The 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…

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Tommy Lokey: Consummate Jazzman at The Church Studio

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…

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THE CHURCH BULLETIN 02/15/24

  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…

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Charlie 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…

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The Church Bulletin 01/18/24

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…

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The Church Bulletin 12/15/23

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…

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JOHN FORD COLEY | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT

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…

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RITA COOLIDGE | LEGACY ARTIST MEMOIR EXPERIENCE

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…

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KENNY LOGGINS | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT

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…

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Leon Russell’s Definitive Biography – An Exclusive Book Signing Experience

Leon Russell’s Definitive Biography – An Exclusive Book Signing Experience March 18, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm CDT $44.00 Author Bill Janovitz is publishing the definitive biography of legendary musician, composer, and performer Leon Russell, a profound influence on countless artists, including George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Willie Nelson,…

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WILLIS ALAN RAMSEY | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT

WILLIS ALAN RAMSEY | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT Willis Alan Ramsey is an American singer/songwriter with a super fan base among listeners of Americana and Texas country. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in Dallas, Texas. An alumnus of The Church Studio, Willis released the critically acclaimed album, Willis Alan Ramsey, in 1972 on the Shelter label. The album included “Muskrat Candlelight” which…

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AIR SUPPLY | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT

AIR SUPPLY | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT October 4, 2022 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm CDT “Making Love Out of Nothing at All”“Even the Nights are Better”“Here I Am”“Every Woman in the World”“The One that you Love” “Lost in Love” Need we say more?? Australian soft rock duo, consisting of English-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Graham Russell and Australian…

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TAJ MAHAL | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT

TAJ MAHAL | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT December 8, 2022 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm CST KENT BLAZY WITH SPECIAL GUEST STEVE ALLEN Kent Blazy is an American country music songwriter who calls Nashville, TN his home. His credits include several singles for Garth Brooks such as “Tomorrow Never Comes”, as well as singles by Gary Morris, Diamond Rio,…

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KENT BLAZY | LEGACY SONGWRITER CONCERT

KENT BLAZY | LEGACY SONGWRITER CONCERT December 8, 2022 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm CST KENT BLAZY WITH SPECIAL GUEST STEVE ALLEN Kent Blazy is an American country music songwriter who calls Nashville, TN his home. His credits include several singles for Garth Brooks such as “Tomorrow Never Comes”, as well as singles by Gary Morris, Diamond Rio,…

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JIMMY WEBB | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT

JIMMY WEBB | LEGACY ARTIST CONCERT March 10, 2022 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm CST 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. Jimmy Webb will be here on March 10th from 5:30-8:30 PM. The Church Studio, a legendary state-of-the-art recording…

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“The Man In Bronze” Cinematic Premiere | Meet The Sculptor

“The Man In Bronze” Cinematic Premiere | Meet The Sculptor December 17 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm CST  |  $20.00 Event Date and Time: December 17th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST GET TICKETS Event Overview: Join us at Circle Cinema for a special night hosted by The Church Studio! Enjoy the premiere of “The Man…

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BILL CHAMPLIN | LEGACY CONCERT SERIES

BILL CHAMPLIN | LEGACY CONCERT SERIES September 30, 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, Tulsa’s premier state-of-the-art recording studio, archive and historic event center,…

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The Church Bulletin 11/16/2023

CHURCH MERCH TRAVELS We appreciate our loyal customers and dedicated volunteers who proudly represent The Church Studio during their travels. 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. Again, THANK YOU for all your support!  Join us at…

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Tom 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…

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Casii 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…

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The 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…

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The Church Bulletin 10/16/23

CHURCH MERCH TRAVELS We appreciate our loyal customers and dedicated volunteers who proudly represent The Church Studio during their travels. We love seeing your photos from all over the world! Ken Clifford in Tuscany Bob Dylan’s touring band Joann Caldwell in Alaska Mickey in Tulsa If you wear any of our merch, by sure to tag us…

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Mike 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…

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BONUS: MEET THE “FROM THE CHAMBER” TEAM

We are proud to introduce the first episode of our very own podcast “From The Chamber.” Inspired by the rare and exquisite subterranean echo chambers housed beneath the legendary Church Studio. We’ll be taking a deep dive into everything music with all of your favorite recording artists, producers, engineers, and other notable music connoisseurs. Our mission is simple: to deepen our listeners’ understanding and appreciation of brilliant music and the masterful art of capturing it! 

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The Church Bulletin 9/15/23

NEW TO THE CHURCH STUDIO It’s time to share with you all things new at The Church Studio! Our latest update, the Magnolia Meadows plaque, has arrived! This space pays homage to the legendary JJ Cale, who lived on this very green space in the 1970s. Named after his timeless track, “Magnolia”, from the iconic Shelter Records album,…

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The Church Bulletin 8/15/23

BORN TO ROCK MEET BABY MILLIE! If you’ve ever visited The Church, you’ve met Jessica, our merchandise queen, who brings a smile to all of our guests. This month, she took maternity leave to give birth to her precious daughter, Millie. Millie hasn’t yet visited the Church, but she’s already a big fan and loves…

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The 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…

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The Church Bulletin 7/20/23

NEW TO THE CHURCH Introducing the newest addition at The Church Studio: MAGNOLIA MEADOWS signage. As the newly planted magnolia trees flourish, we pay homage to one of the greatest legends, JJ Cale who lived on this greenspace in the 1970’s. The name is inspired by his timeless song “Magnolia,” from his Shelter Records album,…

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The 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…

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A 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…

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The Church Bulletin 06/20/23

COMING SOON… It’s a T-shirt but an OPULENT T-shirt! We can’t wait to debut the first T-shirt in the “Studio Collection.” Comfort Colors, creative branding, archival design, 100% luxe cotton to a limited number of T-shirt connoisseurs. Email us at info@thechurchstudio.com if you’d like to Pre-Order month one. Music fans, collectors, and fashion-forward fans will be consumed…

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THE CHURCH BULLETIN 05/25/23

MERCH ON THE ROAD AGAIN Merch on the Road Again: Featuring You! Thank you to our loyal customers and volunteers for representing The Church Studio during their travels! Quintin, one of our volunteers at Hallet Motor Racing Circuit competing in the “Lemons Hallettosis Race” in Jennings, Oklahoma Leigh and John Reaves in Cappadocia, Türkeiye John Reaves in Southern…

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The 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…

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The 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…

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THE CHURCH BULLETIN 04/27/23

CARNEY FEST 2023 ONE FOR THE BOOKS Thank you to everyone who traveled near and far to join us at Carney Fest! Your participation in or our inaugural festival made this event a huge success! A special shoutout to our amazing volunteers, sponsors, vendors, performers, and LeonLifers for helping make this music festival unforgettable. The bands…

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JJ 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…

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THE CHURCH BULLETIN 03/15/23

*DATE CORRECTION* WILLIS ALAN RAMSEY Thursday, May 4th, 2023 Willis Alan Ramsey is an American singer/songwriter with a super fan base among listeners of Americana and Texas country. An alumnus of The Church Studio, Willis released the critically acclaimed album, Willis Alan Ramsey, in 1972 on the Shelter label. The album included “Muskrat Candlelight” which was covered (under the title “Muskrat Love”)…

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THE CHURCH BULLETIN 02/16/2023

MERCH ON THE ROAD AGAIN Merch on the Road Again: Featuring You! We love seeing our customers and volunteers representing The Church Studio Merch during their travels! It warms our hearts to know that our products accompany you on your adventures, whether you’re exploring the Olympic Stadium in Athens, soaking up the sun on the…

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Leon 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?

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History 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…

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Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon Johnson Caskey

Sharon Johnson Caskey Magnolia Meadows

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…

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Steve 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…

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Remembering 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…

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GUEST 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),…

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THE 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…

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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 our very first volunteers, Willis Allen.  If you have attended one of our Studio Tours, you have probably met or visited Willis.  Willis shines…

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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 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…

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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 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…

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Q&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…

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A 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…

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Leon, 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…

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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!

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Leon 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…

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EPISODE 7 – Grady Nichols

If you haven’t heard of today’s guest, then we are thrilled to be able to introduce you to this exceptionally talented artist and all-around nice guy! Grady Nichols is an award-winning jazz instrumentalist known by most for his signature, lyrical approach to playing the saxophone.

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A 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…

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EPISODE 6 – “DANNY BOY,” DANNY O’CONNOR

Today we are talking with Danny O’Connor, aka “Danny Boy.” You may recognize him from the 90’s hip hop group House of Pain whose smash hit “Jump Around” put them at the top of the charts in 1992. Since then, there has been no shortage of ups and downs from his addiction struggles to his rise to a social media marketing mogul. 

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The 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.…

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EPISODE 5 – JANA JAE

Jana has built a solid solo career, drawing upon her diverse musical background. Her one-of-a-kind style blends country fiddling, western swing, bluegrass, pop, and the classics, producing thrilling performances and critical acclaim. Jana got her big break at a Buck Owens concert in Redding, California when she was invited to take the stage and play “Orange Blossom Special.”

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EPISODE 4 – PHIL CLARKIN

We had so much fun with the talented and inspiring photographer, Phil Clarkin. Phil has a diverse photography and video background and is known for his work with national and international musical acts. His passion leads to the capture of moments in time that will last forever. We are all grateful for that passion!

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Rock 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…

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EPISODE 3 – HORTON RECORDS

Today in the podcast studio, we are exposed to an emerging business model for the music industry; a non-profit record label called Horton Records.   Two signed artists–music heroes Jesse Aycock and Paul Benjamin– along with founder and President; Brian Horton join the From the Chamber team to discuss a plethora of relevant topics including a very special new project, “BACK TO PARADISE: A Tulsa Tribute to Okie Music.”

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EPISODE 2 – CHAD HAILEY & STEVEN DURR

Today is an interesting and entertaining edition of “From The Chamber,” especially for any of you who are keeping up with the renovation of the historic The Church Studio, a National Landmark!  Visiting us from Nashville, Chad Hailey and Steven Durr are two of the most sought-after names in acoustical design and engineering and are the masterminds behind this extraordinary historic restoration that are bringing Leon Russell’s recording studio back to life.

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EPISODE 1 – GARY BUSEY

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!

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Rock 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…

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OKIES 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…

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Rock 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…

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2021: 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…

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Rock 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’…

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THE 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…

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Pamela 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…

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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…

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EPISODE 11 – MAT MAXWELL

Mat Maxwell is an industry go-to musician for both international touring and studio sessions. Although he is a multi-instrumentalist, he claims bass as his primary tool for musical expression. Currently, he is on tour with country music star Lauen Alaina of American Idol fame. We very much enjoyed getting this behind the scenes look at life on the road as a modern musician!

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EPISODE 10 – RYAN & RYAN

Today we sit down with the dynamic piano duo Ryan & Ryan, comprised of world-class pianists Donald Ryan and his son Barren. What we want to know is what does it really take to become a world-class musician? What’s it for Barren to follow in the footsteps of such an accomplished musician as Donald? Ryan & Ryan give us their unique perspectives on all of these questions and much more in the information-packed episode of From The Chamber.

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LEON RUSSELL PERFORMS AT DUKE UNIVERSITY in 1971

Leon Russell 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,…

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VOLUNTEER 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…

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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…

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5 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…

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2019: 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…

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Rock 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…

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2018: 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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