Linda McCartney, Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale. There was music in the air.
The rock star was Leon Russell, coming back to Tulsa, after achieving international fame playing with the likes of George Harrison and Bob Dylan at the Concert for Bangladesh, and releasing his third solo album, Carney.
Even at age 10, O'Meilia was an aspiring musician who felt a special connection to Russell. At 12, he started throwing the rock-of-the-block's newspaper. Here is a paperboy's story.
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Piece Description
When Matt O'Meilia was 10 years old, a rock star moved into his neighborhood. And not just any rock star. A hometown boy made good.
There was no MTV in 1972. In lieu of that, O'Meilia and the other kids on the block spent their long summer days perched atop a giant, iron gate watching limousines drive in and out of the old Aaronson mansion. There were rumored sightings of Paul and Linda McCartney, Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale. There was music in the air.
The rock star was Leon Russell, coming back to Tulsa, after achieving international fame playing with the likes of George Harrison and Bob Dylan at the Concert for Bangladesh, and releasing his third solo album, Carney.
Even at age 10, O'Meilia was an aspiring musician who felt a special connection to Russell. At 12, he started throwing the rock-of-the-block's newspaper. Here is a paperboy's story.
Broadcast History
Published on ThisLandPress.com.
Intro and Outro
INTRO:The following is a production of This Land Press. For more information, visit ThisLandPress.com.
OUTRO:You just listened to a This Land Press production. To find out more, visit ThisLandPress.com.
Musical Works
| Title | Artist | Album | Label | Year | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulevard St. Germain | Jahzzar | Paris, Lisboa. | Independent | 2012 | 00:58 |
| Last Dance | Jahzzar | Blinded by Dust. | Independent | 2012 | 01:03 |
| noir guitar | Stevie's Amp Shack | Stevie's Amp Shack. | Independent | 2012 | 00:28 |
| PadRain | Glass Boy + Courtenay Moon | Vortex. | Independent | 2012 | 00:29 |





