Fortune Tellers

Fortune Tellers were one of those bands that gave the Oklahoma music scene its own distinct identity during the 1980s. Based in Oklahoma City, they built a reputation as a fierce live act, combining hard-driving rhythm and blues with garage rock energy and a deep love for the roots of American rock'n'roll. While plenty of bands of the period chased commercial trends, Fortune Tellers stayed committed to the sounds that inspired them, drawing from artists such as Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters and Link Wray. Their dedication earned them a loyal local following and eventually attracted the attention of the French label New Rose Records, which released the group's three albums during the second half of the decade. 

The classic line-up featured Basile Kolliopoulos on vocals and rhythm guitar, his younger brother Miho Kolliopoulos on lead and slide guitar, Mike Newberry on drums and Victor Goetz on bass. Basile and Miho had grown up in Greece before settling in Oklahoma, bringing with them a passion for American blues and rhythm and blues that had fascinated them since childhood. Basile's gritty vocal delivery and commanding stage presence were perfectly complemented by Miho's expressive guitar work, which could shift from sharp, concise leads to wild, wah-infused solos. Meanwhile, the rhythm section of Mike Newberry and Victor Goetz provided the powerful, danceable groove that became one of the band's trademarks. 

Between the mid and late 1980s, Fortune Tellers released three albums: 'Fortunes Told For Free', 'Musick Without Tears' and 'Lively Up!'. Although the records captured part of their appeal, those who saw the group on stage often described the live performances as the real experience. The band became a fixture of the Oklahoma City club circuit, sharing bills with touring acts and even backing legendary performers such as Bo Diddley on occasion. Their refusal to compromise stylistically may have limited their commercial reach, but it also helped establish them as one of Oklahoma's most respected underground rock acts. 

Even after their original run came to an end around 1990, the reputation of Fortune Tellers continued to grow among collectors and local music historians. Basile went on to lead The Reverb Brothers, while Miho, Victor and Mike remained active in various projects connected to the Oklahoma scene. Basile Kolliopoulos passed away in 2013, but the recordings and the stories surrounding the group have ensured that Fortune Tellers remain remembered as one of the most distinctive and beloved rock'n'roll bands to emerge from Oklahoma during the 1980s. Their legacy rests not on chart success, but on years of electrifying performances and an unwavering commitment to playing the music they loved.