Pennies from Honey

Thanks to Trudy Vaughn, the THS has received a donation of materials relating to the 1950's Tulsa chanteuse, Honey Hudgens. In addition to photographs and a clipping file, Ms. Vaughn's donation includes four portraits of Honey, highlighted by an oil portrait painted by the late Clarence Allen.

Honey was a fixture in the Tulsa entertainment scene. Together with her combo, they presented a repertoire ranging from standards to Latin rhythms at venues such as the Blue Moon and the Cimmaron Ballroom. For many years, Honey and her combo were regulars at the Sunday buffet at Southern Hills. One visitor to the THS office related the story of Honey's version of "Pennies from Heaven." "Pennies from Heaven" became "Pennies from Honey," as the singer reached into top of her gown and scattered pennies on the crowd. Many pennies were scattered.

As Tulsa's Goodwill Ambassador, Honey had her own parking space reserved at the airport. She was a pioneer in the commercial television broadcasting field, and, was the co-founder of that Tulsa institution, "Shorts Day on Brookside." Viewed through the career of one of Tulsa's favorites, the Hudgen materials provide a unique perspective on Tulsa in the lighthearted 1950's.