“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 shared that love with everyone. Ripley’s legacy is a mix of music, family, joy, history, and innovation. By supporting others, he made Oklahoma proud.
Ripley once said, “I don’t care if I’m remembered… it’s through my kids.” He joked about being inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame during an interview with John Erling, saying, “Me go in before JJ Cale? You’ve got to be kidding!” He knew Cale and had spoken with him about such matters, but Cale didn’t get in until after he died. Ripley quipped, “I’ll stick with that model. Put me in after I’m dead.” Fittingly, Ripley was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame on August 1, 2025, at OKPOP.
He was proud of his children, who carry on his legacy. He took them everywhere, and music meant connection, friendship, and love. Their father influenced them both, yet in different ways.
His son, Elvis Ripley, studied at the University of Tulsa and is a busy filmmaker. He is known for The End of the Dial and L’dor V’dor: Generation to Generation (2019), which won an Emmy in 2020. This film traces Tulsa’s Jewish community from its arrival in America to its roots. Like his father, he helps people tell their stories for future generations. He filmed his father in various documentaries, including a music sample from L’dor V’dor, Jubal and Violin, featuring Ripley and Fats Kaplin. He divides his time between Tulsa and Los Angeles with his partner, Paige Turlington.
Steve Ripley’s daughter, Angelene Ripley Wright, began as a manager at Ida Red General Stores in 2008. She bought the stores in 2016, growing them to three locations in Tulsa. Ida Red features a special Oklahoma Icons line with JJ Cale, Steve Ripley, The Tractors, Leon Russell, and Hanson.
Angelene was named the 2024 Oklahoma Small Businessperson of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. She is married to Jonny Wright, a musician and television producer, and they are raising their two children, Mickey and Stevie, in Tulsa.
The Ripley family enjoys spending time together at the Ripley Farm. Many birthdays and holidays continue their family traditions around the bonfire, in the big kitchen, and playing in the fields and woods on their land… as did Steve Ripley as a young child.
Steve Ripley was a musician who defied easy categorization. He explored and mastered a wide range of musical styles rooted in Oklahoma and documented the rise of American popular music from the late 1940s through the 1980s—a sound shaped by jazz, boogie-woogie, jump blues, country, gospel, and rhythm and blues. His work earned widespread praise and recognition during his life and continues to do so posthumously.
He had plans for more albums—gospel, garage band, instrumental, and tributes to Hank Williams and others. While those projects never materialized, he left a rich musical legacy, including a children’s CD and Christmas albums.
Ripley was a down-to-earth Oklahoman through and through, with a heart as big as his love for music. He threw himself into projects that strengthened the local music community, always ready to lend a hand or share his knowledge. One lasting example is the Red Dirt Relief Fund, co-founded by Katy Dale and John Cooper in 2012. What began as a way to help Oklahoma musicians in times of need has grown into an organization supporting the entire music community—a mission Ripley would have quietly championed, the kind of work he believed in without ever seeking the spotlight.
According to the Red Dirt Relief Fund, “on March 25–26, 2014, more than 50 Oklahoma musicians joined legendary producer Steve Ripley to stand up and sing out in support of expanding health coverage for uninsured residents.” The project, Stand: Let Your Voice Be Heard, was captured on video by acclaimed Oklahoma filmmaker Sterlin Harjo. When Ripley passed, his family asked that donations be made to the Red Dirt Relief Fund in his memory.
The Fund also presents the Restless Spirit Award each year at Bob Childers’ Gypsy Café Festival in Stillwater, honoring musicians who have made a significant impact on the Oklahoma Red Dirt scene. After Ripley’s death in 2019, the award was presented to Charlene Ripley in his memory.
Preserving our history helps us understand who we are and connect with others, and Ripley played a vital role in highlighting Oklahoma’s place in music history. A perfect example is the OKPOP Museum, part of the Oklahoma Historical Society. From the start, Ripley helped preserve music recordings and even created a radio broadcast. His knowledge and connections were instrumental in shaping the museum’s three-story, 60,000-square-foot space in the Tulsa Arts District—a celebration of Oklahoma’s creative spirit and its many artists.
In recognition of his dedication as a music historian, Ripley was posthumously inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame in 2020. The following year, the 2021 Oklahoma History Conference featured the Perspectives in History series, including the Red Dirt. Filmed in Ripley’s home studio in Pawnee County, the tribute is narrated by Jeff Moore, who highlights Ripley’s significant contributions to the Oklahoma Historical Society and the OKPOP Museum. The film showcases Ripley discussing the beginnings of his musical journey and features him in action, alongside performances of “The Oklahoma Blues,” “Just Like Tom Skinner’s Blues,” and the evocative “Lone Chimney,” drawn from the three records he recorded with the Red Dirt Rangers.
He was known for his helpfulness and mentoring others. His son, Elvis Ripley, explained that “the folks that bought a third or fourth handmade Ripley guitar would send Dad a Facebook message, and he’d try to remember how he hand-wound something forty years ago. He helped people along the way.”
Charlene admired the uniqueness he added to his record covers and liner notes with his own handcrafted artwork. This was before to the widespread use of computers. She pointed out that Steve always gave credit where credit was due. Everyone deserves credit, he thought. The phrase “In the Twinkling of an Eye” was frequently included on his album covers. This was a memorial to Charlene’s sister, Patty, and other loved ones who had died the year before. Val McCallum, a friend of Ripley’s and a member of the band Jackshit, paid tribute to him in the liner notes of his solo album, At the End of the Day, following his passing. Val noted in “In the Twinkling of an Eye: Steve Ripley,” that Steve had been a big inspiration to him.
Ripley collaborated with iconic artists such as Bob Dylan, JJ Cale, Leon Russell, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Roy Clark, and Red Dirt Rangers, among others. Yet, he had a talent for nurturing young artists, who affectionately called him “Uncle Steve.”
Elvis told me that his father mentored numerous musicians locally and nationally. “Many sought his advice, guidance, and musical insights. While well-known projects like The Tractors are significant, his most lasting impact is the countless individuals he supported on a personal level. For every musician who recalls visiting The Church and meeting Ripley over the two decades he owned it, there were many others whose lives were touched through phone calls, emails, or even faxes, all benefiting from his guidance in meaningful ways.”
Parker Ferrell met Ripley during some of his toughest teenage years, and Steve left a lasting mark. “He helped me see how important music is,” Parker recalled. “Being a musician is hard, but Steve’s thoughtfulness and belief in music inspired me to dedicate my life to it.” So, with over two decades, of experience as a session guitarist, composer, singer, bandleader, and luthier, in 2022 he turned to Ripley Farm Studio to produce his solo album, Love Runs Through, working alongside Jared Tyler, carrying forward the lessons and inspiration Ripley had given him.
Charlene continues the legend of Ripley Farm Studio, inspiring others with her dedication and passion. She faced many challenges following Steve’s passing. She contemplated selling The Farm Studio and relocating to Tulsa to be nearer to her children. To cope during the Covid pandemic, she acquired a couple of donkeys, humorously referring to them as her emotional support animals, to keep her company on the farm. She reflected and meditated while she worked through her grief. She also made time for her kids and grandkids, doing things to keep herself busy and finish some of Steve’s projects. Occasionally she releases one of Ripley’s songs, such as “Bye Bye Sweetie Pie.” The most recent one was released in January 2025 on what would have been Steve’s 75 birthday, “Your Twisted Smile.” All of the songs are available on streaming services.
The first artists to record at Ripley Farm Studio after Steve’s passing, during the COVID pandemic, were Red Dirt musician Monica Taylor and her husband, Travis Fite. Charlene explained, “We hosted people safely, socially distanced in the large house-studio. A lineup of Red Dirt all-stars played on the CD Trains, Rivers and Trails, which features a beautiful version of Woody Guthrie’s Minor Key. Monica also recorded Red Dirt Ramble Vol. 1 here, a tribute to Red Dirt music pioneers.” The CD includes nine new recordings of songs by Bob Childers, Jimmy LaFave, Don Morris, Tom Skinner, and others.
“It was such a great experience,” Charlene says. “It inspired me to keep producing music here. They live with me, and I cook for them. It’s like a friendship—I’ve grown close to them since Steve died.”
Safely recording at Ripley Farm Studio during Covid-19:
Monica Taylor, Don White, Casey Van Beek, and Travis Fite
In 2022, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter John Fullbright recorded his CD The Liar at Ripley Farm Studio, surrounded by a talented group of musicians, including Jesse Aycock, Aaron Boehler, Paul Wilkes, Stephen Lee, and Paddy Ryan. With the help of friends and engineer Jason Weinheimer, they completed the recording in just four intense days. Fullbright credited Ripley’s top-notch equipment and studio for making the collaboration so seamless.
He also contributed a soulful rendition of Ripley’s “Crossing Over” to Back to Paradise: A Tulsa Tribute to Okie Music, released in August 2020 by the nonprofit Horton Records.
The Ripley Farm Studio, also referred to as Charlene’s Place by those close to her, is considered a unique haven by musicians I’ve interviewed. There is a cozy, familial vibe to it. Because the studio isn’t publicized or exposed to the public, it feels genuine and conventional. The craft seems to be being handed down through the generations. Still, the emphasis is on high-quality work. Ripley constructed his ideal studio with high-end gear. Because of their reputation and commitment, the family fosters enduring ties and trust. The Ripleys keep a partnership approach in everything they do, even spiritually. Visitors are still guided by his presence.
Charlene lists other projects recorded at The Ripley Farm Studio: Parker Farrell, Beau Robertson and Pilgrim, Jim Edwards, Peter Rowan, Don White, Casey Van Beek, Jeremy Watkins, Crow and Gazelle, Halley Anna Finlay, the Red Dirt Rangers, Paul Benjamin, Josh Westbrook, Jared Tyler, the Wednesday Night Science Project, Agalisiga “Chuj” Mackey. She reflects that some of the artists who come to record at the Ripley Farm Studio never had the chance to meet Steve. Yet through their work and time in the space he created, she is able to introduce them to him, ensuring that his spirit and legacy remain.
Elvis Ripley, Jared Tyler and Peter Rowan, Ripley Farm Studio
Jared Tyler grew up in Owasso and spent several years in Nashville before returning to Oklahoma in the early 2000s. In Nashville he met Fats Kaplin and quickly realized how connected he was to Ripley. “It made sense,” Tyler said. “He and I also played with the Red Dirt Rangers in Nashville, so our musical circles overlapped.”
In a recent interview, Tyler laughed about his connection to Ripley. “I see myself as a bit of a Jack of all trades,” he said. “My funniest story about Steve is ironic: when I first visited his studio in ’93 or ’94, he told me, ‘Whatever you do, don’t become an engineer or producer like me; focus on being an artist.’ Yet here I am—making records, engineering, producing, and performing with other Oklahoma musicians at Ripley Farm Studio. I learned so much from him, both from his teachings and his musical insight. He had a huge impact on my journey.”
“Charlene and I have developed a strong collaborative relationship,” Tyler reflects. “There’s a real sense of togetherness in what we’re doing. This is all rooted in Steve’s vision. He originated the idea, aiming to blend his musical community with his ambitions for broader, more communal projects as the studio neared completion. He always sought to broaden his horizons and collaborate with others, rather than just being a participant. His goal was to ensure everyone could take part.”
Tyler told me that working at the Farm Studio following Ripley’s passing “his dream is finally becoming a reality. His spirit continues to thrive. Whenever I’m there, I find myself wondering what Steve would do, and the answer becomes clear almost instantly. It’s quite remarkable. Being a part of that is a profound honor. I truly grasp the significance of it. There’s something sacred about the experience. Every project carries a sense of reverence for Steve, which is always palpable. It even resonates through the music.”
“Steve’s smiling down every time we’re recording there.”
–Jared Tyler
The Red Dirt Rangers shared a close and loving relationship with the Ripleys. John Cooper and Brad Piccolo both gave moving tributes during his memorial service. In late 2023, they returned to The Ripley Farm Studio with Ben Han. Jared Tyler, Andrew Bear, Mallory Eagle, Casey Van Beek, and Rick Gomez also contributed to the project.
Ben Han and Don Morris of the Red Dirt Rangers at The Ripley Farm Studio
In 2024, Tyler announced Agalisiga “Chuj” Mackey’s new album. Previously, Tyler and Mackey performed at the Bob Dylan Center’s grand opening. Charlene Ripley hopes this project will be recognized as a major contribution to Native American music.
Mike McClure and Krislyn Lawrence of Crow and Gazelle recorded at The Farm Studio in 2024 with Jared Tyler and Charlene Ripley. Ripley shared a close bond with McClure. When I interviewed them, they spoke of Steve’s continuing presence at the studio and how Charlene and Jared carry on his legacy. McClure said. “Charlene keeps the studio and its spirit alive. Just watch her and you’ll see everything she does, what she’s capable of, and all that she accomplished alongside Steve. The studio is thriving, with Steve’s spirit still present, but Charlene truly embodies who he was. She is extraordinary. Together with Jared, they ensure that Steve’s legacy continues. Charlene is dedicated to preserving it and stands at the heart of that history. She absorbs all of this history and embodies the role of a historian.”
Crislyn Lawrence and Mike McClure of Crow and Gazelle with Charlene Ripley
and Jared Tyler, Ripley Farm Studio 2024
The most recent musician to record at Ripley Farm Studio was Jason Eady, who brought along producer John Fullbright and engineer Jason Weinheimer, a former Tulsan now running Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock, Arkansas. As always, Charlene played a key role and is enthusiastic about Eady’s music.
“Steve used to say, ‘I wonder what happens next…’” Charlene told me recently. “That’s where I am now.”
Steve Ripley Legacy
Ripley is remembered in Oklahoma in many ways. At the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, you can explore his role in Dylan’s 1981 Shot of Love tour and his lasting legacy. On display are Ripley’s 1969 Fender Telecaster, his Harley-Davidson leather jacket, and some of the buttons he wore on the tour.
The Church Studio lobby, in Tulsa, currently features a Tractors exhibit that focuses on the debut album and the core five musicians in the band. Other items related to Ripley and The Tractors also can be viewed in the hallway leading to the archive room and in an archival room display case. Charlene told me that “My kids and I love it, and we’re honored that they’re honoring Steve and The Tractors, because The Church Studio was kind of our home,” she said, comparing their Church Studio visits to being allowed to reacquaint yourself with the place where you were raised. “I’m thankful Teresa Knox is saving it.”
Ripley is featured in a recognition panel at the Musicians Walk at Block 34, a new green space and premiere outdoor music venue in Stillwater, OK. It is an affectionate acknowledgement of a local boy who became a significant influence on the music of the area.
Charlene Ripley and Steve Irby at The Musician’s Walk, Block 34, Stillwater, OK
On August 1, 2025, the long-time pillar of American rock and country music, Steve Ripley was posthumously inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame at the OKPOP Museum in a heartfelt and unforgettable ceremony. It’s an appropriate place since Ripley helped with the vision and getting it started. According to their website, “OKPOP is dedicated to the creative spirit of Oklahoma’s people and the influence of Oklahoma artists on popular culture around the world.” When it opens Ripley’s story will be featured.
Angelene Ripley Wright, surrounded by family, speaks at the Steve Ripley
induction to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, OKPOP
Front: Angelene Ripley Wright, Elvis Ripley, Charlene Ripley and Tim DuBois
Back: Tony Corbell OK Music Hall of Fame, Bob Blackburn OHS, Isaac Hanson, and Jake Krumwiede, OKPOP
Listening back to Steve’s interviews and talks with friends, I noticed how often he used the word “deal.” Most people use it just to mean a thing or a situation, but for Steve it could cover just about anything — even the big, life-changing stuff. He’d say things like, “1956 was a big year for music because that’s when the Elvis deal started.” Or “Mike Dugan came up with this deal of Red Dirt music.” About his own band: “The Tractors are intentionally a Tulsa music deal.” Sometimes he’d stretch it even further: “It conjures up a working man kind of deal and roots kind of thing. A change-your-life deal.”
Steve Ripley would never have claimed it, but he was something rare. He wasn’t just a big deal—he was the real deal. His legacy lives on in the songs, the stories, and the spirit he left behind.
“One day we’ll all find out that all of our songs were just little notes in a great big song1”
– Woody Guthrie