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 skills as a dedicated self-taught musician. During his high school years, he performed with the band Wilderness alongside friends John Glaser, Ron Morgan, and Greg Reeves.
His career trajectory was profoundly influenced by a long-standing association with music legend Leon Russell. Beginning at age 17, Thayer worked with his brother-in-law installing lights around Leon’s home in Maple Ridge. He recalled a particularly memorable moment when Leon invited them to Claud’s Hamburgers and drove down Peoria Avenue in a Rolls-Royce, praying someone would see him. Through this association, he witnessed sessions featuring iconic artists such as Eric Clapton and George Harrison. This connection to Russell extended to The Church Studio, where Thayer worked during the original 70s era and later spent time with his friend Steve Ripley when he owned it from ’87 to 2006. Their bond was personal as well; when Thayer’s daughter was born, Ripley gifted the family a “The Tractors” infant t-shirt and a pair of red Converse shoes that Ripley famously always wore on stage.
Years later, Thayer and Mike Pease (on harmonica) provided the acoustic music for The Church Studio’s grand reopening under new owner Teresa Knox. Since then he’s carried on his relationship with the studio, playing the Tunes @ Noon series and recording in the studio.
Thayer’s diverse professional experience includes touring with Hee Haw fiddler Jana Jae and becoming a staple for K95 radio. Throughout his career, he shared the stage with legends like Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and Clint Black. Notably, his band, David Thayer and Mesa, backed a then-unknown Billy Ray Cyrus for his debut performance of “Achy Breaky Heart” at the Tulsa State Fair. He played with John Anderson on his hit, “Swingin’.” He also managed a stint playing for George H.W. Bush’s campaign stops across the Midwest. Though he performed in college football stadiums and fairgrounds and still keeps his Secret Service pin as a memento, he never actually met the president.
Thayer also maintained a deep professional admiration and collaboration with legendary drummer Chuck Blackwell, who had played with Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the Everly Brothers, Taj Mahal, and Freddie King. In the late 1990s, they formed the band “Oklahoma Stew,” featuring a rotating lineup that included musicians like Johnny Williams on saxophone and Ray D. Rowe, an original member of The GAP Band. Thayer continued to perform with Blackwell until the drummer’s passing in 2017.
Today, he continues to book blues and country engagements as The David Thayer Band, often joined by his wife, Lisa Thayer. A classically trained pianist, Lisa has mastered the notoriously difficult playing style of Leon Russell, and Thayer affectionately calls her by the silly nickname “Leona Brussell.” Thayer maintains a regular Sunday residency at the Hurricane Lounge in Tulsa, where he combines music with philanthropy. Driven by a commitment to his community, the band donates 100% of their tips to the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. To date, these efforts have raised nearly $100,000, and Thayer has given himself the title of “The Jerry Lewis of Tulsa” for his tireless dedication to the cause.
See The David Thayer Band live at Carney Fest 2026.
Keep up with the band on Facebook, and watch David Thayer’s interview with The Church Studio’s Legends series.
