Blog
Steve Ripley: Part 8 Facing Death
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. – Plato We often view artists as resilient beings leading extraordinarily inspired lives. This is especially true for musicians who have the ability to create beauty that goes beyond their own imagination and time. Their…
Read MoreShure’s Century of Sound Exhibit at The Church Studio
For one hundred years, Shure has stood as an inspiration of quality, innovation, and excellence in audio technology. In celebrating the 100th anniversary of Shure Incorporated, The Church Studio pays tribute to a legacy of sound and the extraordinary evolution of microphones that has transformed music, broadcasting, and live performance. The wonderful exhibition at The…
Read MoreSteve Ripley: Part 7 – Moving to The Farm
By the mid 2000s, Steve Ripley had taken the country music industry by storm with his band, The Tractors. Their self-titled debut album and the single “Baby Likes to Rock It” became the fastest-selling debut album from a country group to reach platinum status. The band’s success led to two Grammy Award nominations and the…
Read MoreMaria Muldaur: Legacy Concert Series
We are thrilled to invite you to the next event in our Church Studio Legacy Concert Series, featuring the legendary Maria Muldaur. A true pioneer in American Roots music, Maria is best known for her hit “Midnight at the Oasis,” and has spent over five decades shaping genres like Blues, R&B, Jazz, and more. Maria has long…
Read MoreSteve Ripley: Part 7 – Moving to The Farm
By the mid 2000s, Steve Ripley had taken the country music industry by storm with his band, The Tractors. Their self-titled debut album and the single “Baby Likes to Rock It” became the fastest-selling debut album from a country group to reach platinum status. The band’s success led to two Grammy Award nominations and the…
Read MoreSteve Ripley – Creator, Producer and Historian of Oklahoma Music Part 6
Ripley had a special relationship with the Red Dirt Rangers. In fact, when he inducted them into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2017, he reminisced: Once upon a time… Twenty-some years ago…The Red Dirt Rangers showed up at The Church Studio – my home away from home in those days. They were filled…
Read MoreThe Grease Band: Shelter Records’ Unsung Rock Heroes
Shelter Record Artists: The Grease Band While the connection to Joe Cocker is nearly inseparable, The Grease Band was formed in the mid-1960s, with Chris Stainton on bass but who later switched to keyboards, Henry McCullough on lead guitar, Alan Spenner on bass, Bruce Rowland on drums, Neil Hubbard on rhythm and slide guitar, and…
Read MoreSteve Ripley – Boy Rocking Part 5
After a successful decade of The Tractors most of the original members took off in different directions (see Part 4). In 2001, Steve Ripley partnered with Audium Records and Koch Entertainment to launch Boy Rocking Records. Tulsa musician, author, and keeper of unofficial Tulsa music archives, John Wooley asked me whether I was familiar with…
Read MoreHometown Heroes Concert at Aquafest, September 3, 1983
Hometown Heroes Concert at Aquafest, September 3, 1983 The inaugural Great Raft Race was organized and initiated by Ron Blue, the General Manager of KRMG, to be held on Labor Day in September 1973. There were over 160 raft entries and 500 competitors that first year, with a $1000 cash prize up for grabs. The…
Read MoreImmersive Listening Experience “IN SESSION” Launched
The Church Studio is proud to present In Session, a breakthrough dynamic listening experience supported by Shure, the renowned audio technology leader. In Session is a unique listening experience that will showcase the depth of audio technology and invite music lovers and audiophiles to immerse themselves in an unparalleled auditory journey. The inaugural In Session…
Read MoreCELEBRITY HANGOUT: The Church Studio Green Room at the BOK Center Arena
The Church Studio is honored to collaborate with Tulsa’s BOK Center. The BOK Center finished a record-breaking year in 2023, the venue reported 56 shows, with 415,000 attendees. The BOK hosts some of the biggest names in music, and exhilarating sports events, and has become a cornerstone of the community. Here are some highlights: A…
Read MoreSteve Ripley – The Tractors Are a Powerful Engine Part 4
Steve Ripley: The Tractors Are a Powerful Engine Ripley always kept a large Rolodex full of numerous friends and contacts. According to Charlene, “Steve was great at remembering people and keeping them around and often involved. This was before social media and cell phones. He stayed in touch with everyone. And if he wanted to…
Read MoreMeet the Team: Church Studio Sound Engineer, Mike Prado
For all intents and purposes, Mike Prado is a native Tulsan. Born at St. Francis in Tulsa, Oklahoma and reared in Owasso, Oklahoma. Mike had a very typical high school experience between skateboarding and his heavy metal band. His passion for music led him to Orlando and Full Sail University, where he pursued a degree…
Read MoreRAIN OR SHINE: Tips to Enjoy CARNEY FEST 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma
RAIN OR SHINE: Tips to Enjoy CARNEY FEST 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma As the clouds gather and the forecast predicts raindrops, the excitement for Carney Fest 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, doesn’t wane. Our vibrant outdoor music festival promises a Saturday of electrifying performances, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. But what if the skies decide to open…
Read MoreThe Story behind “A Song For You” by Leon Russell
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…
Read MoreTommy Lokey: Consummate Jazzman at The Church Studio
Although few in the current Tulsa music community would know his name, 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 which included him. Tommy is the sole white guy, with the wild mane of dark hair and sprawling…
Read MoreCharlie Wilson to Receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
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…
Read MoreSteve Ripley – Creating “The Tractors” Part 3 Deep Dive
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…
Read MoreA Videographer’s Perspective: Making of the “Man in Bronze” Film.
Three years ago, as a brand-new intern, I was dunked head-first into easily the most exciting video project I have ever worked on. Teresa Knox, the CEO of The Church Studio, personally entrusted me — on the sole basis of my portfolio and a few shoots together — to capture something that she deeply cared…
Read MoreTom Petty’s Journey at The Church Studio
The most important years during the Leon-era history of Tulsa’s Church Studio were 1972–1976. During that time, a wide variety of artists recorded there, some important in music history, others less so. Tom Petty has a story at The Church Studio before he and The Heartbreakers found worldwide success. Both Denny Cordell and Leon Russell…
Read MoreCasii Stephan Records “A Song For You” at The Church Studio
Casii Stephan, a soul pop/rock artist originally from Minnesota and now based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is known for her emotive vocals and intricate melodies. Casii’s music, often compared to artists like Florence Welch and Fiona Apple, is characterized by its theme of hope. Her success includes multiple awards and recognition in the music industry, and…
Read MoreThe Fairchild 660 Audio Compressor at The Church Studio
The Church Studio, with its rich history and legendary recordings, has long attracted musicians seeking high-quality sound. To elevate this sacred space even further, we’ve included a vintage piece of analog audio gear, the Fairchild 660 Audio Compressor, known as the “holy grail” of outboard gear. Originally, a church built in 1915, The Church Studio…
Read MoreMike Prado, Audio Engineer, Joins The Church Studio Team
Q&A with Mike Prado 1. What was your first impression of The Church Studio? I was blown away by the revitalization of The Church Studio. During my career; I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work in a lot of commercial studios, cutting-edge educational studios and unique home studios. I even tracked at The Church with…
Read MoreGrammy Award-Winning Audio Engineer, Gary Laney joins The Church Studio
Q&A with Gary Laney What was your first impression of The Church Studio? The studio was incredible sounding, the mic selection was great and of course the Neve 8068 is a legendary board. The crew here is full of fun, hard working people that are trying to make every client’s visit extraordinary. What do you…
Read MoreThe Magical Sounds of The Church Studio’s Legendary Neve 8068
Neve is one of the most well-known names in sound engineering and music production. Neve consoles, famed for their craftsmanship and unequaled sound quality, have been at the heart of many classic albums. Its warm analog sound and ingenious design have made it a highly sought-after piece of gear among recording engineers and artists all…
Read MoreSteve Ripley – Producer at The Church Studio and Leader of The Tractors Part 2
Part 2: Steve Ripley – Music Producer at The Church Studio and Leader of The Tractors Steve Ripley left Oklahoma to pursue his musical dreams in Nashville and Los Angeles before returning to Tulsa. Numerous well-known performers in the rock, country, and Americana music genres considered him a friend and confidant. For his work at…
Read MoreThe Benefits of Recording in a Professional Studio
In today’s music industry, recording has evolved significantly. With the rise of home recording, many artists now have the opportunity to create music in the comfort of their own homes. However, there are undeniable advantages to recording in a professional studio. Let’s explore the benefits of working in a professional studio setting and why it…
Read MoreA Journey Through Time: The Enchanting History of Reverb
A Journey Through Time: The Enchanting History of Reverb by Nancy Ruth Reverb is one of the most intriguing and vital effects in the world of music production. This amazing auditory phenomenon may take listeners to otherworldly regions while adding depth, texture, and a feeling of space to musical compositions. This blog takes us on…
Read MoreThe Top 10 Shelter Records Artists You Need to Know
Shelter Records holds a significant place in music history, having launched the careers of numerous talented artists and contributing to the development of iconic sounds. Founded in 1969 by Leon Russell and Denny Cordell, Shelter Records quickly became known for its diverse roster of musicians and its commitment to nurturing artistic creativity. In this blog…
Read MoreThe Tulsa Sound: The Definitive Definition by Ann Bell
The Tulsa Sound: The Definitive Definition by Ann Bell I was privileged to be born in 1950, in the Great State of Oklahoma, and the Great City of Tulsa. Growing up I learned very quickly just how blessed I was to be an Okie and for many reasons. The people are such loving, laid-back, God-fearing…
Read MoreJJ Cale Finds Shelter
After shopping around for more than six months, Audie Ashworth and JJ Cale decided to sign with Leon Russell and Denny Cordell’s Shelter label, probably on June 5, 1971. This was the same day that Cale re-recorded a new version of “After Midnight” (at Cordell’s request, some say Ashworth’s), and also added “Don’t Go To…
Read MoreLeon Russell: The Early Childhood Years
Most of us know about Claude Russell Bridges playing the piano by ear at 4 years old and hitting the honky tonks around Tulsa at 14 – but not a lot is recorded about his formative childhood years. Who was young Claude Russell Bridges?
Read MoreHistory of Shelter Records
Shelter Records was started by Leon Russell and Denny Cordell. The label operated from 1969 to 1981. The company established offices in Los Angeles and in 1972; set up in Tulsa, Oklahoma at The Church Studio. In Tulsa, the label’s mission was to foster an environment described as a “workshop atmosphere” with a recording studio…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Sharon Johnson Caskey
Volunteers rock at The Church Studio! We love and appreciate the valuable role they play in our operations. Sharon Johnson Caskey is one of our talented volunteers. She not has a knack for arranging flowers and choosing trees for Magnolia Meadows, but she’s wonderful in our retail store, serving clients and giving tours. Learn more…
Read MoreSteve Ripley’s Red Dirt Roots Part 1
Steve Ripley: 1950-2019 Oklahoma Music Legend, Owner of The Church Studio, member of The Tractors It’s comforting to know that after you’re gone, a part of you will remain. Steve Ripley left behind an artistic legacy that will have an impact long after his passing. Many people were impacted by his compassion and ingenuity. Red…
Read MoreRemembering Leon Russell
Leon Russell was born Claude Russell Bridges on April 2, 1942 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Leon passed away on Nov. 13, 2016 in Nashville at the age of 74. His wife said that he passed away in his sleep. Russell’s website wrote. “The Master Of Space And Time was a legendary musician and songwriter originally from…
Read MoreGUEST BLOG: Rusty Russell’s Recording Studio Experience
The genesis of our project at The Church Studio was a bit different than most; four high school friends from Wichita (classes of ’73, ’74), and ’75) had spent years in the big music-center cities of Nashville & L.A. Between us, we’d toured with many “name” artists, recorded a great deal (as players and/or engineers),…
Read MoreTHE CHURCH STUDIO NAMED TO NATIONAL REGISTER
Less than a year after the devastating passing of Leon Russell, The Church Studio has earned a respected, unique and highly desired designation to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation became effective Sept. 8, 2017 as reported by the National Park Service. Although it wasn’t certain, It was expected after its National…
Read MoreWorking for Shelter Paul Sparks
After shopping around for more than six months, Audie Ashworth and JJ Cale decided to sign with Leon Russell and Denny Cordell’s Shelter label, probably on June 5, 1971. This was the same day that Cale re-recorded a new version of “After Midnight” (at Cordell’s request, some say Ashworth’s), and also added “Don’t Go To…
Read MoreNew to The Church Studio Team: Entrepreneur Ronnie Carlson
My name is Ronald (Ronnie) Carlson and I’m the new operations team member at The Church Studio. I am so excited to meet everyone. Most recently I was the President and Owner of Jenks Beauty College from 2017-2022. When I took over the college, there were less than 10 students. When I retired, there were…
Read MoreVolunteer 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 our very first volunteers, Willis Allen. If you have attended one of our Studio Tours, you have probably met or visited Willis. Willis shines…
Read MorePlay 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 I began to regularly pass by what is now (or rather, again) the Church Studio. During that time amid restoration, each subtle change prompted me…
Read MoreThe 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 lot of items and the most well-known were his canes and of course his hats. Those items certainly became a big part of his great…
Read MoreQ&A with Johnny “Blues” McDonnell
We met with Johnny Blues McDonnell; New Yorker, old-school LeonLifer, die hard Leon Russell fan, and The Church Studio supporter and promoter to talk about all things Leon! Johnny! Can you tell us a little about yourself? I’m a New Yorker! I was in retail for 38 years and have been retired 10 years. I’m…
Read MoreA CHURCH, A CHAIR, A BOY AND A PRAYER
There comes a time in life when one is moved to reflect upon major events in his or her life as old friends, relatives, family members “cash in their chips” and depart the game of life. As the days, months and years come and go, the hectic responsibilities of life take the greater majority of…
Read MoreLeon, J.J., and the Super Dupers
Having grown tired of the fourteen-hour days in the recording studio playing on other people’s records, Leon Russell decided in 1965 to work for legendary producer Snuff Garrett, who was starting his own independent production company and record label, Viva Records. Snuff hustled the business and Russell handled the production chores, which included arranging, producing…
Read More6 Things You Might Not Know About Leon Russell’s “A Song For You”
Leon Russell’s 1970 instant classic “A Song For You,” a mainstay on all reality singing competition shows, and a song that has been recorded by scores of prominent recording artists (and hundreds of not-so-prominent), was recently voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Russell originally released the song on his 1970 debut solo album on…
Read MoreTraveling 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.
Read MoreLeon Russell: ‘Going Back To Tulsa One More Time’
Every once in a while, you get hit with something big that you never saw coming. Such is the case with my discovery of Leon Russell. As I’ve come to find out, Leon’s music has always been part of my life. I just didn’t know it. And I’m not alone. Each year, I’m fortunate to have the…
Read MoreA Conversation with Chris Boosahda, Audio Engineer
The Church Studio is known for its impressive stone facade, multi-million dollar restoration, rare analog gear, and legendary history. The studio is also known for assembling an extraordinary team of dedicated professionals. We’d like to introduce you to one of the newest team members of The Church Studio; Chris Boosahda, Audio Engineer. Chris! Welcome…
Read MoreThe Making of Leon Russell Road
I drove by The Church Studio on Third Street one morning in 2006 and found that its then-owner, musician Steve Ripley, had a hand-made “For Sale” sign stuck in the yard of the legendary recording studio he had owned for the last 20+ years. He had written his cell phone number on the sign.…
Read MoreRock of Ages: Tracing the Roots of the Tulsa Sound
By JOHN WOOLEY As nearly as anyone can tell, the Tulsa area first started rocking to live local guys back in early 1956, when Gene Crose put together a little group and played the rockabilly tunes “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Baby, Let’s Play House” and “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” for the Cadet Capers show…
Read MoreRock of Ages: Making Waves
By JOHN WOOLEY MTV wasn’t even a gleam in an executive’s eye when Tulsa’s first wave of rock ‘n’ rollers hit. In fact, “Where the Action Is,” that fondly remembered Dick Clark-produced daily TV show, didn’t come along for almost a decade. Even the granddaddy of them all, Clark’s “American Bandstand,” didn’t go national until…
Read MoreDwight Twilley, Legendary Power Pop Singer and Songwriter; Talks Leon Russell
In 1974, Dwight Twilley was signed to Shelter Records and returned to his hometown of Tulsa Oklahoma. Once in Tulsa, Twilley and his bandmate, Phil Seymour, recorded at The Church Studio and had great connections and relationships with Leon Russell, Denny Cordell, and artists like Tom Petty. Dwight shares his insight in regards to the public image…
Read MoreOKIES ON RECORD #1
By Steve Todoroff We are starting a new monthly series here on the Church Studio Blog, where we will cover some of the early releases from the past where Oklahoma musicians appeared together in the studio, more often than not on other artist’s records. Starting us off is a popular rockabilly artist and songwriter from…
Read MoreThe Church Studio Welcomes Oklahoma State University Music Intern
Get to know Student Sadie Kane in her first Blog Post BY: Sadie Kane When I first contacted The Church Studio, I had no knowledge of the history that lies within the walls of the old building. I was unaware of the legendary musicians that had filled the historic chapel with their music that would…
Read MoreRock of Ages: The Race for Rock
Tulsa’s early rockers were black and white, and no one cared – as long as the racial mixing was on the stage By JOHN WOOLEY “I’m tellin’ you, I didn’t know segregation back then — in the Flamingo Club for sure,” states multiple music hall of famer and bluesman Flash Terry. Terry worked in that north Tulsa…
Read More2021: Things are Rockin’ at the Church Studio
The Church Bulletin We’re getting so close, the wait is nearly over! Drywall is up, the greenspace to the west has a landscape plan, 22 miles of wiring is in place – every board is screwed into position – no nails for The Church Studio! The oversized elevator will hold your grand piano, and several of your…
Read MoreRock of Ages: ‘Rockin’ this Joint Tonite
Gambling, drinking, guns and bombs — Tulsa’s rock ‘n’ roll gigs of the 1950s felt like Wild West shows By JOHN WOOLEY Before rock ‘n’ roll exploded in the late ’50s, there weren’t many places in Tulsa where a talented kid could play in front of a crowd. Tommy Crook, who left rock ‘n’…
Read MoreTHE BILL DAVIS INTERVIEW
By Steve Todoroff It’s a late September night at the Sunset Grill, a combination cafe/night club in Tulsa where eager fans begin to cram themselves around tables near the vicinity of the dance floor. As they mingle about, a party-like atmosphere maintains them until that moment the band squeezes onto the tiny stage and starts…
Read MorePamela Thompson Pickett: You Will Be Missed!
By: Ann Bell Nicholson Pam was born to parents, Eula Mae and Jeff Thompson. They were Tulsa residents. She was an only child. She was born on December 31, 1951 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Pam graduated from Bishop Kelley High School and then the University of Oklahoma. While a student in Norman OK, Pam joined a…
Read MoreEric 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…
Read MoreLEON 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,…
Read MoreVOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT – BILL AVERY
Bill Avery, Leon Lifer and a Church Studio volunteer, is a dedicated, knowledgeable, and fun-loving ambassador for the Church and for Leon’s legacy. Although he lives in New Jersey, we have been fortunate to have Bill travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and assist with concerts and book signings. Tell us about yourself. My name is Bill…
Read MoreTWENTIETH-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…
Read More5 Questions with Conor Culpepper
As you may have seen on our Facebook, The Church Studio recently partnered up with one of our Studio Row businesses, High Dive, to produce STAGE DIVE. Every Monday evening, High Dive will open its doors(and stage) to upcoming singer-songwriters for an Open Mic. The event is designed for anyone that wants to share…
Read More2019: FOLLOW US TO THE CHURCH LEON BUILT
Dear Friends, The long and winding road to The Church continues and 2019 was a true testament to that. While construction on The Church Studio moves forward, our team spent 2019 working on our online presence and working closely with the community by paying tribute to our city’s rich music history while preparing a…
Read MoreRock of Ages: Birth of the Beat
Rock ‘n’ Roll Rode into Tulsa on a ‘Mystery Train,’ and Local Teens Turned the Beat Around to Make Their Own Sound By JOHN WOOLEY In the beginning Tulsa swung. But it did not rock. Then, onto our stages stepped Gene Crose, followed by Clyde Stacy and Bobby Taylor, Wally Wiggins and David…
Read More2018: Year in Review
Jan 2019 Newsletter Dear Friends, 2018 has been a year of growth, community and resilience for our organization. Our team has been busy with multiple projects, including the renovation of the historic Harwelden Mansion and the construction in Studio Row, which have all been equally demanding and challenging, yet extraordinarily worthwhile. Throughout the year, one…
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