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

By Nancy Ruth | March 8, 2024

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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 love’s complexity, desire, and fragility. These genuine, emotion-filled phrases convey a love that transcends the limits of time and place. It’s widely believed that Rita Coolidge was the inspiration for “A Song for You.” Russell’s emotive performance and the song’s lyrics express his love for Coolidge, with whom he was estranged. Their tumultuous relationship provided ample material for Russell to draw upon when crafting this emotional ballad. Earlier, Russell wrote “Delta Lady” for Rita during their courtship. Leon denied it was Coolidge: “I wrote it for somebody I had an argument with…the person was very instrumental in…

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Tommy Lokey: Consummate Jazzman at The Church Studio

By David Deller | February 22, 2024

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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 a sprawling beard. That band was the Gap Band, and Tommy Lokey was a founding member. “They used to practice in the living room of our house over at 15th and Elwood,” said daughter Carole Lokey Ruffin. Although Tommy did not remain with the band into their great successes in the 1980’s, he was there in the beginning at The Church Studio. His presence was actually something of a coup, for Tommy, with his trumpet, was then considered to be one of the truly premier jazz musicians in Tulsa and still is by those with…

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THE CHURCH BULLETIN 02/15/24

By The Church Studio | February 15, 2024

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  CHURCH MERCH TRAVELS       The past month has been incredible! We’ve been flooded with photos from our dedicated customers and volunteers who proudly wear The Church Studio during their travels! Keep the love coming—tag us in your posts or email your photos directly to ariana@thechurchstudio.com       Baby River Michael Mullen in Cozumel Scott Jones and John Rueben in Curacao Gary and Marquita Thayer in Kauai DeeAnn Graham in Rhythm & Resin Studio Nancy Barnum and Linda Marshall on Nieuw Statendam Every purchase goes toward supporting the efforts and programming of The Church Studio Music Foundation. THANK YOU for supporting us and wearing our merch all over the world!       NEW TO THE SHOP       New to the shop: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Official Merchandise! The “I Love Tom Petty” Canvas Tote, made from natural canvas, is an on-the-go essential. Also, check out the Vintage Classic Logo Enamel Pin with a butterfly clasp and…

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Charlie Wilson to Receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

By Nancy Ruth | January 26, 2024

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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 29th for his major contributions to the music industry. One of the first clients of The Church Studio, Charlie has 13 Grammy nominations and has had 13 R&B singles that have reached #1. He has also received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, a Soul Train Icon Award, a Soul Train Certified Soul Award, and an NAACP Music Makes a Difference Award. Billboard recognized him twice as Top Adult Male R&B Artist. Charlie, along with his brothers Ronnie and Robert, formed the Gap Band in Tulsa in the early 1970s with Tommy Lokey on trumpet, Rosco…

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The Church Bulletin 01/18/24

By The Church Studio | January 4, 2024

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CHURCH MERCH TRAVELS We appreciate our loyal customers and dedicated volunteers who proudly represent The Church Studio during their travels. Don’t forget to bring your Church Merch with you this holiday season! We love seeing your photos from all over the world! If you wear any of our merch, by sure to tag us or email your photos directly to ariana@thechurchstudio.com. Founding Members Stephanie and Jack Allen in La Paz. Lisa and Keith Volm in front of the Midway in San Diego. Dennis Gibson, a dedicated member, recently brought The Studio Collection to Antarctica, featuring Serial #1. In his words, “I am collecting all the Serial numbered T-shirts, and when people ask me about them, I tell them about The Church Studio and your cause.” Every purchase goes toward supporting the efforts and programming of The Church Studio Music Foundation. THANK YOU for supporting us and wearing our merch all over the world! SERIAL #6 “SHELTER SOUND” The “Shelter Sound” is not just…

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Steve Ripley – Creating “The Tractors” Part 3 Deep Dive

By Deborah McLaren | January 1, 2024

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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 Tulsa Sound, which was gaining popularity around the world. I always liked Tulsa music for its no-compromise attitude, as if the musicians were making it just for themselves, without regard to what other people would think of it.  – Eric Clapton Preston Jones nailed in beautifully in his Mad Songs & Oklahomans: The Tulsa Sound series, “Situated at a musical crossroads between the twang of Texas country and brooding Chicago blues and filtered through its own distinct sensibility, Tulsa birthed a signature sonic style of feeling, texture, and tone that still resonates decades later.” Ripley…

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The Church Bulletin 12/15/23

By The Church Studio | December 15, 2023

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CHURCH MERCH TRAVELS We appreciate our loyal customers and dedicated volunteers who proudly represent The Church Studio during their travels. Don’t forget to bring your Church Merch with you this holiday season! We love seeing your photos from all over the world! If you wear any of our merch, by sure to tag us or email your photos directly to ariana@thechurchstudio.com. THANK YOU for all your support!  “THE MAN IN BRONZE” CINEMATIC PREMIERE Have a spare 15 minutes? Join us at Circle Cinema for a special night hosted by The Church Studio! Watch this locally made documentary “The Man In Bronze” about the creation of the iconic Leon Russell statue. Say hello to Executive Producer, Teresa Knox, Director Matthew Simonson, and meet famed and brilliant sculptor Jim Franklin. If you have more time, please stay for a live Q&A session with the creative minds behind the film. Sunday, December 17th, at 5 pm.   *Also, be the first to purchase…

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JOHN FORD COLEY | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT

By Teresa Knox | December 10, 2023

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JOHN FORD COLEY | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT John Ford Coley is an American singer, guitarist, pianist, actor, and author. He may be best well known as half of the Grammy nominated duo, England Dan and John Ford Coley. John has created many memorable hits such as: “Love Is The Answer”, “Gone Too Far”, “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight”, “We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again”, “Nights Are Forever Without You”, and “Sad To Belong”. In 1999, he moved to Tennessee as he loved the Nashville music community. Today, he still loves music and performing on stages around the world. As part of the growing appreciation for smooth yacht rock music, John Ford Coley brings his Grammy winning style to the scene with love.  The Church Studio is redefining live music events – bringing a thrilling experience to a very finite group of 100 guests in the transcendent sanctuary…

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RITA COOLIDGE | LEGACY ARTIST MEMOIR EXPERIENCE

By Teresa Knox | December 10, 2023

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RITA COOLIDGE | LEGACY ARTIST MEMOIR EXPERIENCE December 3, 2022 @ 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm CST You’ll be up close and personal to legendary artist, Rita Coolidge for this unique memoir experience. Known as “Delta Lady”—inspired by Leon Russell’s 1970’s song; Rita will share stories about her life, music, and career. Hosted by Teresa Knox in front of an intimate audience of only 100 attendees, you’ll enjoy this personal discussion in the studio’s gallery. All attendees will receive a signed copy of Rita’s memoir, “Delta Lady: A Memoir” Rita-inspired songs include:  Leon Russell’s “A Song for You” and “Delta Lady;” Stephen Stills “Cherokee.” Furthermore, she co-wrote the iconic songs—“Superstar” and the piano coda to “Layla.” One of the most famous rock and roll backup singers of all time, Rita sang for Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, and Stephen Stills, before finding fame as a solo artist with such hits as “We’re All Alone” and “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher.”…

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KENNY LOGGINS | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT

By Teresa Knox | December 10, 2023

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KENNY LOGGINS | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT October 21, 2021 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm CDT The Church Studio is redefining live music events – bringing a thrilling experience to a very finite group of 100 guests in the transcendent sanctuary of The Church Studio. The Church Studio, a legendary state-of-the-art recording studio, archive, and historic landmark has developed a series of rare but highly curated, intimate concerts showcasing legacy artists. Each concert will undeniably be a “bucket list” level event. The Church Studio Legacy Concert series will honor the career of the musical artist while fostering the mission of The Church Studio. 100 guests will enjoy: Newly restored historic landmark Exhibition of the artist in photographs or memorabilia Champagne reception with small bites Commemorative event lanyard Comfortable seating in the acoustically exceptional live room (original sanctuary) Swag bag Announcement and early reservation for the next legacy artist Once in a lifetime experience Please join us…

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