Tulsa, Oklahoma Oct 26, 2024 (Issuewire.com) - The Church Studio will commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Gap Band's debut album, "Magicians Holiday," which was recorded here for Shelter Records in 1974. Mayor GT Bynam’s office has declared November 2nd as THE GAP BAND DAY. The Church Studio will host distinguished visitors, family, and dignitaries and launch a new display honoring The Gap Band. The commemoration begins at 10 am on Saturday, November 2nd, at The Church Studio at 304 S. Trenton Avenue, Tulsa, OK.
The album featured brothers Ronnie, Charlie, and Robert Wilson, and included Tommy Lokey, Roscoe Smith, O’Dell Stokes, and Chris Clayton.
The Gap Band is an R&B and Funk band founded in 1967 in Tulsa by the 19-year-old Ronnie Wilson (vocal, trumpet, piano, percussion, songwriter); later joined by his brothers Charlie (lead vocals, piano, synthesizer, organ, drums); and Robert (vocal, bass, guitar, percussion). The Wilson brothers grew up singing and performing at their father, Oscar Wilson's Church of God in Christ, in Sand Springs. Their mother, Irma, was the church's pianist, a talented trumpet player, and a music teacher. The band's name originated from the widely recognized streets Greenwood, Archer, and Pine, found in the historic Greenwood area.
Their time at The Church Studio, a venue steeped in musical history, was a pivotal moment that propelled them into superstardom. Leon Russell, who recognized their potential and encouraged them, helped the Gap Band succeed initially as Leon's support band and then as a group. Their collaboration with Russell on the album Stop All That Jazz further solidified their place in music history. After the release of Magicians Holiday, they embarked on a 26-city tour with Russell.
Since its inception in 1967. The Gap Band has released 15 studio albums, 12 compilations, and 2 live albums including 15 Top Ten Hits on the US Billboard R&B Charts.
Media Contact
The Church Studio Music Foundation nancy@theChurchstudio.com 918-894-2965 304 S Trenton Avenue https://www.thechurchstudio.com
