Harlow Wilcox and the Oakies were an American country band, best known for their 1969 instrumental hit "Groovy Grubworm". Led by guitarist Harlow Wilcox, born in Norman, Oklahoma, on January 28, 1943, the band specialized in cover-based instrumental country music, blending traditional country sounds with surf and rock'n'roll influences, making their music accessible to both country and pop audiences. In 1969, "Groovy Grubworm " was a resounding success, topping the country charts (#30 on the pop chart) and earning a Grammy nomination. This was the only success for the band, who released two albums on Plantation Records, Groovy Grubworm and Other Golden Guitar Greats (1969) and Cripple Cricket and Other Country Critters (1970). The band, completed by Tom Rivers (bass) and Bobby Warren (drums), later split up, and Harlow Wilcox went on to collaborate with other artists. Harlow Wilcox died of a heart attack on August 26, 2002 in Oklahoma City.
