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Tag: Leon Russell

The Story Behind Leon Russell’s “Sweet Emily”

Blog by Nancy Ruth August 12, 2026 “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 […]

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 vocals) Roscoe Dabney III stands as one of the […]

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

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 […]

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 creation of The […]

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 shared that love with everyone. […]

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 her, which is more of a […]

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 […]

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 music, broadcasting, and live performance. The wonderful exhibition at The […]

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 Award nominations and the […]

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 were filled […]

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 […]

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 Wooley asked me whether I was familiar with […]

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 for grabs. The […]

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 immerse themselves in an unparalleled auditory journey. The inaugural In Session […]

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 community. Here are some highlights:   A […]

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 everyone. And if he wanted to […]

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 […]

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 of Fame on January […]

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 with The […]

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 cared […]

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 success. Both Denny Cordell and Leon Russell […]

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 awards and recognition in the music industry, and […]

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. Originally, a church built in 1915, The Church Studio […]

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 friend and confidant. For his work at […]

The Benefits of Recording in a Professional Studio

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

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’s explore the benefits of working in a professional studio […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 also added “Don’t Go To […]

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?

Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon Johnson Caskey

Sharon Johnson Caskey Magnolia Meadows

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 clients and giving tours. Learn more […]

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 […]

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 players and/or engineers), […]

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 it wasn’t certain, It was expected after its National […]

Working for Shelter Paul Sparks

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 also added “Don’t Go To […]

How Leon Russell’s Hats Improved His Showmanship

Leon Russell in one of his Top Hats.

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 were his most well-known belongings. The canes were functional as well as […]

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 years. I’m […]

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 […]

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 starting his own independent production company and record label, Viva Records. Snuff hustled the business and Russell handled the production chores, which included arranging, producing […]

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 song on his 1970 debut solo album on […]

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 shares his insight in regards to the public image […]

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 several of your […]

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 onto the tiny stage and starts […]

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, Pam joined a […]

Leon Russell Performs at Duke University in 1971

Leon Russell 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 Photos Why are these pictures special? These exclusive […]