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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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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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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Working 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…

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New 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…

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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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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 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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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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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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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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