Although it’s one of the most iconic music venues in the world, Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma, may also be the most haunted. The building that would become Cain’s was originally built in 1924 to be a garage. But by 1930, it was sold to Madison “Daddy” Cain. His first venture was to turn it into “Cain’s Academy of Dancing”, but when that business didn’t succeed, Daddy reinvented the business again, this time as a performance venue. And the rest, as they, say, is music history. Since that time, Cain’s Ballroom has established itself as one of the top music venues in the country, hosting such eclectic acts as Bob Wills, Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols, the Police, Elvis Costello, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Hank Williams Jr., Insane Clown Posse, Machine Gun Kelly, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, and many, many more. In recognition of its place in American culture, Cain’s Ballroom is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2021, Cain’s ranked #13 in the world for club venue ticket sales.With such a long and colorful history, and with so many people passing through over the years, it’s no real surprise that Cain’s Ballroom attracts spirits from the afterlife.
A tour guide heard the voice of a woman sobbing and moaning in pain where the old restroom used to be. No one was there.
A man in antiquated early-20th century cowboy gear went to the bar and asked for a 10-cent bag of popcorn. That price hasn’t been valid in decades.
Employes and patrons have seen a transparent woman in a red ballgown.
A paranormal investigator caught an Electronic Voice Phenomenon of a young girl saying, “I want to help.” Her name is believed to be Chloe.
Another investigator captured an EVP of a young woman’s voice saying, “Please shoot me in the head.”
Still another ghost hunter reports seeing a 4-foot-tall shadow person.
Unexplained hot and cold spots
Orbs in photographs
Legend says that the ghost of Bob Wills still haunts his favorite performance venue, but there don’t seem to be any records of manifestations that specifically suggest that. If you are ever in Tulsa, Cain’s Ballroom is a historic music venue that is worth seeing for its musical significance alone. But if you hang around, you just might see the spirits of those who passed through and never left.
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