Through his connections at Tinker AFB, Graham was able to secure the band’s first gig at the Airman’s Club. There were a few stumbles here and there, but the band was well received and soon became regulars at the club.  Before too long, The Foxxe was playing all the local teen hops and high school dances in the Midwest City area.  Roger Eaves decided to leave the band at this point and was not replaced.  Continued success followed and after a year or so, Ralph Fields left the band to spend more time with his family. He was immediately replaced by vocalist Steve Bruno. Steve previously sang with the Grave Raiders and already knew much of the band’s material.  He was a likeable guy who knew how to work an audience.  Without missing a beat, the band moved on.

A Hootenanny at Midwest High School in 1969 changed everything for The Foxxe.  The act that followed them was a stunning performance of a Gene Pitney song sung by a sensational 16 year old vocalist named Ira Beth Wylie. Graham was completely knocked out by this young lady and without consulting the other members, asked her to join the band.  She said “YES” right then and there! As it turned out, the other guys in the band were thinking the same thing, so it was unanimous! 

With Ira now in the line-up the band exploded!  Coupled with Steve’s vocals, The Foxxe was now one of Oklahoma City’s top bands.  Suddenly, they became very busy, turning down many offers to play because of prior commitments. The Foxxe auditioned for WKY disk jockey Dale Wehba and was hired on the spot. Dale recommended them to Ronnie Kaye and Don Wallace and they soon joined the stable of WKY bands.  Shortly thereafter, Mike Henley decided to leave the band.  He was not replaced.

With Mike’s departure, Ira assumed additional duties on the keyboards.  She played a Hammond B-3 with Leslie speakers and there is many a tale to tell about lugging that thing around, especially up flights of stairs and fire escapes!  The band had matured and was playing just about everywhere there was to play, including college fraternities and sororities as well as special events and regular club gigs. 

Graham was discharged from the Air Force in July 1970.  His home was in Florida but he decided to live in Midwest City and continue playing with The Foxxe.  The band reached its peak during this period, and added a horn section that included Don Cheatwood on saxophone and Jim Burson on trumpet. 

As June of 1971 rolled around, Steve Bruno announced that he would be leaving the band as soon as a replacement could be found.  This was a crushing blow since Steve was such an integral part of the band.  Vocalist Sylvester Smith took Steve’s place.  Sylvester played a few gigs with the band, but his heart was not in it and after a month or so decided to leave.  By this time, the band had just about run its course. No one had the energy or ambition to continue. On July 24, 1971, The Foxxe played an event in Midwest City.  Sadly, it was their last gig.

From 1968 through 1971, The Foxxe enjoyed tremendous success.  They played many high profile gigs across Oklahoma and surrounding states, and worked with well-known artists such as Del Shannon and Brian Hyland.  Ira Beth Wylie was considered by many to be the top female vocalist on the music scene and was much respected in the music community. Her impact is well remembered by all that heard her sing, including the WKY jocks. During her tenure with The Foxxe, Ira was offered a recording contract with Liberty Records. Fearing she was too young and would possibly leave home for California, Ira’s mother would not let her accept!  Saxophonist Don Cheatwood was later recruited by Lawrence Welk and Glen Campbell.  Recently married and a child on the way, he turned the offers down.

The band did a few studio gigs for demo purposes, but for some reason never released a record.  They should have!