HELLO FRIENDS, WELCOME TO THE CHURCH STUDIO
Where homegrown talent rocked and continues to rock 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.
RESTORATION PROJECT
After Photos: Restoration completed in 2022
SUPPORT THE CHURCH STUDIO MUSIC FOUNDATION
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Volunteer Spotlight: Willis Allen
We love our volunteers and appreciate the valuable role they play in the operations of The Church Studio. We could not be more excited to introduce you to one of…
Play it Back: A Private Tour of the Church Studio
The stone building at 3rd and Trenton first caught my attention in December of 2019. I had just moved into an apartment on the east side of downtown Tulsa, and…
The Showman’s Hats
Leon Russell’s distinctive style, both vocally and instrumentally, made him one of the great singer-songwriters of all time. A unique pianist, composer, singer, song craftsman, and showman. He collected a…