10 Best Songs About Tulsa

Feature Photo: Mick Haupt

Tulsa, Oklahoma, holds a unique place in American history and culture, standing at the crossroads of the country’s past and its ever-evolving identity. Founded in the late 19th century, Tulsa began as a small settlement in Indian Territory but rapidly transformed into one of the wealthiest cities in the United States during the early 20th century due to the discovery of oil. Known as the “Oil Capital of the World” throughout the early 1900s, Tulsa’s booming oil industry attracted a diverse population of entrepreneurs, laborers, and visionaries, each contributing to the city’s dynamic growth. However, Tulsa is also marked by the tragedy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, an event that profoundly shaped the city’s social and historical narrative. Today, Tulsa has become a beacon of cultural renaissance, embracing its complex history while celebrating its contributions to music, art, and American culture.

Musically, Tulsa’s significance is perhaps best encapsulated by the emergence of the “Tulsa Sound,” a genre-blurring mix of rock, country, blues, and jazz that gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Pioneered by artists like Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, and others, the Tulsa Sound would go on to influence generations of musicians both locally and globally. Leon Russell, a native of the city, immortalized his connection to Tulsa in songs like “Home Sweet Oklahoma,” where he celebrates the city’s importance in shaping his identity and career. This deep connection to place resonates through the works of many musicians who have referenced Tulsa in their songs, each bringing a different perspective on what the city means to them.

Throughout popular music, Tulsa has appeared not just as a geographical location but as a symbol of various emotional and personal journeys. Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa” uses the city as a turning point in a tale of romantic betrayal, while Emmylou Harris’s “Tulsa Queen” represents departure and loss. In contrast, Eric Clapton’s “Tulsa Time,” which closes this article, frames the city as a symbol of homecoming and simplicity, a welcome respite from the chaos of life on the road. The varied portrayals of Tulsa across these songs reflect its multifaceted role in American culture—whether as a backdrop for emotional struggles, a source of personal pride, or a place of escape, Tulsa continues to inspire a diverse array of artists across genres.

As we explore the 10 best songs about Tulsa, it becomes clear that the city’s influence reaches far beyond its borders. From its deep musical roots in the Tulsa Sound to its symbolic role in songs about heartbreak, redemption, and longing, Tulsa has earned its place as a cultural touchstone in American music. Each song in this list offers a different glimpse into the city’s heart, reminding us of its lasting significance in the broader tapestry of American history and art.

# 10 – The Heart of Rock & Roll – Huey Lewis and the News

“The Heart of Rock & Roll” by Huey Lewis and the News is an energetic anthem that celebrates the power and longevity of rock music across America, specifically highlighting cities known for their vibrant music scenes. Released as the opening track of their 1983 album Sports, this song became a defining moment for the band. Recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, in 1983, the track was produced by Huey Lewis and the band alongside Bob Brown. The musicians on the album include Huey Lewis on vocals and harmonica, Johnny Colla on guitar and saxophone, Bill Gibson on drums, Mario Cipollina on bass, and Chris Hayes on lead guitar. The tightness of the band, known for their polished yet lively sound, shines through in this track, creating an upbeat and catchy tune that embodies the heart of rock music.

“The Heart of Rock & Roll” became a commercial success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984, further establishing Huey Lewis and the News as one of the leading pop-rock acts of the decade. The song’s lyrics list a variety of cities—New York, L.A., Cleveland—each contributing its own flavor to the larger fabric of American rock. In the second verse, Lewis name-drops Tulsa, affirming that the heart of rock and roll is alive and well there, too. This mention ties the song directly into the thematic focus of this article, showcasing how even a mid-sized city like Tulsa can hold its own in the country’s musical landscape. This aligns with the broader theme that music, especially rock, transcends geographical boundaries and remains a unifying force.

Visually, the music video for “The Heart of Rock & Roll” plays up this idea with footage from various cities, highlighting iconic imagery that matches each location mentioned in the song. When comparing it to other songs featured in this article, such as “24 Hours from Tulsa” by Gene Pitney, there’s a similar acknowledgment of the city’s place within the American music scene, but while Pitney’s track reflects a more emotional, narrative-driven story, Huey Lewis offers a more celebratory and fun-loving take on Tulsa’s role. The upbeat tempo and lyrics work together to remind listeners that rock’s influence is alive in every corner of the country, with Tulsa holding its spot alongside much larger metropolises.

Huey Lewis’s nod to Tulsa in “The Heart of Rock & Roll” might be brief, but it speaks volumes about the city’s impact on the broader rock scene. Like other tracks on this list, it reinforces the notion that even smaller cities have contributed to the evolution of American music, something worth celebrating in every form, whether it’s the heart-wrenching storytelling of Pitney’s song or the heart-pumping rhythm of Huey Lewis and the News.

# 9 – W.O.L.D – Harry Chapin

“W.O.L.D.” by Harry Chapin is a poignant narrative song from his 1973 album Verities & Balderdash, which tells the bittersweet story of a middle-aged disc jockey reflecting on his life’s trajectory. The track was recorded in 1973 at Elektra Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Paul Leka. The musicians involved on the album include Chapin on guitar and vocals, John Wallace on bass, Ron Palmer on electric guitar, and Stephen Chapin on piano and organ. The track captures the personal struggles of the protagonist, touching on themes of lost love, aging, and the transient nature of fame, making it a reflective and somewhat melancholic contrast to other celebratory songs on this list.

“W.O.L.D.” reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 and became one of Chapin’s most iconic songs. The lyrics tell the story of an aging DJ who has moved from station to station, now working at a small-town radio station, W.O.L.D., hoping to regain his former glory. There’s a notable mention of Tulsa in the second verse, where the narrator recounts a long career that has taken him to various places, including Tulsa, where he faced significant personal and professional struggles. This brief mention ties into the broader theme of the article, as Tulsa becomes a waypoint in the journey of a man grappling with his past decisions and the toll they have taken on his relationships. Unlike other tracks in this article, such as Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” which celebrates Tulsa’s place in the vibrant American rock landscape, Chapin’s reference is tinged with regret and reflection, offering a more somber view of the city’s role in the narrator’s life.

The song’s structure emphasizes the cyclical nature of the DJ’s life, as he laments his fading career while trying to rekindle the connections he’s lost along the way. The repetition of “I am the morning DJ on W.O.L.D.” throughout the song reinforces the monotony of his existence. When compared to Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa,” another song featured in this article, W.O.L.D. takes a more introspective approach, focusing on the protagonist’s internal struggles, while Pitney’s song tells a story of temptation and heartbreak on the road to Tulsa. Both tracks deal with personal failure in their own way, but where Pitney’s character makes a life-changing mistake before reaching Tulsa, Chapin’s DJ has already lived through a series of poor choices that have led him there and beyond.

Chapin’s “W.O.L.D.” ultimately portrays Tulsa as a milestone in the DJ’s career, a place that symbolizes both professional shifts and personal losses. As a contrast to the more upbeat songs on this list, the song underscores the complexities of life on the road and the passage of time, themes also present in other tracks like Pitney’s and their reflections on Tulsa as more than just a geographical location—it’s a place where decisions, whether good or bad, leave lasting marks on the individuals who pass through.

# 8 – Tulsa – Elle King

“Tulsa” by Elle King is a bold, irreverent track from her 2022 album Come Get Your Wife. The song blends country rock with King’s signature gritty, unapologetic vocal style, delivering a punchy narrative about betrayal, revenge, and independence. Come Get Your Wife was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, capturing the spirit of the city’s musical heritage. The album was produced by Elle King herself alongside Ross Copperman, a Grammy-nominated country music producer. Musicians contributing to the album include Copperman on guitar and keys, as well as other prominent session musicians known for their work in the country and rock genres. King’s approach to the song encapsulates her genre-blending style, pulling from rock, country, and blues traditions.

“Tulsa” stands out as an energetic and defiant anthem that twists the narrative of a cheating partner. In a clever lyrical reversal, King reveals halfway through the song that “Tulsa” is, in fact, an acronym for “a slut,” as she warns the other woman to come and get her man. The song’s brashness and humor provide a contrast to the more somber explorations of Tulsa found elsewhere in this article, such as Harry Chapin’s introspective “W.O.L.D.” or Gene Pitney’s reflective “24 Hours from Tulsa.” Where Chapin and Pitney use Tulsa as a backdrop for regret and missed opportunities, King’s Tulsa is a place of confrontation, unapologetic in its rowdy energy. This contrast highlights the versatility of Tulsa as a symbol in popular music, capable of representing vastly different emotions depending on the context.

Elle King’s “Tulsa” did not chart as a standalone single, but it has garnered attention for its witty lyrics and fierce delivery, particularly resonating with fans of modern country and rock-infused country genres. The music video matches the song’s attitude, with King playing the role of a no-nonsense, revenge-seeking woman who takes control of the narrative. Compared to other songs in this article, like Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” which celebrates Tulsa as part of a broader musical tradition, King’s “Tulsa” turns the city into a personal battleground. The song’s humor and rebelliousness echo the free-spirited nature found in many classic rock and country anthems, giving Tulsa yet another dimension in the world of music.

In the end, Elle King’s “Tulsa” brings a fresh, contemporary perspective to this article’s exploration of the best songs about the city. Her sharp, defiant tone and the playful twist on the city’s name make it a memorable addition to the list, offering a contrast to more traditional takes on Tulsa’s cultural significance. Whether it’s a place of reflection, as in Chapin’s case, or a symbol of rock’s persistence, as in Huey Lewis’s, King’s Tulsa stands out as a location charged with personal power and confrontation, proving the city’s continued relevance in musical storytelling.

# 7 – Tulsa Queen – Emmylou Harris

“Tulsa Queen” by Emmylou Harris is a hauntingly beautiful song from her 1977 album Luxury Liner. Co-written by Harris and Rodney Crowell, the song tells a story of loss and longing, with the Tulsa Queen, a symbolic train, serving as a metaphor for a departed lover. Luxury Liner was recorded at Enactron Truck Studio in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Harris’s longtime collaborator, Brian Ahern. Musicians featured on the album include some of the most respected figures in country and folk rock, such as Albert Lee on guitar, Hank DeVito on pedal steel, Emory Gordy Jr. on bass, and Glen D. Hardin on piano. This rich combination of musicians contributes to the song’s melancholic, yet enchanting atmosphere, blending country with a touch of folk and rock.

Lyrically, “Tulsa Queen” revolves around the narrator’s heartbreak and the sense of inevitable separation. The Tulsa Queen, a metaphorical train, carries away not just a lover but also the dreams and hopes the narrator once had. The song’s delicate arrangement and Harris’s emotive vocals perfectly capture the feelings of desolation and resignation. Compared to the more lighthearted narrative twist of Elle King’s “Tulsa,” Harris’s use of Tulsa as a backdrop is far more wistful and symbolic. Whereas King uses the city as a battleground for revenge in her song, Harris sees it as a distant place, with the Queen representing the passage of time and the departure of love.

“Tulsa Queen” didn’t chart as a single, but it has become one of Emmylou Harris’s most beloved songs, cherished for its emotional depth and narrative subtlety. The song’s train imagery is a recurring motif in country music, much like in other tracks that celebrate or lament life’s journeys. When compared to Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa,” both songs utilize the city as a symbol of separation and loss, though Pitney’s track deals with the temptation and guilt of infidelity, while Harris’s focuses on the melancholy of a relationship fading into the distance. Similarly, Harry Chapin’s “W.O.L.D.” touches on themes of life passing by, making Harris’s song resonate even more within this context, as it paints Tulsa as a place where emotional distance grows wider.

In conclusion, Emmylou Harris’s “Tulsa Queen” offers a somber and reflective take on the city, adding a deeply emotional and poetic layer to this article’s exploration of Tulsa in music. While other songs, such as Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” celebrate the vibrancy of the city, Harris portrays Tulsa as a place where love and dreams go to disappear, making it one of the most evocative and bittersweet entries in the list.

Read More: Top 10 Emmylou Harris Songs

# 6 – 24 Hours From Tulsa – Gene Pitney

“24 Hours from Tulsa” by Gene Pitney is a classic pop ballad released in 1963 that became one of the singer’s most memorable hits. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York City. Pitney’s version, produced by Bacharach, features lush orchestral arrangements, signature to the songwriting pair’s style, with intricate piano work and sweeping strings that give the song its dramatic, cinematic feel. Pitney’s distinctive tenor voice conveys both the emotion and the tension of the narrative. The musicians on the recording include New York’s top session players, further solidifying the track’s polished sound. The song became a commercial success, reaching No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., making it a staple in Pitney’s discography.

The song tells the story of a man who is on his way back home to his lover but, while just 24 hours from Tulsa, falls in love with another woman he meets at a roadside café. He sends a letter to his previous lover, confessing that he will never come home again because of this newfound love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the man’s sudden change of heart, with lines like “I could never, never, never go home again” evoking the finality of his decision. Unlike other songs in this article that mention Tulsa in a celebratory or symbolic context, Pitney’s song uses the city as a marker of emotional and geographical distance. Tulsa becomes the last stop before the protagonist’s life takes an unexpected and irreversible turn. This stands in contrast to Elle King’s “Tulsa,” where the city is a site of confrontation and humor, while in Pitney’s narrative, it represents temptation and betrayal.

Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa” shares thematic similarities with Emmylou Harris’s “Tulsa Queen,” both songs dealing with the idea of leaving something behind. However, while Harris’s song speaks to a sense of melancholy and inevitability, Pitney’s track carries a sense of impulsiveness and regret. Similarly, Harry Chapin’s “W.O.L.D.” also taps into the theme of missed opportunities and the passage of time, but where Chapin’s narrator reflects on his lost chances over years, Pitney’s character makes a split-second decision that changes everything. The vivid storytelling in “24 Hours from Tulsa” offers a dramatic contrast to the other songs on this list that focus on more positive associations with the city.

“24 Hours from Tulsa” remains an iconic song that showcases Gene Pitney’s storytelling ability and the songwriting brilliance of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Its place in this article highlights a darker, more emotional side of Tulsa, making it a standout track that explores the complexities of human emotion and decision-making. While other songs in the list, such as Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” celebrate Tulsa’s musical vibrancy, Pitney’s song casts the city as a turning point where choices are made and lives are changed forever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFuN6kyD_7E

# 5 – Jack Straw – Grateful Dead

“Jack Straw” by the Grateful Dead is a standout track from their 1972 live album Europe ’72. Recorded during their iconic European tour in April and May of 1972, the album captures the band at their peak as live performers. The song, written by Bob Weir and lyricist Robert Hunter, tells a dark and complex story about two outlaws traveling through the Midwest, with Tulsa being one of the key locations referenced. Produced by the Grateful Dead and recorded across various European venues, including the Olympia Theatre in Paris and the Lyceum Theatre in London, Europe ’72 is a defining moment in the band’s career, combining elements of rock, folk, and country. The musicians on the track include Jerry Garcia on lead guitar and vocals, Bob Weir on rhythm guitar and vocals, Phil Lesh on bass, Bill Kreutzmann on drums, and Keith Godchaux on keyboards, with Donna Jean Godchaux providing backing vocals.

Lyrically, “Jack Straw” is one of the Grateful Dead’s more narrative-driven songs, telling the story of Jack Straw and Shannon, two drifters on the run, who eventually turn on one another. The song touches on themes of betrayal, violence, and survival, with Tulsa being one of the locations the characters pass through on their way to their eventual downfall. The line “We used to play for silver, now we play for life” reflects the shift in the characters’ motivations—from survival to desperation. Compared to other songs in this article, such as Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa,” the Grateful Dead’s use of Tulsa is far more symbolic. While Pitney’s song is a personal story of infidelity, “Jack Straw” paints Tulsa as part of a broader landscape of danger and consequence, fitting into the song’s larger narrative of moral ambiguity.

Musically, “Jack Straw” combines elements of country and rock, with Garcia and Weir’s vocal interplay adding depth to the characters they portray. The song’s shifting dynamics—from soft and reflective to intense and driving—mirror the growing tension between the two outlaws in the lyrics. Although “Jack Straw” wasn’t released as a single and didn’t chart, it has become a fan favorite and a staple of the Grateful Dead’s live performances, often evolving in length and arrangement with each rendition. Comparatively, where Emmylou Harris’s “Tulsa Queen” uses the city as a metaphor for loss and departure, the Grateful Dead’s version of Tulsa in “Jack Straw” is more fleeting and transient, representing just one stop on a doomed journey.

Ultimately, “Jack Straw” presents Tulsa as part of a violent and chaotic story, adding a darker, more mythic layer to the city’s portrayal in this article. While other tracks like Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Heart of Rock & Roll” celebrate the musical spirit of Tulsa, the Grateful Dead offer a more complex, haunting take. This exploration of the darker side of Tulsa fits into the Grateful Dead’s broader ethos of storytelling through music, where morality is often murky and the outcomes uncertain. It’s a unique addition to this list, offering a raw, narrative-driven perspective that stands in stark contrast to the other songs that reference the city.

Read More: Top 10 Grateful Dead Albums

# 4 – Take Me Back to Oklahoma – Chubby Checker

“Take Me Back to Oklahoma” by Chubby Checker is a lesser-known track that highlights his versatility as an artist beyond the iconic dance hits like “The Twist.” Released as part of Checker’s 1964 album Chubby’s Folk Album, this song delves into a more country-tinged sound, blending folk and rock elements. Recorded in Philadelphia at Cameo-Parkway Studios, the album was produced by Kal Mann, known for working with Checker throughout his career. Although this song didn’t chart, its inclusion on the album marked Checker’s attempt to explore different musical genres during the folk revival era of the early 1960s. Musicians on the album included session players from the Philadelphia area, but details on the specific personnel remain sparse, characteristic of many smaller projects of the time.

Lyrically, “Take Me Back to Oklahoma” tells the story of a man longing to return to his roots after a journey that has taken him far from home. He mentions Tulsa as one of the key places he passes through on his way back to Oklahoma, painting the city as a symbol of the familiar as he retraces his steps. This portrayal of Tulsa as a waypoint mirrors Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa,” though Checker’s character isn’t caught in a web of betrayal or temptation. Instead, Tulsa in this context becomes part of a nostalgic journey, a place on the map that signifies a return to something comforting and known. Unlike the dramatic tension found in Pitney’s story, Checker’s song has a more lighthearted and simple narrative, focusing on the desire to reconnect with one’s roots.

Musically, “Take Me Back to Oklahoma” stands out for its folk and country influences, showing Chubby Checker’s range as a performer. The guitar-driven arrangement contrasts with the pop sound that defined much of his earlier career, offering a refreshing take on the genre. While it lacks the biting narrative edge of Emmylou Harris’s “Tulsa Queen” or the complex storytelling found in the Grateful Dead’s “Jack Straw,” Checker’s song fits comfortably in the tradition of road songs that use Tulsa as a stopping point on a larger journey. This marks the city as a geographical touchstone, further cementing Tulsa’s presence in American music as both a destination and a symbol.

In conclusion, Chubby Checker’s “Take Me Back to Oklahoma” presents Tulsa as part of a broader story of homecoming, offering a more laid-back, folksy take on the city’s significance. While it doesn’t dive into the deep emotional complexity of songs like Pitney’s or Harris’s, it nonetheless contributes to the rich musical landscape that Tulsa occupies in popular music. The song’s blend of folk and rock makes it a unique entry in this list, showcasing Checker’s adaptability as an artist and providing a fresh perspective on Tulsa’s role in the American musical journey.

Read More: Top 10 Chubby Checker Songs

# 3 – Tulsa County – The Byrds

“Tulsa County” by The Byrds is a country-rock gem from their 1969 album Ballad of Easy Rider. The song was written by Pamela Polland and originally recorded by her band, The Gentle Soul, before The Byrds gave it their distinct sound. Recorded at Columbia Studios in Hollywood, California, between June and August 1969, Ballad of Easy Rider was produced by Terry Melcher. The Byrds lineup for the recording included Roger McGuinn on guitar and vocals, Clarence White on lead guitar, Gene Parsons on drums and banjo, and John York on bass. This era of The Byrds was characterized by a shift from their folk-rock roots to a more pronounced country sound, heavily influenced by their earlier work on Sweetheart of the Rodeo.

Lyrically, “Tulsa County” is about a narrator who feels trapped in his current life and longs to escape, with Tulsa County serving as a symbol of both where he’s coming from and where he needs to leave behind. The refrain, “I’m going back to Tulsa County,” reflects the tug-of-war between staying in a familiar place and the urge to break free from it. The song has a wistful, melancholic tone, underscored by Clarence White’s signature guitar work, which blends twangy country licks with the band’s folk-rock sensibility. This is similar in tone to Emmylou Harris’s “Tulsa Queen,” where Tulsa is associated with departure and the fading away of past loves and dreams. Both songs frame the city as something to be left behind, a place that symbolizes a life that no longer fulfills the protagonists.

Though “Tulsa County” wasn’t released as a single and didn’t chart, it stands out as a deeper cut that captures The Byrds’ evolution into country rock. The album itself reached No. 36 on the Billboard 200 and marked a period of transition for the band. Comparatively, while Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa” uses the city as a setting for a romantic betrayal, The Byrds’ Tulsa County is more symbolic of a broader internal struggle, where the narrator grapples with the desire to escape his roots. Musically, The Byrds’ harmonies and instrumental interplay give the song a richness that differentiates it from the more straightforward storytelling approach of Pitney or even the country-blues vibe of Emmylou Harris’s “Tulsa Queen.”

In conclusion, The Byrds’ “Tulsa County” presents Tulsa as a place filled with emotional weight, a symbol of the struggle between staying in the familiar and seeking freedom elsewhere. Its reflective lyrics and country-rock sound make it an interesting counterpart to other tracks in this article, such as the Grateful Dead’s “Jack Straw” and Harris’s “Tulsa Queen,” both of which also explore the theme of departure from Tulsa, albeit in different ways. By incorporating elements of country and rock, The Byrds created a poignant, layered song that adds depth to the representation of Tulsa in popular music.

# 2 – Home Sweet Oklahoma – Leon Russell

“Home Sweet Oklahoma” by Leon Russell is a rollicking tribute to Russell’s home state, released on his 1971 album Leon Russell and the Shelter People. Recorded at Shelter Studios in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Skyhill Studios in Los Angeles, this track reflects Russell’s deep connection to Oklahoma, combining elements of rock, blues, and country. The album was co-produced by Russell and Denny Cordell, and it features an all-star cast of musicians, including Carl Radle on bass, Jim Keltner on drums, and Don Preston on guitar. This song is a celebration of Oklahoma, particularly the Tulsa music scene that nurtured Russell and many of his contemporaries during this period.

Lyrically, “Home Sweet Oklahoma” is a joyous anthem that highlights the importance of returning home, with Russell singing about his desire to get back to the state that shaped him. The refrain, “Goin’ back to Tulsa, one more time,” is a powerful expression of nostalgia and pride, showcasing Tulsa as a place of comfort and artistic inspiration. Compared to other songs on this list, such as Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa,” which uses the city as a place of romantic betrayal, Russell’s song frames Tulsa as a beloved hometown, filled with fond memories and a sense of belonging. Similarly, where Emmylou Harris’s “Tulsa Queen” deals with loss and departure, Russell’s Tulsa is a joyful return to roots, a place he longs to reconnect with rather than leave behind.

“Home Sweet Oklahoma” wasn’t released as a single, but it has become a beloved song among Russell’s fans and a testament to his deep ties to the Tulsa sound, a mix of rock, country, and blues that shaped much of his music. The track exemplifies Russell’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, and his piano work on the song is a standout feature, embodying the unique, laid-back vibe of the Tulsa music scene. The song’s energy and upbeat tone also set it apart from the darker, more introspective takes on Tulsa found in songs like the Grateful Dead’s “Jack Straw,” where the city serves as a fleeting backdrop to a tragic story.

In conclusion, Leon Russell’s “Home Sweet Oklahoma” paints a vivid picture of Tulsa as a place of refuge and inspiration, celebrating the city’s role in his life and music. Compared to other songs on this list, which often portray Tulsa as a place of emotional tension or departure, Russell’s track brings a refreshing sense of joy and pride to the city. With its combination of rock, country, and blues elements, “Home Sweet Oklahoma” is a fitting tribute to the city and its musical heritage, standing as a testament to Russell’s influence on the Tulsa music scene and his deep-rooted connection to his Oklahoma home.

Read More: Top 10 Leon Russell Songs

# 1 – Tulsa Time – Eric Clapton

“Tulsa Time” by Eric Clapton, featured on his 1978 album Backless, is a laid-back, country-tinged tune that brings the article’s list to a close with a relaxed yet resonant nod to Tulsa’s influence on rock and country music. Written by Danny Flowers, the song was originally recorded by Don Williams, but Clapton’s version brought it to a wider audience in the rock world. Backless was recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles and Olympic Studios in London, with Clapton himself producing the album alongside Glyn Johns. The musicians on the album include Eric Clapton on guitar and vocals, Albert Lee on guitar and backing vocals, Carl Radle on bass, Jamie Oldaker on drums, and Dick Sims on keyboards—several of whom were central figures in the Tulsa music scene.

Lyrically, “Tulsa Time” tells the story of someone who feels out of place in the fast-paced world of Los Angeles and yearns to return to a simpler life in Tulsa, reflecting a desire to reconnect with a more grounded, familiar way of life. The chorus, “Living on Tulsa time,” encapsulates this sense of returning to one’s roots, suggesting that time flows differently in Tulsa, at a more relaxed, manageable pace. This sentiment aligns with Leon Russell’s “Home Sweet Oklahoma,” which similarly portrays Tulsa as a place of comfort and belonging. However, while Russell’s track exudes an energetic pride, Clapton’s version of “Tulsa Time” carries a more reflective tone, highlighting the weariness of life on the road and the pull of home as a remedy for that exhaustion.

“Tulsa Time” became a live staple for Clapton, often performed during his concerts throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. Although it wasn’t a chart-topping hit, it solidified Clapton’s ability to seamlessly incorporate country influences into his blues-rock foundation. The song’s easygoing vibe and twangy guitar riffs provided by Albert Lee give it a distinct country rock feel, showing Clapton’s deep respect for the Tulsa sound. When compared to Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa,” where Tulsa is a backdrop for betrayal and heartbreak, Clapton’s take on the city is far more positive, casting it as a place of peace and simplicity—an antidote to the chaotic lifestyle the narrator seeks to escape.

In conclusion, Eric Clapton’s rendition of “Tulsa Time” serves as a fitting closer to this article on the 10 Best Songs About Tulsa. Like other entries on this list, it paints the city as a symbol of nostalgia, homecoming, and comfort. Whether it’s the romantic longing of Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa” or the melancholy escape in Emmylou Harris’s “Tulsa Queen,” Tulsa holds a special place in the hearts of artists, and Clapton’s relaxed, country-tinged interpretation brings the theme full circle. “Tulsa Time” is a reminder of the city’s lasting influence on music, particularly through the Tulsa Sound, and serves as a fitting conclusion to a list celebrating the city’s cultural impact.

Read More: Top 10 Eric Clapton Love Songs