TULSA, OK, March 13, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- John Erling has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all considered during the selection process.

A distinguished figure in the field of oral history, Mr. Erling is the founder of Voices of Oklahoma, an innovative nonprofit platform dedicated to preserving the stories of notable Oklahomans. Since its inception, he has been instrumental in the production, research and editing processes, conducting interviews that capture the rich tapestry of Oklahoma's history. His dedication to this oral history project has resulted in a comprehensive collection of over 300 interviews that cover significant historical events such as the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, World War II and the Civil Rights Movement. Voices of Oklahoma serves as a vital tool for educators, students and the public.

Mr. Erling's storied career in radio broadcasting began in 1961 in Minnesota and North Dakota, where he honed his skills over 10 years. He then moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked for radio stations KOIL and WOW. In 1976, he transitioned to KRMG in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he became a prominent radio broadcaster and talk show host for "Erling in the Morning" over a span of 30 years. During his tenure at KRMG, he utilized his platform to engage with the community and spearheaded fundraising efforts to address Tulsa's needs.

Pivoting from radio broadcasting in 2006, Mr. Erling joined Ackerman McQueen, an advertising agency where he learned about the potential of the company's website and hourly live programs to reach international audiences. It was during this period that he befriended Walter Helmerich; an influential Oklahoma oilman whose interview inspired the creation of the website Voices of Oklahoma.

In addition, Voices of Oklahoma published three books which include some of the interviews from the oral history collection, while inviting the reader to visit the oral history website and podcast.

Mr. Erling's contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters in 2005 and later honored by the Oklahoma Historical Society's Historians Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2024, he was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame by the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum.

Born in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Mr. Erling is deeply rooted in his heritage as the grandson of four Norwegian immigrants who arrived in the United States in the late 1800's. Outside his professional endeavors, he enjoys running, having participated in marathons and half marathons. But he also enjoys Oklahoma's Grand Lake with his family, three dogs and a boat.

Looking to the future, Mr. Erling aspires to expand Voices of Oklahoma's reach and increase its collection of storytellers to become more widely recognized among the public. His passion for oral history continues to drive him toward these goals as he remains committed to capturing and sharing the voices that shape Oklahoma's legacy.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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