Mary Joan Okum, known professionally as Bonnie Lou, born October 27, 1924 in Towanda, Illinois, was an American singer. She began performing at age 16 on WJBC (AM) in Bloomington, Illinois. In 1945, she was hired by WLW in Cincinnati and adopted the stage name Bonnie Lou. She performed regularly on the radio program Midwestern Hayride and at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1953, she signed with King Records and achieved country hits with "Tennessee Wig Walk" (1953) and "Seven Lonely Days" (1953). Bonnie Lou transitioned to rockabilly in 1954 with "Two-Step Side-Step", followed by her breakthrough hit "Daddy-O" in 1955. She was recognized as one of the first female rock and roll singers, gaining crossover success from country to rock and roll. She released her debut album Bonnie Lou Sings! in 1958. She died December 8, 2015.
