HELLO FRIENDS, WELCOME TO THE CHURCH STUDIO
Where homegrown talent rocked the music world.
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 shaped 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.
PARTNER WITH THE CHURCH STUDIO MUSIC FOUNDATION
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Eric Clapton Gets Arrested!
The year was 1975. Eric Clapton had just flown into Tulsa, Oklahoma to perform. News of Eric’s arrival was quickly known for he had gotten arrested! The Church Studio talked with John Southern, a photojournalist and local musician, that captured the infamous photo of Eric Clapton in Jail. From a first-hand perspective, check out what…
LEON RUSSELL PERFORMS AT DUKE UNIVERSITY in 1971
We absolutely love our Church Studio family and the fantastic stories they share with us. In this photo series, we are featuring a series of photographs taken by photographer, Ric Carter. Our good friend, American Roots musician, and Leon Lifer; Bill Lyerly, introduced us to Ric. Thank you, Bill! Why are these pictures special? Well,…
TWENTIETH-CENTURY HONKY-TONK – Q&A with John Wooley
Music writer John Wooley is at it again! This time bringing us the incredible story of the historic Cain’s Ballroom‘s first 75 years with his new book, TWENTIETH-CENTURY HONKY-TONK. The Church Studio had the opportunity to catch up with John last week and chat about the new book. Read our quick Q&A below! CS: Why…
CHURCH STUDIO INSTAGRAM