THE MAGNIFICENT STUDIO OF LEON RUSSELL
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.
PARTNER WITH THE CHURCH STUDIO MUSIC FOUNDATION
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Traveling in Leon Russell’s Tulsa Footsteps – A Tulsa Driving Tour
There are several local sites of importance in Tulsa that are Leon-friendly. Step back for an hour or two and follow your heart walking (driving) in Leon’s footsteps.
EPISODE 9 – CORY WILLIAMS
To call this guest multi-talented would be an understatement. Cory Williams is a modern-day Renaissance man. You know him as a YouTube trailblazing pioneer; but he’s also a prolific music artist, video game developer, and professional wrestler!
EPISODE 8 – MOSAT MURAL DOCUMENTARY TEAM
Today we are speaking with the Oscar-nominated actor and multi-talented musician; Gary Busey! Let Gary bring you into his world as we explore his musical beginnings, dear friendship with Leon Russell, the Buddy Holly role, and what he’s up to these days (cartoon?). You may even get to hear him sing a tune or two!