Steve Ripley of the Tractors

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 5 Jan 2019 10:42 am

Leon Russell introduced me to Steve in 1978 and he's been a close buddy ever since. His talents were manifold. Singer/songwriter, band leader,lead guitarist,inventor,luthier,recording engineer/producer and all round good guy. I'll miss him.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... ad-775044/

john buffington · Post by **john buffington** » 5 Jan 2019 1:13 pm

Got to do 2 sessions in "The Church" studio on 3rd and Trenton in Tulsa, years ago soon after it was converted to a recording studio. Place had an aura about it even then. Steve will be missed.

Russ Tkac · Post by **Russ Tkac** » 5 Jan 2019 6:53 pm

Sad to hear. Condolences to you Michael.

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 6 Jan 2019 2:58 am

My Condolences Michael!!

Blake Hawkins · Post by **Blake Hawkins** » 6 Jan 2019 3:25 am

Michael, Very sorry to know the loss of your friend.
Please accept my condolences as well.

Stephen Abruzzo · Post by **Stephen Abruzzo** » 7 Jan 2019 10:43 am

Damn, way too young. Always loved The Tractors.

G Strout · Post by **G Strout** » 7 Jan 2019 7:41 pm

Great guy.... and a Family man. ( With a capital F) What a talent !!! We enjoyed some times together and I saw him in Oklahoma a year or so back. One of the great unrecognized talents (mostly) in the business. He had.... as we liked to say " Big Ears.
God bless and keep you Steve.....

Chris Boyd · Post by **Chris Boyd** » 8 Jan 2019 11:17 am

Truly sad news...my sympathies to you Michael...

Ben Elder · Post by **Ben Elder** » 9 Jan 2019 12:25 am

Back when I was majoring in Radio/TV/Film at Oklahoma State (when we hand-chiseled the grooves into the granite "records"), and frothing at the mouth to get into studio recording, my professors introduced me to Steve, an earlier graduate of the department. We set up an arrangement one semester where I'd do 10 hours a week of whatever Steve needed around his studio for an hour's credit in a kind of "independent study".

I regret not staying in better touch in recent years; I had no idea about his health of late.

Growing up in Oklahoma, I never imagined I'd ever know someone who'd been to George Harrison's house (on tour with Bob Dylan, early 1980s)...or for that matter, anyone who'd toured with Bob Dylan. And...and...and...

Steve did a hell of a lot in a tragically too-short life.

G Strout · Post by **G Strout** » 31 Jan 2019 3:54 pm

Steve Ripley's memorial service will be next Tuesday, February 5 at 2:00 PM a the Church at Downtown, 1915 E, 3rd Street. It will be a fitting tribute to a his life and musical career. I hope some Local 94 members will attend.