In 1949, after 15 years with his band, the Texas Playboys, Bob Wills had broken out of the local radio market and onto the national music scene in a big way. His influence stretched far, and historians later would credit his unique sound with ushering in a new style of country music.

But, with many of his band members splitting off to do side projects or pursue work with other bands, the Playboys were going through significant changes, including Wills taking over much of the singing duties.

That same year, the band recorded hundreds of songs and rehearsals, no one is sure exactly where, for radio play and personal use. For decades those recordings were passed down through family members and friends, never officially released or shared with the public. Together, they make up hours full of laughter, banter, the shuffle of boots on hard wood floors, and, above all, great music.

Now, the Oklahoma Historical Society, through a brand new record label it created, 46 Star Records, has released some of those songs for the first time on vinyl.