Tulsa Music History & News | The Church Studio Blog

Artist Spotlight: Beyana Band

Beyana Band There is music in Mariel Luna’s voice even before she begins to sing. Poised and confident, she carries a contained intensity that expands into a larger-than-life persona onstage. When she smiles, the song feels as though it belongs to you, too. Mariel had been writing songs since …

Artist Spotlight: Garrick Fausett & the Revelry

Garrick Fausett & the Revelry Ask Garrick Fausett what he plays and he’ll tell you: Outlaw Folk. Six generations of Ozark family history behind him, a biology degree in his back pocket, and a full band called The Revelry giving his songs muscle. Fausett grew up singing four-part harmony in…

Live Music in Tulsa: Tunes @ Noon Spotlight featuring: Micah Felts, Beyana Band, and Garrick Fausett

Discover the artists featured in The Church Studio's Tunes @ Noon concert series, Tulsa's signature midday live music experience. Tunes @ Noon stands alone in Tulsa’s music scene. More than a concert series, it’s an artist showcase, community builder, and one of Tulsa’s few opportunities to exper…

Artist Spotlight: Micah Felts

Micah Felts Micah Felts’ music began, improbably enough, with a white Fender Stratocaster from a shoe store window. His parents owned Felts Shoes, and when a Doc Martens display arrived with a guitar meant only as a prop, the company rep told the family they could keep it. Micah’s dad brought …

The Story Behind Leon Russell’s “Sweet Emily”

“Sweet Emily” began in a recording studio, sparked by one of those playful, offhand moments that can only happen among friends. Emily Smith loved the song, claimed the name, and carried it as part of her own story. Leon Russell recorded “Sweet Emily” in September 1970 at Muscle Shoals Studios in …

Artist Spotlight: Bear is Driving

Bear is Driving Bear Is Driving brings a confident, offbeat charm to Tulsa indie rock, with sharp hooks, energizing riffs, and a band roster where every member is credited with “vibes.” Their first Tunes @ Noon brought the house down, with showmanship, personality, and a current of energy that m…

Live Music in Tulsa: Tunes @ Noon Spotlight featuring: Bear is Driving, Billy Bonney, and Damaris

Discover the artists featured in The Church Studio's Tunes @ Noon concert series, Tulsa's signature midday live music experience. Tunes @ Noon stands alone in Tulsa's music scene. More than a concert series, it's an artist showcase, community builder, and one of Tulsa's few opportunities to exper…

Artist Spotlight: Billy Bonney

BILLY BONNEY Billy Bonney brings Southwest blues that feels lived-in, guitar-forward, and pulled straight from real life. Fronted by Kurtis Hair, with Felix Miller on bass and Lukus Peery on drums, the Stillwater trio blends blues-rock muscle with sharp, satirical songwriting. Kurtis writes li…

Artist Spotlight: Damaris

Damaris Damaris calls her music Spitfire Country. Once you hear a little of her story, the name fits. She spent years writing and singing mostly for herself. Then, in her 40s with her kids nearly grown, she decided to do something that scared her: get on stage. What came out draws from cou…

Roscoe Dabney III and the Foundations of the Tulsa Sound

The Outback from Tulsa circa 1972 Front: Lee Thomas “LT” Wells (lead guitar), Reggie Cherry (bass guitar/vocals), Edward “Cha Cha” Cherry Jr. (B-3 organ) Middle: Vocalists - Lena Lucky (Wilson) and Rose Brewer (Minter) Back: James “Flab” Farley (sax), Roscoe Dabney III (drums), Charlie Wilson (lead …

Artist Spotlight: Billy Byrnes the Blues

Live Music in Tulsa: Tunes @ Noon Spotlight featuring: Symon Hajjar, Billy Byrnes the Blues, and Casii Stephan

Artist Spotlight: Symon Hajjar, Hot Toast Music

Symon Hajjar, Hot Toast Music Symon Hajjar wears a lot of hats: musician, songwriter, educator, storyteller, founder of Hot Toast Music Company, Grammy Recording Academy member, and champion of curiosity. Somehow, he manages to wear them all with enthusiasm, imagination, and the joyful spirit tha…

Artist Spotlight: Billy Byrnes the Blues

Billy Byrnes the Blues Billy Byrnes the Blues has become a fan favorite at Tunes @ Noon, bringing a rich blend of blues, rock, soul, and decades of hard-earned musicianship to The Church Studio. Guitarist Billy Byrnes has spent his career playing between Long Island and the West Coast as a ba…

Artist Spotlight: Casii Stephan

Casii Stephan Casii Stephan didn’t come to Tulsa chasing fame. She arrived in 2014 intending to walk away from music altogether. Instead, Tulsa gave her back her voice. Her sound moves through soul, pop, rock, and blues without settling into any one of them. It's raw, emotionally direct, and u…

Artist Spotlight: Brent Giddens

Brent Giddens Brent Giddens teaches school by day and plays music at night, and he takes both seriously. Few voices stop the room the way Brent’s does. Warm, honeyed, and powerful, that baritone feels like comfort food, familiar before he’s even through the first song. Brent started out as an El…

Artist Spotlight: Groucho

Groucho Dustin Howard spends his days teaching music, mentoring young artists, and running Noise Town, a West Tulsa rehearsal, recording, and performance space built around the idea that music should be accessible, collaborative, and open to all, a place where students, local bands, and touring mus…

Artist Spotlight: Jackson Glasby

Jackson Glasby At 17, Jackson Glasby had a heart attack during a high school basketball game. The surgery that followed left him grounded, nowhere to go, nothing to do but sit and play guitar. Five or six hours a day, every day. That's where this started. Glasby is from Fort Gibson, and he's bee…

Live Music in Tulsa: Tunes @ Noon Spotlight — Brent Giddens, Groucho, and Jackson Glasby

Discover the artists featured in The Church Studio’s Tunes @ Noon concert series, a popular midday music experience in Tulsa Tunes @ Noon is the only daytime concert series of its kind in Tulsa. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12 to 1 PM, with occasional Featured Friday performances, T…

Artist Spotlight: Jake Karlik Band

Jake Karlik Band If you grew up on Southern rock, or just wish you had, the Jake Karlik Band are going to feel like a good memory you didn't know you had. Jake Karlik founded the band at 23. Now 26, he fronts the Jake Karlik Band, formerly Jake & the Idols, alongside Ian McGuire on guitar, G…

Artist Spotlight: Randy Brumley

Randy Brumley Randy Brumley has been around long enough to know where the good music comes from. He was part of the Tulsa music scene in the 1980s, recorded their album Media Blitz at The Church Studio with his band Square Force, and then life took him in a different direction. The Church brough…

Artist Spotlight: ThunderSleet

ThunderSleet Beth Turner met Janey Mullenax on a Sunday and Carmen Skelton on a Monday. By Tuesday, they were rehearsing. Beth had a gig in mind. Carmen thought they were just fooling around. The gig was a birthday party. ThunderSleet was born. Three years later, the trio has become one of th…

Live Music in Tulsa: Tunes @ Noon Spotlight — Jake Karlik Band, Randy Brumley, and ThunderSleet

Artist Spotlight: Peggy Johnson

Peggy Johnson "I want to play my guitar; everything else is bullshit." - Peggy Johnson A true southern powerhouse, Peggy Johnson has been a cornerstone of the Oklahoma City acoustic scene since 1985, when she first planted her Georgia roots in Red Dirt soil. Her music is a raw, soulful blend of…

Carney Fest Artist Spotlight: The David Thayer Band, The Hi-Fi Hillbillies, and Peggy Johnson

THESE TUNES @ NOON ARTISTS WILL BE PERFORMING AT CARNEY FEST 2026 MAY 2ND. Experience the magic of The Church Studio during the "Tunes @ Noon" series (Tue-Thu-Sat). Enjoy intimate live performances from talented Americana, jazz, and rock musicians in a legendary setting. Your admission includes a m…

Artist Spotlight: The David Thayer Band

The David Thayer Band "Praying someone will see me." – David Thayer Lifetime Tulsan and versatile musician David Thayer began his musical journey at age five, inspired by Lawrence Welk’s guitarist, Neil LeVang. After receiving an electric guitar for Christmas and a few lessons, he developed his …

Artist Spotlight: The Hi-Fi Hillbillies

The Hi-Fi Hillbillies The Hi-Fi Hillbillies are fabulous! - says everyone who’s ever heard them The Hi-Fi Hillbillies ignite the spirit of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s with electrifying performances of vintage rock and roll. With authentic grit, razor-sharp musicianship, and undeniable charisma, the…

Carney Fest Artist Spotlight: Jim Bachmann, Luke Rountree & The Wild Mercury, and Brother Rabbit

Carney Fest Artist Spotlight: Patti Steel, Tom Pevear, and Native Strange

Historic Church Studio Flooring Reborn as One-of-a-Kind Guitar by Seth Lee Jones (raffle)

Historic Church Studio Flooring Reborn as One-of-a-Kind Guitar by Seth Lee Jones Custom instrument crafted from original studio flooring will support The Church Studio Music Foundation through limited-time raffle TULSA, Okla. Music history has been made inside The Church Studio for generations. …

Artist Spotlight: Knipple

Knipple We always have some unexpected shenanigans – Jordank Knipple is a Tulsa-based punk-jazz duo consisting of JordanK (bass/whale sounds) and Knicholas (drums/emotions). Known as a "rhythm section for hire" turned front-stage act, they perform eclectic, high-energy, and interactive music fea…

Artist Spotlight: The Websters

The Websters We have a weird obsession with Tulsa – The Websters Brothers Blake and Conrad Webster started playing music together as teenagers in Miami, Oklahoma, before later relocating to Joplin, Missouri. And despite never actually living in Tulsa, Blake says the brothers have always had a “w…

Artist Spotlight: Tempest Revival

Tempest Revival Getting a little rowdy, a little sassy Tempest Revival is an Oklahoma-based band formed in 2022 by Cody Marriott and Jade Wilson Marriott, known for original tunes and lively, harmonious performances. Americana and country are the starting points, but where they end up is entirel…

Carney Fest Artist Spotlight: Knipple, The Websters, and Tempest Revival

The Church Studio Presents CHRIS O’DELL: Abbey Road to Tulsa Time A New Podcast

The Church Studio Presents CHRIS O'DELL: Abbey Road to Tulsa Time A New Podcast Chris O'Dell's life seems like it belongs in a movie—and it was! She wasn't simply an Apple Records employee of the Beatles; she was a part of rock history. Imagine being in the recording studio during the c…

Artist Spotlight: Red Dirt Rangers

The Red Dirt Rangers For nearly four decades, the ageless Red Dirt Rangers—John Cooper, Brad Piccolo, and Ben Han—have served as ambassadors of the genre they helped pioneer. Forging what they call an “elusive stew,” their Red Dirt sound blends country, rock and roll, bluegrass, and Western swing, …

Tunes @ Noon Artist Spotlight: The Marriotts, Red Dirt Rangers, and The Lonelys

Tunes @ Noon at The Church Studio: Spotlight on past performers: The Marriotts, Red Dirt Rangers, and The Lonelys Experience the magic of The Church Studio during the "Tunes @ Noon" series (Tue-Thu-Sat). Enjoy intimate live performances from talented Americana, jazz, and rock musicians in a legend…

Artist Spotlight: The Lonelys

The Lonelys Founded in 2009 by Donovan Fite and producer Jason Swanson, The Lonelys are a Tulsa-based power-pop quartet currently featuring Fite, Deanna Wiens, Shawn Bender and Jordan Jackson. The group is celebrated for blending 1960s and 70s influences—reminiscent of the Beatles and Queen—with ri…

Artist Spotlight: The Marriotts

The Marriotts Jennifer Marriott is a multifaceted artist from Canada, known for her soulful singing and dynamic presence in the local music scene, often performing with her husband, blues artist Pete Marriott. They have lived in Tulsa for approximately twenty years and blend various music styles, d…

Tommy Allsup: The Day the Music Died

On The Day The Music Died February 3, 1959, Tommy Allsup who was with Buddy Holly on the Winter Dance Party Tour alongside Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper, and Waylon Jennings. Because of a coin toss he missed getting on Buddy Holly’s airplane. He lived to become a highly respected American rockabilly,…

PART 9: Steve Ripley’s Legacy

“Steve Ripley was the greatest advocate for Tulsa and Oklahoma music there ever was.” – Taylor Hanson Steve Ripley was destined for a life of music. Growing up, family gatherings filled with the sounds of Bob Wills and Elvis Presley sparked a passion in him. He cherished family and share…

Leon Russell’s “Hummingbird”: A Love Song to Chris O’Dell

When superstar Leon Russell wrote “Hummingbird,” he wasn’t just crafting a song; he was writing a love letter and tribute to someone very special, Chris O’Dell. Most music fans know that Leon was inspired to compose “Pisces Apple Lady” for Chris, but fewer realize he also created “Hummingbird” for h…

The Story Behind Leon Russell’s “This Masquerade”

Blog by Nancy Ruth, June 9, 2025 "This Masquerade” is one of Leon Russell's most haunting and enduring compositions, a ballad steeped in melancholy, mystery, and emotional resignation. While many fans know the song through George Benson’s smooth jazz, Grammy-winning 1976 version, the song's orig…

Steve Ripley: Part 8 Facing Death

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. - Plato We often view artists as resilient beings leading extraordinarily inspired lives. This is especially true for musicians who have the ability to create beauty that goes …

Shure’s Century of Sound Exhibit at The Church Studio

For one hundred years, Shure has stood as an inspiration of quality, innovation, and excellence in audio technology. In celebrating the 100th anniversary of Shure Incorporated, The Church Studio pays tribute to a legacy of sound and the extraordinary evolution of microphones that has transformed mus…

Steve Ripley: Part 7 – Moving to The Farm

By the mid 2000s, Steve Ripley had taken the country music industry by storm with his band, The Tractors. Their self-titled debut album and the single "Baby Likes to Rock It" became the fastest-selling debut album from a country group to reach platinum status. The band's success led to two Grammy Aw…

Steve Ripley – Creator, Producer and Historian of Oklahoma Music Part 6

Ripley had a special relationship with the Red Dirt Rangers. In fact, when he inducted them into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2017, he reminisced: Once upon a time… Twenty-some years ago…The Red Dirt Rangers showed up at The Church Studio – my home away from home in those days. They…

The Grease Band: Shelter Records’ Unsung Rock Heroes

Shelter Record Artists: The Grease Band While the connection to Joe Cocker is nearly inseparable, The Grease Band was formed in the mid-1960s, with Chris Stainton on bass but who later switched to keyboards, Henry McCullough on lead guitar, Alan Spenner on bass, Bruce Rowland on drums, Neil Hubba…

Steve Ripley – Boy Rocking Part 5

After a successful decade of The Tractors most of the original members took off in different directions (see Part 4). In 2001, Steve Ripley partnered with Audium Records and Koch Entertainment to launch Boy Rocking Records. Tulsa musician, author, and keeper of unofficial Tulsa music archives, John …

Hometown Heroes Concert at Aquafest, September 3, 1983

Hometown Heroes Concert at Aquafest, September 3, 1983 The inaugural Great Raft Race was organized and initiated by Ron Blue, the General Manager of KRMG, to be held on Labor Day in September 1973. There were over 160 raft entries and 500 competitors that first year, with a $1000 cash prize up f…

Immersive Listening Experience “IN SESSION” Launched

The Church Studio is proud to present In Session, a breakthrough dynamic listening experience supported by Shure, the renowned audio technology leader. In Session is a unique listening experience that will showcase the depth of audio technology and invite music lovers and audiophiles to imme…

CELEBRITY HANGOUT: The Church Studio Green Room at the BOK Center Arena

The Church Studio is honored to collaborate with Tulsa's BOK Center. The BOK Center finished a record-breaking year in 2023, the venue reported 56 shows, with 415,000 attendees. The BOK hosts some of the biggest names in music, and exhilarating sports events, and has become a cornerstone of the comm…

Steve Ripley – The Tractors Are a Powerful Engine Part 4

Steve Ripley: The Tractors Are a Powerful Engine Ripley always kept a large Rolodex full of numerous friends and contacts. According to Charlene, “Steve was great at remembering people and keeping them around and often involved. This was before social media and cell phones. He stayed in touch with …

Meet the Team: Church Studio Sound Engineer, Mike Prado

Mike Prado is basically a native Tulsan - born at St. Francis in Tulsa, Oklahoma and reared in Owasso, Oklahoma. Mike had a typical high school experience between skateboarding and his heavy metal band. His passion for music led him to Orlando and Full Sail University, where he pursued a degree i…

The Story behind “A Song For You” by Leon Russell

The Story behind “A Song For You” by Leon Russell Leon Russell’s melancholy ballad, “Song for You," is a well-known classic. This poignant composition, the first track on his self-titled debut album, recorded at Sunset Sound in LA in early 1970, continues to connect with people of all ages. The h…

Tommy Lokey: Consummate Jazzman at The Church Studio

Tommy Lokey was a jazz trumpeter from Tulsa, Oklahoma, co-founder of the Gap Band, and a frequent collaborator at The Church Studio. He bridged jazz, funk, rock, and gospel music, earning recognition for both his technical skill and his spiritual approach to performance. Tommy Lokey Quick Bio: …

Charlie Wilson to Receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Charlie Wilson to Receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Tulsa, Oklahoma native funk and R&B artist Charlie Wilson, a powerhouse vocalist and pianist with the Gap Band and later a solo career, and an original Shelter Records artist, will be recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk o…

Steve Ripley – Creating “The Tractors” Part 3 Deep Dive

Steve Ripley, at the time, the co-owner of The Church Studio, had a vision of a band he’d been creating in his mind and through his work for some time. Essentially, by the early 90s, Ripley was about to unleash a lifetime of creative experience. The musicians he was recording with were associated wi…

A Videographer’s Perspective: Making of the “Man in Bronze” Film.

Three years ago, as a brand-new intern, I was dunked head-first into easily the most exciting video project I have ever worked on. Teresa Knox, the CEO of The Church Studio, personally entrusted me — on the sole basis of my portfolio and a few shoots together — to capture something that she deeply c…

Tom Petty’s Journey at The Church Studio

The most important years during the Leon-era history of Tulsa’s Church Studio were 1972–1976. During that time, a wide variety of artists recorded there, some important in music history, others less so. Tom Petty has a story at The Church Studio before he and The Heartbreakers found worldwide succes…

Casii Stephan Records “A Song For You” at The Church Studio

Casii Stephan, a soul pop/rock artist originally from Minnesota and now based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is known for her emotive vocals and intricate melodies. Casii's music, often compared to artists like Florence Welch and Fiona Apple, is characterized by its theme of hope. Her success includes multiple…

The Fairchild 660 Audio Compressor at The Church Studio

The Church Studio, with its rich history and legendary recordings, has long attracted musicians seeking high-quality sound. To elevate this sacred space even further, we’ve included a vintage piece of analog audio gear, the Fairchild 660 Audio Compressor, known as the "holy grail" of outboard gear. …

The Magical Sounds of The Church Studio’s Legendary Neve 8068

Neve is one of the most well-known names in sound engineering and music production. Neve consoles, famed for their craftsmanship and unequaled sound quality, have been at the heart of many classic albums. Its warm analog sound and ingenious design have made it a highly sought-after piece of gear amo…

Grammy Award-Winning Audio Engineer, Gary Laney joins The Church Studio

Q&A with Gary Laney What was your first impression of The Church Studio? The studio was incredible sounding, the mic selection was great and of course the Neve 8068 is a legendary board. The crew here is full of fun, hard working people that are trying to make every client’s visit extraordi…

Steve Ripley – Producer at The Church Studio and Leader of The Tractors Part 2

Part 2: Steve Ripley - Music Producer at The Church Studio and Leader of The Tractors Steve Ripley left Oklahoma to pursue his musical dreams in Nashville and Los Angeles before returning to Tulsa. Numerous well-known performers in the rock, country, and Americana music genres considered him a frie…

A band sits in the Live Room at the Church Studio, surrounded by a track for a camera dolly.

The Benefits of Recording in a Professional Studio

Recording has evolved significantly since Leon Russell created the Church Studio in 1972. With the rise of home studios, many artists now have the opportunity to create music without leaving the comfort of home. However, there are undeniable advantages to recording in a professional studio. Let'…

A Journey Through Time: The Enchanting History of Reverb

A Journey Through Time: The Enchanting History of Reverb by Nancy Ruth Reverb is one of the most intriguing and vital effects in the world of music production. This amazing auditory phenomenon may take listeners to otherworldly regions while adding depth, texture, and a feeling of space to musi…

The Top 10 Shelter Records Artists You Need to Know

Shelter Records holds a significant place in music history, having launched the careers of numerous talented artists and contributing to the development of iconic sounds. Founded in 1969 by Leon Russell and Denny Cordell, Shelter Records quickly became known for its diverse roster of musicians and i…

The Tulsa Sound: The Definitive Definition by Ann Bell

The Tulsa Sound: The Definitive Definition by Ann Bell I was privileged to be born in 1950, in the Great State of Oklahoma, and the Great City of Tulsa. Growing up I learned very quickly just how blessed I was to be an Okie and for many reasons. The people are such loving, laid-back, God-fearing pa…

JJ Cale Finds Shelter

After shopping around for more than six months, Audie Ashworth and JJ Cale decided to sign with Leon Russell and Denny Cordell’s Shelter label, probably on June 5, 1971. This was the same day that Cale re-recorded a new version of “After Midnight” (at Cordell’s request, some say Ashworth’s), and als…

Leon Russell: The Early Childhood Years

Most of us know about Claude Russell Bridges playing the piano by ear at 4 years old and hitting the honky tonks around Tulsa at 14 – but not a lot is recorded about his formative childhood years. Who was young Claude Russell Bridges? I'm always fascinated by the backstories of famous people, tr…

History of Shelter Records

Shelter Records was started by Leon Russell and Denny Cordell. The label operated from 1969 to 1981. The company established offices in Los Angeles and in 1972; set up in Tulsa, Oklahoma at The Church Studio. In Tulsa, the label’s mission was to foster an environment described as a "workshop atmos…

Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon Johnson Caskey

Volunteers rock at The Church Studio! We love and appreciate the valuable role they play in our operations. Sharon Johnson Caskey is one of our talented volunteers. She not has a knack for arranging flowers and choosing trees for Magnolia Meadows, but she's wonderful in our retail store, serving cli…

Steve Ripley’s Red Dirt Roots Part 1

Steve Ripley: 1950-2019 Oklahoma Music Legend, Owner of The Church Studio, member of The Tractors It’s comforting to know that after you’re gone, a part of you will remain. Steve Ripley left behind an artistic legacy that will have an impact long after his passing. Many people were impacted by…

Remembering Leon Russell

Leon Russell was born Claude Russell Bridges on April 2, 1942 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Leon passed away on Nov. 13, 2016 in Nashville at the age of 74. His wife said that he passed away in his sleep. Russell's website wrote. "The Master Of Space And Time was a legendary musician and songwriter origin…

GUEST BLOG: Rusty Russell’s Recording Studio Experience

The genesis of our project at The Church Studio was a bit different than most; four high school friends from Wichita (classes of ’73, ’74), and '75) had spent years in the big music-center cities of Nashville & L.A. Between us, we’d toured with many “name” artists, recorded a great deal (as pl…

THE CHURCH STUDIO NAMED TO NATIONAL REGISTER

Less than a year after the devastating passing of Leon Russell, The Church Studio has earned a respected, unique and highly desired designation to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation became effective Sept. 8, 2017 as reported by the National Park Service. Although …

Working for Shelter Paul Sparks

Volunteer Spotlight: Willis Allen

We love our volunteers and appreciate the valuable role they play in the operations of The Church Studio. We could not be more excited to introduce you to one of our very first volunteers, Willis Allen. If you have attended one of our Studio Tours, you have probably met or visited Willis. …

Play it Back: A Private Tour of the Church Studio

The stone building at 3rd and Trenton first caught my attention in December of 2019. I had just moved into an apartment on the east side of downtown Tulsa, and I began to regularly pass by what is now (or rather, again) the Church Studio. During that time amid restoration, each subtle change prompte…

How Leon Russell’s Hats Improved His Showmanship

Leon Russell’s Signature Style Leon Russell's distinctive vocal and instrumental style made him one of the great singer-songwriters of all time. He was a unique pianist, composer, singer, songwriter, and showman. He collected masks, noisemakers, and musical instruments, but his canes and hats w…

Q&A with Johnny “Blues” McDonnell

We met with Johnny Blues McDonnell; New Yorker, old-school LeonLifer, die hard Leon Russell fan, and The Church Studio supporter and promoter to talk about all things Leon! Johnny! Can you tell us a little about yourself? I’m a New Yorker! I was in retail for 38 years and have been retired 10 …

A CHURCH, A CHAIR, A BOY AND A PRAYER

There comes a time in life when one is moved to reflect upon major events in his or her life as old friends, relatives, family members “cash in their chips” and depart the game of life. As the days, months and years come and go, the hectic responsibilities of life take the greater majority of a pers…

Leon, J.J., and the Super Dupers

Having grown tired of the fourteen-hour days in the recording studio playing on other people’s records, Leon Russell decided in 1965 to work for legendary producer Snuff Garrett, who was starti…

6 Things You Might Not Know About Leon Russell’s “A Song For You”

Leon Russell’s 1970 instant classic “A Song For You,” a mainstay on all reality singing competition shows, and a song that has been recorded by scores of prominent recording artists (and hundreds of not-so-prominent), was recently voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Russell originally released the s…

Traveling in Leon Russell’s Tulsa Footsteps – A Tulsa Driving Tour

It's hard to overstate the influence Leon Russell made to the music world in his 60 years in the industry; inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Grammy recipient and more. Likewise, his musical genius made a lasting impact on Tulsa - from the …

Leon Russell: ‘Going Back To Tulsa One More Time’

Overview: A day trip to Tulsa turns into an unexpected deep dive into Leon Russell’s world. This first-hand account traces one visitor’s discovery of The Church Studio - where Russell founded Shelter Records, recorded countless classics, and shaped the Tulsa Sound that influenced music legends from …

The Making of Leon Russell Road

I drove by The Church Studio on Third Street one morning in 2006 and found that its then-owner, musician Steve Ripley, had a hand-made “For Sale” sign stuck in the yard of the legendary recording studio he had owned for the last 20+ years. He had written his cell phone number on the sign. …

Dwight Twilley, Legendary Power Pop Singer and Songwriter; Talks Leon Russell

In 1974, Dwight Twilley was signed to Shelter Records and returned to his hometown of Tulsa Oklahoma. Once in Tulsa, Twilley and his bandmate, Phil Seymour, recorded at The Church Studio and had great connections and relationships with Leon Russell, Denny Cordell, and artists like Tom Petty. Dwight …

2021: Things are Rockin’ at the Church Studio

The Church Bulletin We're getting so close, the wait is nearly over! Drywall is up, the greenspace to the west has a landscape plan, 22 miles of wiring is in place - every board is screwed into position - no nails for The Church Studio! The oversized elevator will hold your grand piano, and sev…

THE BILL DAVIS INTERVIEW

By Steve Todoroff It’s a late September night at the Sunset Grill, a combination cafe/night club in Tulsa where eager fans begin to cram themselves around tables near the vicinity of the dance floor. As they mingle about, a party-like atmosphere maintains them until that moment the band squeezes on…

Pamela Thompson Pickett: You Will Be Missed!

By: Ann Bell Nicholson Pam was born to parents, Eula Mae and Jeff Thompson. They were Tulsa residents. She was an only child. She was born on December 31, 1951 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Pam graduated from Bishop Kelley High School and then the University of Oklahoma. While a student in Norman OK, P…

Eric Clapton Gets Arrested in Tulsa!

It Happened at the Airport It was 1975. Eric Clapton had just flown into Tulsa, Oklahoma to perform. The excitement of Eric's arrival was quickly updated with news. He'd been arrested at the airport. A First-Hand Account The Church Studio talked with John Southern, the photojournalist and loca…

Leon Russell Performs at Duke University in 1971

We absolutely love our Church Studio family and the fantastic stories they share with us. This article features a series of photographs by photographer, Ric Carter. Our good friend, American Roots musician, and Leon Lifer Bill Lyerly introduced us to Ric. Thank you, Bill! Exclusive Leon Russell P…

Volunteer Spotlight – Bill Avery

Bill Avery, Leon Lifer and a Church Studio volunteer, is a dedicated, knowledgeable, and fun-loving ambassador for the Church and for Leon's legacy. Although he lives in New Jersey, we have been fortunate to have Bill travel to Tulsa and assist with concerts and book signings. Tell us about yoursel…

Hero image with Tom Petty and the blog title.

TWENTIETH-CENTURY HONKY-TONK – Q&A with John Wooley

Music writer John Wooley is at it again! This time bringing us the incredible story of the historic Cain’s Ballroom‘s first 75 years with his new book, TWENTIETH-CENTURY HONKY-TONK. The Church Studio had the opportunity to catch up with John last week and chat about the new book. Read our quick Q&a…

2018: Year in Review

Jan 2019 Newsletter Dear Friends, 2018 has been a year of growth, community and resilience for our organization. Our team has been busy with multiple projects, including the renovation of the historic Harwelden Mansion and the construction in Studio Row, which have all been equally demanding an…