ANALOG AND DIGITAL RECORDING

Neve Console | 4 ISO Booths | Mixing

TOURIST ATTRACTION

Historic Tours | Merchandise | Memberships

LEGENDARY RECORDING STUDIO

Recording | Event Center | Education

LEON RUSSELL

 Founded Studio in 1972

HELLO FRIENDS, WELCOME TO THE CHURCH STUDIO

Where homegrown talent rocked and continues to rock the music world.

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THE CHURCH STUDIO

And how it started

The historic church was turned into a recording studio and home office to Shelter Records in 1972.  Under Leon Russell's leadership, the stone structure served as a creative workshop for songwriters, musicians, engineers, and singers to collaborate, learn, and inspire.

THE TULSA SOUND

Rockabilly, Country, Rock 'n' Roll, and Blues

Although they had different musical gifts, Leon Russell and fellow Oklahoman JJ Cale, are credited for developing the “Tulsa Sound".  This genre is described by many to be a laid-back style of blues, country, and rock that helped shape Southern-style rock-and-roll.  The most notable, non-Okie— example of the Tulsa Sound is Eric Clapton. Others believe the "Tulsa Sound" is more of a brotherhood or collaboration of creatives that honor those musical pioneers that came before them.

RESTORATION PROJECT

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After Photos: Restoration completed in 2022

SUPPORT THE CHURCH STUDIO MUSIC FOUNDATION

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RECENT BLOG POSTS

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

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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…

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Although few in the current Tulsa music community would know his name, but in his day, Tommy Lokey was a local legend. Today, you can find a few 1970’s Shelter Records publicity photos of a seven-man funk band that included him. Tommy is the sole white guy, with a wild mane of dark hair and…

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