Leon Russell, 45 Years Apart: The Story Behind the Lenticular Print
Leon Russell, 45 Years Apart: The Story Behind the Lenticular Print Near the Archive at The Church Studio, there’s a portrait of Leon Russell that won’t hold still. Walk past it slowly and watch what happens. The long dark hair and beard of a young man turn white, and an older face looks back at […]
Live Music in Tulsa: Tunes @ Noon Spotlight — Jake Karlik Band, Randy Brumley, and ThunderSleet
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, The Church Studio comes alive with […]
Artist Spotlight: 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.
Artist Spotlight: 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.
Artist Spotlight: ThunderSleet
The gig was a birthday party. ThunderSleet was born.
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 museum tour of the renowned facility where Leon […]
Artist Spotlight: The David Thayer Band
Lifetime Tulsan and versatile musician David Thayer began his musical journey at age five, inspired by Lawrence Welk’s guitarist, Neil LeVang.
Artist Spotlight: The Hi-Fi Hillbillies
The Hi-Fi Hillbillies ignite the spirit of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s with electrifying performances of vintage rock and roll.
Artist Spotlight: 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.
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 origins may be traced back several years to Leon’s personal story […]
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 Hubbard on rhythm and slide guitar, and […]
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 haunting melody and soulful lyrics capture […]
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 its commitment to nurturing artistic creativity. In this blog […]
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 his compassion and ingenuity. Red […]