Oklahoma Today Podcast: April 21, 2025

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Purchased by the legendary Leon Russell in a deal struck at the diner across the street, Tulsa's Church Studio has become an iconic piece of music history. All-time greats like Tom Petty, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Wonder recorded there while the former real-life church was used as the home of Shelter Records in the 1970s, and the walls still very much contain a musical soul. On this week's show we meet up with Teresa Knox, who revived the Church Studio after it had sat vacant for many years. Today it is a first-rate recording studio once again, as well as a key tourist destination for music fans. Church Studio's Carney Fest, a celebration of Leon Russell's top-hat showmanship and legacy as a godfather of the Tulsa Sound musical style and movement, takes place Saturday, May 3.

Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss some of the historical sites in Oklahoma they love to visit, and podvents triggers some old prom memories. 

Catch up with back episodes of the Oklahoma Today Podcast here.

Written By

Ben Luschen

Luschen joined the *Oklahoma Today*’ staff as Research Editor in 2021 and currently works as the magazine's Web Editor, managing the website and social media fronts. His past *Oklahoma Today* stories have ranged in content from the state's bee and quail industries to its vibrant art and music scenes. Not adverse to a road trip, Luschen is always on the lookout for the next big adventure. He is never out of opinions about the current state of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball.