TV star turned murderer Spade Cooley's crypt in Hayward, CA

Spade Cooley was a very popular western swing musician and movie and TV star in the 1940s and 1950s. His popularity waned and he was making plans to start a Water Wonderland amusement park in Kern County in the early 1960s when his personal demons caught up to him. In April 1961 he attacked his wife in a drunken rage and she died. His trial for murder was a national media focus. When he was finally released from prison in 1969 he performed a benefit concert in Oakland, Calif., where he dropped dead suddenly from a heart attack.
Jeff will visit is crypt at the Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park in Hayward and explain his rise and fall.
#spadecooley #historyhunters #hayward
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[@carrolganoe9896]

I remember, as a kid, seeing him on TV. You couldn't tell, by watching him, what a vile human being he was. Thanks for the history.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jesseseven301]

Bob Wills was the "King of Western Swing." I've never heard of this guy.

[@randysalles2292]

Agreed

[@deborahsteele7582]

Who's bob willis

[@rhuephus]

@@deborahsteele7582 about 100 years before you were born

[@V8Deuce]

@@deborahsteele7582 If ya have to ask........

[@Tigerrfeet]

Omg what a death he gave his wife. Their poor daughter...horrific

[@swansfan6944]

I had never heard of him before now. People attended a concert and gave a standing ovation after what he did, UNBELIEVABLE 👎 His star should be removed from the Hollywood walk of fame, it’s a disgrace. What a disgusting 🤮 vile, little man. Thanks Jeff. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺

[@KELLYTOOLZ]

People are idiots ....nothing changes unfortunately

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

My dog would volunteer to poop on it.

[@danhutson3460]

Same here. I grew up in the 1960's & my parents loved Country-Western Music, but I can't recall ever hearing anything about the POS. I agree that his star should be removed.

[@garyschultz7768]

removing Cooley's star is a no brainer....calling the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce & organizations for battered wives are possible starting points... (link them to Jeff's video) cant believe it hasn't already been removed... his star is a shame to the television & motion picture industry....

[@bsomero10]

My goodness, how a vial person, such as this man and many others, can hide behind a facade of smiles. Crazy how people still admired this creep through his music.

[@joycemchristiansen6557]

As a kid I'd watch his TV show with my parents. They were both hugh fans of his. It was a sad shock to them when he killed his wife. That was bad enough, but I don't think the brutality of how he killed her was ever known. I am shocked. What a horrible man. I hope his daughter was able to get past what she witnessed and have a good life.

[@davidniehaus202]

Jeff would you fulfill my suggestion by visiting the grave of john philip sousa please and you are a sweet kind person on youtube ♥️😊

[@gregdavis19]

I doubt his daughter ever got over it and put it in the back of her mind. I just can’t imagine the horrific scene, and I’m a former Deputy Sheriff.

[@carlupthegrove262]

I also remember growing up listening, with my parents, to his show. Clearly a horrible human being.

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

I lived in California and I knew about him. I love Western swing to this day but I think I'll skip his tracks.

[@RedeemedbyYAHUSHA]

@@gregdavis19just to be honest

[@fridgeratorsam4042]

After all he did to his wife in front of his daughter, writes a letter more or less placing some of the blame of his conviction on his daughter, and then signs the letter as 'Spade'. And his grave marker has 'Beloved Father' on it? Something is really not right there. Another fine video, Jeff.

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

Oh the irony. That's what I was thinking.

[@Faithpmicky]

I just watched another doc on him today on another channel, and sadly, that was because, like many of them did, he coated the pockets of officials. The love of money really does rule this cruel world😞

[@slink1957]

I had never heard of this man, his music or his crime. Probably the most disturbing of your videos to date and equally disturbing is how quickly we forget. Can you imagine the anguish and psychological damage he inflicted on his daughter? I wonder how she fared in life and for that matter, if she is still living? Holy Smokes for sure...

[@jbenziggy]

I tried to find out if Melody was living, or if the little boy was still alive, but I could not find that information. Hopefully someone can give us the answer. Believe me it was hard to do this video because of what I learned.

[@davidniehaus202]

Jeff would you fulfill my request by visiting the grave of john philip sousa please and you are a sweet kind person on youtube ♥️😊

[@mariaa4572]

@@jbenziggy when I looked him up it shows as children deceased 🤔..

[@garycarpenter6433]

I'm just like you I've never heard of this I was only 3at the time and my sister was born that year and what was done she should've left him just because of his temper and took the kids with her and him having a heart attack he deserves it but what about his kids where are they now

[@jbenziggy]

@@garycarpenter6433 both of his children have passed away from cancer. I understand the boy was exposed to agent orange in Vietnam, and he passed away before Melody did.

[@katisugarbaker7349]

8 1/2 years in prison for killing his wife? Doing so in a drunken rage should be an aggravating factor, not a mitigating one. What was wrong with California society that no one was appalled at all this? That’s tolerance but I’m sure had she done the same to him, the tolerance wouldn’t have been so striking.

[@dwaynecollins4974]

I've never heard of this fellow but as big a star as he was, you wouldn't think insecurities would be an issue for them. Under the lights they are a star outside of that however good or bad they're just a person. As they said in Liberty Valance " when the legend becomes fact, print the legend "

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

It's not California society. It was the attitude of the country at the time. There's much more awareness of domestic violence now as the presenter said. I agree alcohol would be an aggravating factor not a mitigating one.

[@boboberg3700]

Wow, that's a crazy story. I grew up in the 50's but don't remember this guy. How tragic.

[@AB-ye7bw]

Wow, Monsters are real. Case in point. Thanks for bringing this story to light. Had no idea.

[@JohnDaker_singer]

As a young man, I had a wicked temper as well. I never hit my wife, but we had some hardcore arguments. As a 54 year old man, I can’t even remember what any of those arguments were about. My wife did the right thing by divorcing me. As an old guy who has been married to my second wife for 16 years, I have a complete different personality and perspective on life. Watching this video, makes me understand spade Cooley‘s intense passion for his wife and family, but it came from a very very dark place. It came from jealousy and insecurity, to feelings that are completely destructive to a relationship. The difference between me and spade Cooley is that I would never lift my hand to a woman. He did not have those boundaries.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for your honest insight! I appreciate your transparency! Amen to all you said.

[@bmepdoc9675]

Very familiar. I reside in Elizabeth Lake, not far from his former 'melody ranch' near Willow Springs. One of his unrealized aspirations was to build a family amusement park - ('waterworld'). This idea he came up with after seeing what Disney did in Buena Park. He actually started on this and to this days one can still see the tall berms which were to outline the park. 'Melody Ranch' where this horrific crime took place still stands, not more than one half mile from the proposed park. FANTASTIC episode Jeff! Thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome information! Do you know if Cooley house is still standing and what address or street it may be on?

[@bmepdoc9675]

@@jbenziggy Sure thing, Jeff. I just posted a GoogleMaps link but evidently it violates policy so I'll just type it out for you. The house is still very much there and appears that very little has changed over the decades. Located on 105th St W. between Dawn Road to the north and Favorito Ave. to the south in Rosamond, Ca. It's the home at the end of a treelined driveway. Last time (probably 5+ years ago) I was there, there was a small wooden sign at the left side of the driveway entrance with a "melody ranch" inscription. If you pan out and look directly east, or to the right - You'll see what look like two large crop circles. Look just south across the road (Favorito) and you'll see the remnants, or (berms) of the proposed waterpark. It's desolate desert out there. Much more so back in '61. Just googling 105th St W and Favorito will get you to the map page. I recall my parents being VERY angry with then (mid/late 60's) Governor and (future president) Ronald Reagan who was a close pal of Cooley's. He personally intervened and officials decided to allow Cooley to have a three-day furlough in Nov 1969 so that he could perform at a concert to benefit the Alameda County Sheriff's Department, afterwhich he'd be set free early in 1970. You know the rest. My mother in particular, though Dad too, were particularly distraught at the very notion Reagan would play such a big role in Cooley's release. Though staunch lifelong conservatives - They never voted for the man again. - doc

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

​@@jbenziggy If it is it's haunted.

[@melissajensen3166]

Great video Jeff. He was a narcissistic piece of sh!t. I had heard of him growing up but didn’t know this. I’m sure his daughter endured a lifetime of emotional issues. Unfortunately, therapy wasn’t a thing back then.

[@paulhansen7667]

How could you not be a criminal with a name like Spade Cooley?

[@joelhurley2678]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah for another wonderful show. That was a really truly horrible happening to that wonderful beautiful woman. He truly was a monster and it is very hard to understand how nobody noticed that. Thank you so much for sharing this tragic story.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks. I agree as I don't understand how men can do this to women. Men are supposed to love and protect their women!

[@joelhurley2678]

@@jbenziggy exactly 💯

[@warrenbeard4546]

John, I was wondering where the resting place is of Mrs Cooley and if sometime you could show that. This was a truly tragic event and sincerely hope that the children are able to live somewhat normal lives. This was a sad video and after all these years I feel we should still remember the children in our thoughts and prayers

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

Good question about where Mrs Cooley is buried. There should have been an extra charge for what he did to his daughter. He didn't have to do that in front of her.

[@luckytahlula6515]

I survived the days when beating the hell out of your wife was just part of marriage. The families didn't talk about it and the cops turned a blind eye. I thank God that I got out alive and I'm so sorry for the ones that didn't. Some of them just thought maybe they'd be better off dead and some were just too damn scared. When you didn't have the support from anyone, what could you do? Where could you go? Today, there are organizations that can help you. If you're in this type of relationship, call them. Get help, because this can happen to you and your children. You are loved and don't ever believe otherwise. God bless you and yours.

[@jbenziggy]

It's sad to think that police treated spousal abuse like some kind of internal domestic squabble that they needed to settle on their own. I'm glad that such acts of violence are not acceptable and that the law will intervene. Thanks for encouraging victims of domestic violence to get out and seek help. God bless you!

[@MurderMostSouthern]

Excellent story telling. I have never heard of him. I used to watch VHS reruns of Roy Rodgers’s and I’ve listened to Bob Wills. I like how you told the straight up truth. OJ can think he got away with it but we all know different and judgment awaits him no matter what he thinks of this world. It really burns my butt when celebrities get away with crap just because they can sing, act or play football. Many people can sing, play instruments or sports on a professional level and simply chose a different life. There is nothing really special about those people except that they are on tv and radio…they are just people. Plain, regular ole people. How can someone over look the testimony of his daughter and not fry his ass? That poor girl!!

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

Thank You for sharing THE TRUTH. I often wonder why women subject themselves to persons like this. I realize it is still not that uncommon. As for the women in my family-NEVER. If a man abuses his wife horribly in a similar manner to this and she kills him because of the abuse she should not be jailed.

[@curtgomes]

Jeff, you're description and recollection of this Spade Cooley history is right on the money. It's amazing how easily influenced people of that era were by fame. Worse yet, the disgusting general attitude toward the absolutely violent murder of his wife is beyond despicable. And yes, other celebrities since have gotten away with even worse. And it will continue. Justice is administered by often biased and flawed human beings. It seems it's the best we can do....

[@curtgomes]

@@davidrodenborn5905 You’re correct! Now we have a mentally deficient pedophile criminal taking his place. What an improvement!

[@waynereynolds7598]

Jeff, I can think of two stars who killed their wives ,Gig Young and Albert Salami. I almost forgot about OJ Simpson. This man does not deserve a star. Thanks again. I never heard of this guy lol

[@jerrysullivan8424]

And maybe another star who is still living today murderd his wife.

[@joseyeastwood]

The way he mistreated his wife then kill her brutally in front of their child and not have any remorse whatsoever is really sickening and for law enforcement to give him special treatment like that is like they were doing the same thing he did to her again Rest in Peace Ella Mae.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Thanks KZbin, for letting Jeff and his channel ,tell the real story, most people wouldn't even know, they should remove his star, such a tragic event Thanks again Jeff ,Sarah

[@jbenziggy]

Much appreciated, John! Thanks!

[@robertforrest7956]

Kinda ironic that the marker on his mausoleum spot says "Beloved Father". 🤔

[@jbenziggy]

Right? I couldn’t figure that one out.

[@99supper]

Hey Jeff, another fascinating vlog. Have any Hollywood Stars from the walk of fame ever been removed for reprehensible characters?

[@jbenziggy]

Not to my knowledge, but I know that some stars have been desecrated by folks who didn’t like that celebrity. I think Donald Trump‘s star was defaced at one time.

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

That's a good question. If anyone deserves it he does.

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

​@@jbenziggy defacing Donald Trump's star is completely inappropriate. If we start doing that to people we don't agree with politically we'll have nothing but graffiti to look at.

[@RabidSnot]

Absolutely a despicable human being and what's really disturbing is that the reality is he (Spade) probably learned how to treat women like this by his father. Families are a breeding ground for so many truly horrible acts against others especially your family members. I knew of this but never really heard all the details. Thank You both for your History of these things and people we've never heard about before. You make it well worth the time spent watching.

[@Helpasos]

no, it was his mom most likely who started the mess with physical and mental abuse. Kids then learned bad behaviors mostly from their mothers, being around them more.

[@PrincessWarrior4]

Wow! Never heard of this loser. Thank you. The pattern of this preferential treatment is sickening, kind of scary too. 💛

[@bradklaatu]

As with so many others, I remember Spade Cooley, his music and show but not his cruelty, crime or trial. Thanks for another great and informative video.

[@tdk4660]

Ugh, what an evil bastard he was to do that. May that poor women rest in peace. 🙏😔.

[@WestCoastChicano]

I grew up in the 70's and at that time Hollywood legends were still working. I watched variety shows and shows like Hee Haw and his name never popped up once. I've never heard of him. One small piece of justice, in my opinion, is that he has been totally and utterly forgotten. Gr8 vid as usual. 🇺🇸

[@katisugarbaker7349]

Ok so he makes his daughter watch him brutally torture and kill her mother yet the demon gets “Beloved Father” on his crypt? Maybe his children aren’t any better than he was.

[@jbenziggy]

Yeah that’s puzzling to me too! Perhaps his siblings ordered the verbiage on his crypt marker. Surely Melody didn’t feel he was beloved, or did she forgive him?

[@alanatolstad4824]

I also wondered about that...who would have initiated that.

[@jerrysullivan8424]

Just maybe his children did not have anything to do with putting " BELOVED Father " on the crypt. they may have not even been at his funeral.

[@alanatolstad4824]

@@jerrysullivan8424 I wondered if that was 'the thing', since that was also on the parents' markers???

[@jaynesager3049]

His children were both minors. So that was probably an adult relative, who was in charge of the estate.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

I agree. What an awful person. Can't believe I never heard of him! Another very interesing piece of modern history Jeff!

[@mov1ngforward]

Watching this on Thursday instead of my Sunday fix, something must have wanted me to have a few more days of peace. A story like this changes people...we've witnessed evil and as you said, "we're going to see it again." You did an excellent job relaying a very difficult story with class and grace...it could have been unbearable to hear. People need to study narcissism and archetypes, it seems to be the new norm... 😫 Alcohol is ☠

[@normahird9059]

Thought provoking video. As always done with much class. Thank you for your efforts. Sometimes there is no justice here on earth. We can just hope that in the afterlife there is!!!

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

I think Spade Cooley had some idea there at the end when he said it it was the first day of the rest of his life. 🔥

[@Scribblescrabbly]

Almost at 100k :)

[@jbenziggy]

Almost!

[@redmesa2975]

I’m old enough to have heard of him. But did not know he did such a horrendous crime. Wow !

[@redmccoy8633]

So sad for the children and especially for daughter who witnessed the murder of her mother. She most likely heard her mother's screams for years afterwards. I, as you probably do, wonder what happened to her and her brother. Thanx.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, Red. We found out after the video came out that both children passed away from cancer as adults, Melody dying within the past 2-3 years.

[@maryturko6490]

His poor daughter.

[@jbenziggy]

I felt for her doing this story!

[@tomr5021]

I remember him but don’t remember the crime He got off way too easy Thank you for another great history lesson

[@brucecrider2001]

Thanks again Jeff and Sarah for another great episode appreciate your hard work God bless you and your family sending you love have a great week 😊🤗❤️🎵🎵🎼🎼

[@jbenziggy]

Same to you!

[@robvangessel3766]

Any time alcohol gets involved, all cards are off the table. His assault on her is definitely beyond disgusting.

[@jbenziggy]

I would totally agree with you. No woman should ever have to endure that kind of abuse from her "husband."

[@gerrymaitland9799]

What a monster! I'd never heard of him. Thanks for sharing this with us...

[@johnygarcia7636]

Crazy story

[@chriss5010]

I've actually never herd of him but noticed we share the same birthday just 69 years apart... Thanks for another great video Jeff

[@jbenziggy]

Very cool!

[@lindaloe]

POOR Excuse For A Human Being!! Murdering HER mom Right IN Front HER HowCould HE DO that? REST IN PEACE ELLA MAE 🙏

[@flopster7009]

I hope his daughter received top-notich mental health treatment after that horrific experience. And the letter - yeesh. The gaslighting abusers perpetrate is beyond appalling.

[@brentmcmillan646]

Wow! That’s crazy. I don’t know what else to say. I really appreciate you putting these videos together!!! There’s a lot of unusual historical tragedies that are not brought to light nowadays unless true history revealers such as yourself pull it all together and expose it to the rest of the world.

[@richardbeee]

So sad. When you first started filming at the Chapel of Chimes for some reason i thought it said Crimes. Yikes!

[@pip393]

Evidently Cooley was a depraved, cruel, frightening monster; all wrapped within a dynamic smile and natural aptitude to musically excel. I think both he and his family would have benefitted had he been timely worked over by a man. It's remarkable what the impact of a bunch of fives can have, when energetically placed on the end of the nose of wife abusing bastards such as this. And if that doesn't work there are alternatives.

[@DavidsExecutiveTouch17]

Wow, such a tragic story. Cooleys letter to his daughter indicated to me that he was extremely detached from a conscience along with being a very sick piece of trash. Anyone who commits a heinous crime such as that, especially to the Mother of his own children, deserves to meet The Almighty quick, fast & in a hurry.

[@rogerrocco5211]

I completely agree with your assessment of that creep! The hypocrisy of the justice system is sickening. He was a criminal con artist who thought he could con his daughter. In the end, justice was served. He was not a great musician but he gave his public what they wanted. I hope that Melody received his estate. However, she is scarred for life.

[@TommyC503]

My Good Lord. RIP Ella May. Her poor daughter. Heart breaking story.

[@carlupthegrove262]

This is a good example of how our culture often recognizes people because they entertain us with little regard for who they are as humans.

[@regiment6541]

I came here because I heard a reference to Spade Cooley in an episode of the Honeymooners and decided to look him up on KZbin. Incredible…

[@kevinbanks6855]

Don't recall his name. Sad his daughter was there at that time. Drugs and/or alcohol are always the blame. He did it by free will and that's no joke. Thank you for the video.

[@jbenziggy]

Alcohol has ruined many a person. No excuse but it’s certainly a factor for someone doing something this brutal.

[@kevinbanks6855]

@@jbenziggy I drank and glad it did not control me by God's grace. Did any family or friends see any warning signs before this BRUTAL attack?

[@danoc51]

About six years ago I was helping a friend make a documentary film on cowboy music (she is still working on it). We were talking with someone in the industry - I don't recall who - when the conversation turned to Spade Cooley. This person said that the daughter (who witnessed the murder) was still alive. At the time I thought that any documentary that featured her would be a blockbuster. This person also mentioned where she lived and seemed to have enough info to contact her. We never followed it up but I had to do some research on Spade and found that he had tried to make a resort at his Antelope Valley home (which was showed in this film). The daughter probablhy would not want to talk about it, of course, and it could be cruel to even approach her. As is noted here, he was one of those people who was usually nice but when he questioned love his temper exploded. We've seen that before (O.J.) but never a situation where an innocent son or daughter was intentionally put thru such agony. Check your tempers, folks.

[@jbenziggy]

Great comment! I understand that Melody Cooley has passed away in recent years and so did Donnell Jr.

[@LadyGreyBlack]

Seeing heroes do such things has to be the biggest blow to someone growing up.

[@vonwebber7852]

I didn't remember that guy, well done on the coverage. Tragic his wife and daughter went through that. I always enjoy seeing areas of Modesto in your videos. I have many fond memories of the city. Funny, we grow up in a area and go about our day to day things, we drive by history that we have no clue about. Like the folks in the cemetery on Scenic Dr. Thank you for the history presentation!

[@jbenziggy]

Yeah I was surprised to learn about the Cooleys buried in Modesto. Thanks for your wonderful comments!

[@vonwebber7852]

@R Smith Wow, we were not far away! I was over at Sunrise and Charles Ave. in my early years.

[@Waiting_777]

My great grandfather and my fathers siblings who were from Virginia are buried at Acacia. My grandfather is in the veterans section at Stockton rural. When my dads time comes he will be placed nearby. I am in Virginia. Love all the history videos. When you did the Greeley story I saw grandpas grave. This guy had a demon with him. It destroyed his family. When you take God / good out something else moves in and we have a hard time with how deep the horrors of the devil/evil can be. Blessings to all this Passover / Easter time.

[@reginamay2767]

Hi Jeff, such a very sad situation, but I never heard of spade Cooley. Was way before my time to. You say he and family was from Oklahoma. And they moved to cal. I will say he was a talented fiddle player and seemed to have gotten pretty famous. However he let the drinking rule his life with a sad ending. People let it alcohol take control of their lives. I know firsthand because my father abused my mother and he past away in 1968 of heart attack. No more abuse from him. He also was a alcoholic. Thank you Jeff for all of this journey in to the sad past of this fellow. I enjoyed it but hate to see abuse. Hugs to you both stay safe see you soon 🙋❤️

[@alanatolstad4824]

Jeff, I would like to add my request that you take the time to find the wife's resting place.

[@jbenziggy]

I may try to do that in the future, but she is buried in Glendale California.

[@debbiebrewington7635]

Do you know what happened to the children? So horrific to witness such an awful thing - then the manipulation. 😮 Thanks so much for all your very interesting videos.

[@jbenziggy]

I tried to do a little research to find out where the children are today, but I couldn’t find that information. I’m not sure if there’s still living or if they passed away. Thank you so much for watching my video.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

His ranch may still be there near Tehachapi.

[@debbiebrewington7635]

@@jbenziggy Thanks so much for the info. Appreciate your time.

[@jbenziggy]

@@Dive-Bar-Casanova it is. Someone told me where it is tonight!

[@jbenziggy]

@@debbiebrewington7635 someone told me tonight that both kids have died from cancer.

[@jennyz356]

"Beloved Father" yeah right, no way does he deserve to have that on his final resting place. RIP to his poor wife, hoping his children were able to go on to have good lives.

[@bobbauer2287]

Hi Jeff , Good job putting this together ! I knew about this only because of a Honeymooners episode, where Norton said the Racoons would have won a mombo contest if the other club didn't slip a Spade Cooley record in there .That's the episode called my aching back. Anyway out of curiosity I looked up Spade Cooley to see who he was or if it was a fictitious name and I read the whole story and it was horrifying ! Very sad ! Anyway I still watch them old Honeymooners episodes over and over when I'm relaxing and want peaceful fun tv ! Sorry I haven't posted many comments just been working alot crazy busy . Hope you guys are well ,I will share this Thanks Bob

[@jbenziggy]

Interesting comment! Thank you, Bob! Your comment is much appreciated! And yes we are doing well. Just getting a little tired of all the rain where we are!

[@bobbauer2287]

@@jbenziggy Glad to hear well rain beats snow and cold we have some of that but Spring will be here soon !

[@Slick2462]

Such a sad and tragic story! I think that you relayed this of so well, than you?

[@terryeustice5399]

Jeff I always learn something new. I was unaware of Cooley’s murdering his wife.Makes me so sad of this horrible crime.

[@jbenziggy]

I was kind of depressed, looking into the story. Such a horrible thing to do to women.

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

Sounds like justice was served after all. You’re right. He was a despicable human being. I believe Ronald Regan advocated for his parole. My husband was a womanizer. He had a dream I was cheating on him which he believed he never would have had if I hadn’t cheated. Of course, he cheated so I must have as well. I never did even during our separation. Can you imagine? I tried to convince him otherwise, but he’d have none of it. Of course, at the time, I was oblivious to what he was doing. I had no reason to think he was cheating. I was young and very trusting. Only well afterward did I realize his behavior was because of what he had been doing. I just didn’t know. He was a very good liar, apparently before we were married as well, so I was told many years later.

[@jbenziggy]

No doubt alcohol is what led him to this monstrous state. But that doesn’t make his crime any less horrifying.

[@robertc.delmedico6242]

Thank you, I had no idea. A truly horrible monster. Excellent work Jeff!

[@antblake1030]

What a demon of a man. That poor lady. RIP Ella Mae Evans. I hope you are at rest. I believe evil souls are wiped from existence so I don't think anyone will ever need to worry about Spade Cooley ever again.

[@davepalmerton2429]

He is paying the ultimate and much deserved price now. I hope his daughter found some form of piece later in her life.

[@larryjones2024]

Regularly watched his show with my parents as a kid. I can remember the trial, but don't recall the media reporting the brutality of his acts.

[@buckwheatsofia]

I watched a video about him & what he did to his wife. He was a horrible human being! Love your videos.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much, Becki. We really appreciate how you are enjoying the work that we do. Blessings to you.

[@judecash6918]

I'd never heard of this guy.very interesting video,thank u.Jude x

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it. I almost feel guilty, saying enjoy it because of the very graphic content, and how he murdered his wife.

[@johnnyjesus8]

Never heard of Spade Cooley before this video it goes to show how celebrities are put above everyone else when it comes to justice even back then. With OJ he had both things going for him at the time like today its fame and Race. Unbelievable after only 8 years Cooley got out. What a story thanks so much Jeff.

[@PicoAndSepulveda]

I remember OJ Simpson was presented as this wonderful guy. It was all PR horse manure. Ever since then I've had a much more jaded eye for celebrities.

[@chaniquasmith6258]

OJ Simpson was innocent.

[@nancynorton9119]

I remember this guy and I listen to classic country music on Sirius and it plays his music all the time. I hope his children are reaping the benefits from his royalties but who knows as vile & cruel as he was he may have made sure that they are not. 😢

[@passionforlust]

Great video Jeff, never heard of this sack of crap, won't forget this sack of crap now either. Regardless interesting history!

[@jbenziggy]

And can you believe that our governor recently said that the expectation to be clean and sober was one of the worst things our country has done? I have no doubt that alcoholism is what destroyed this man and lead to him being this monster.

[@passionforlust]

@@jbenziggy Was surprised his star on the walk of fame still remains. As for Alcohol not being drank in moderation I fully agree with your assessment. I quit drinking it myself over twenty years ago, glad I did!

[@1949ala]

I didn't watch him often, but I remember his show, and the scandal, thanks for doing this report...

[@irishgip71]

Great video sir!! Hope your keeping warm out there keeping us informed. Keep ‘em comin. Slainte.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! Will do!

[@skimmer8774]

I will never understand how the jury didn't find OJ guilty of double murder. Karma got him sent to prison for a little while though. Thanks for this history lesson Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

That’s another case that has my blood boiling. Sometimes I think these jurors get starstruck and fail to see the truth but then again, there’s always something called jury nullification which I’m sure also played into him getting off scot free.

[@kennethclaar922]

He was blk got a free pass

[@shaunstrasser1]

Another one that pisses me off is Casey Anthony being acquitted for killing her daughter Caylee

[@robertforrest7956]

​@@shaunstrasser1Absolutely!!!

[@personaking7844]

Nicole was a junkie...her drug debts got her killed

[@Mrgop]

I had a friend whose father played in Cooley's band. He said he was a very nice person.... as long as he wasn't trying to kill you.

[@strangebrew5545]

Bill, he must have been a epitome of "two'' personalities, such a horrible demon behind that sweet smiling face, and the public probably never knew the details of his sickening crime 😢

[@RavenBlaze420]

heard this man's story on ashley says so an was completely amazed at how much one person can be a POS. I wish his second wife had it so lucky as his first.

[@kmm129]

Love your work. Always a pleasure.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Can only hope there really is a hell and he gets the best of it. Wow Jeff this was incredibly sad but i grew up with domestic violence so i feel for their daughter. Great bit of history but sad Thankyou for sharing it

[@peanut_trucker]

Wow never knew about that one, thanks for sharing Jeff 👍

[@jeannemoore6610]

The first newspaper headline I remember seeing as a small child was about Spade Cooley killing his wife.

[@jbenziggy]

That’s a sad introduction into the world of newspapers but isn’t it usually about bad news?

[@altfactor]

Spade Cooley's biggest hit "Shame On You" could be sung at him for all the things he supposedly did.

[@landemorse7084]

Nice work Jeff am astounded by your information on little known history, yet very interesting subjects and people.

[@jbenziggy]

It’s just a lot of research! Thanks for leaving the comment!

[@user-bw6fd4ug4j]

So enjoying watching your channel for the last week! My father's mother is buried here

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate you letting me know that you like the channel! It’s fun seeing so many appreciate and enjoy the work! Blessings to you!

[@rudylovato2759]

Can you do a follow up on the daughter melody. My heart breaks for her. This evil man destroyed two lives and left his sons without there mother.

[@jbenziggy]

Somebody messaged me yesterday and said this: " I found out the son died from cancer after exposure in Vietnam and the daughter died in 2020 from cancer as well, she was only 52." I'm not sure how they found that information or if it's accurate but I'm going with it until shown otherwise.

[@rudylovato2759]

@@jbenziggy Thanks.

[@aulii11]

Wow, what a sad story - I had never heard of Spade before tonight, even though I was born during the time when he was very popular.

[@409rommel]

Never heard of him. And after watching this, sounds like I didnt miss out on anything. This just solidifies my reasoning why I dont give two sh**ts about celebs…. Haha, another great video buddy!!

[@jbenziggy]

The kind of guy you would have enjoyed arresting! LOL

[@409rommel]

@@jbenziggy For sure!! And I would not have gone to his concert😂

[@tomtransport]

I'm thinking 4 guys in uniforms could park a work truck in the street put out some caution red cones, some yellow caution tape, jackhammer the star out of the sidewalk and be gone before anybody askes to see permits for the removal of the star. I doubt they would replace it. I never heard of the guy but recognized Robert Mitchum at 4:12 and Dub Taylor at 6:04. Saw Son's of Pioneers and Roddy Mc Dowell on the billboard marquee so I know who they are. Good job as usual Jeff.😝😝😝

[@vasquezthegreat]

Just tuned in! 🍷

[@mariaa4572]

How well he was treated by law inforcement after THAT...😡 UGGHH.

[@marciachauvin3890]

I remember that name but never knew what he did. Thanks for bring this to our attention.

[@jimhousos5109]

What a great video, I feel sorry for spade's wife, Poor thing! I hope Spade is enjoying his time shoveling Coal, keeping thing warm down there.

[@jbenziggy]

I don’t know what would possess a man to be so evil and brutal. Yet, the world is full of people like this.

[@royston8044]

Never heard of this Guy but what a great story to watch and listen.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Royston! Say, why is Laurel and Hardy your channel icon?

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

Really gross how law enforcement favored him. 😮what a monster!

[@jbenziggy]

To perform for a benefit fit them seems to be a contradiction for the Alameda Sheriff’s Department.

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

@@jbenziggy yes thats totally crazy Jeff! 😳

[@melodymichaelis8783]

Thank you for an extremely touching video. Where is his poor wife buried?

[@jbenziggy]

I did mention at the end of the video where she is buried.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thanks Jeff, a real eye opener. Central California watching.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you. Kind sir.