Maria 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
Steve 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
Steve 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,
The 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
Steve 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
Hometown 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,
Immersive 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
CELEBRITY 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,
Steve 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
Meet 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
RAIN 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
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
Tommy 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
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
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
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
Steve 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
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
IN SESSION: With Johnny Mullenax
January 3rd, 2025 | 6-7 pm & 7:30-8:30 pm CDT The Church Studio presents IN SESSION with Johnny Mullenax—an exclusive and immersive listening experience in the
Looney Tunes : EVAN HUGHES
Looney Tunes @ 1PM : EVAN HUGHES DETAILS Date: April 13, 2024 Time: 1:00 PM CDT See Full Schedule Here VENUE The Church Studio 304
Tunes @ Noon : GORDON MCKINNEY
Tunes @ Noon : GORDON MCKINNEY DETAILS Date: April 20, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM CDT See Full Schedule Here VENUE The Church Studio 304 S
Tunes @ Noon : CHELS RENEE
Tunes @ Noon : CHELS RENEE DETAILS Date: April 30, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM CDT See Full Schedule Here VENUE The Church Studio 304 S
Tunes @ Noon : ACESHOOTMEDOWN
Tunes @ Noon : ACESHOOTMEDOWN DETAILS Date: April 13, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM CDT See Full Schedule Here VENUE The Church Studio 304 S Trenton
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
“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
Joe Cocker Definitive Biography – An Exclusive Book Signing Experience
Joe Cocker Definitive Biography – An Exclusive Book Signing Experience November 11 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm CST $49.00 Join us for an exclusive
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
A 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 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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!
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
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
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
Grammy 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
Steve 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
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
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
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
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,
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
Volunteer 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
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
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
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),
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
6 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
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
The film, “Mural of Space and Time,” is a mini-documentary inspired by the Master of Space & Time, Leon Russell. The film premiered during the local programming at Sundance Film Festival at Circle Cinema in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.”
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!
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
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.”
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.
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!
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
Dwight 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
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
The 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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.
LEON 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
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
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
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
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
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
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