Turnpike Troubadours – Good Lord Lorrie

Turnpike Troubadours have long been a fixture on the Texas-Oklahoma Red Dirt scene. Their engaging storytelling showcases aspects of blue-collar life; “Good Lord Lorrie,” one of their signature tunes, describes its consequences after a romance gone sour.

Evan Felker, R.C. Edwards, Ryan Engelman and Kyle Nix each bring something unique to this ensemble, celebrating rural living while drawing upon history as part of modern rural culture. With Gabe Pearson on drums providing rhythmical backdrop.

Frontman Evan Felker

Turnpike Troubadours emerged from rural Oklahoma at a time when Nashville was filled with bro country and love was understood solely in terms of one-night stands, providing songs which dealt with real relationships rather than simple one-night stands. On this track by Turnpike Troubadours frontman Jeff Felker tackling the iconic soldier imagery to present an alternative narrative about service and sacrifice.

Although its title might seem dismal, this song is actually an upbeat anthem about perseverance. Through his lyrics, Felker paints an autobiographical picture of himself and Lorrie trying to build their lives together in the city. A lively instrumental and chorus bring this track home for an exciting finish; concert goers love this track as an audience favorite! From Goodbye Normal Street comes this fan favorite.

Guitarist Ryan Engelman

Turnpike Troubadours may not be one of country music‘s biggest acts, but they remain one of its most beloved independent groups. Grounded in Red Dirt traditions and offering regional country sounds with a distinct Oklahoman influence, the Turnpike Troubadours have established an impressive following while selling out concerts along the Texas-Oklahoma circuit.

As Evan Felker composes songs, Turnpike Troubadours make sure his writing comes alive through tight interplay among members. This results in a sound that is both gritty and artful, featuring Evan’s powerful vocals amplifying blue-collar life – whether they are singing about endless love affairs or confronting an unfaithful partner, Turnpike Troubadours deliver.

Bassist R.C. Edwards

Turnpike Troubadours thrive as a collective rather than individualists, which gives their songs depth without feeling like journal entries. Even their more emotive tunes benefit from this dynamic group dynamic.

At its inception, this band quickly established themselves as an undisputed force in both red dirt country and independent country music spheres. Led by frontman Evan Felker’s storytelling ability and skill at magnifying everyday aspects of blue-collar life, they quickly earned themselves a loyal following in rural bars across the United States before progressing onto sold out arena shows nationwide. Together with him are bassist RC Edwards, fiddle player Kyle Nix, and drummer Gabe Pearson who complete their group sound.

Drummer Gabe Pearson

Turnpike Troubadours were an Oklahoma Red Dirt band founded on Red Dirt traditions that brought Woody Guthrie’s political folk and Waylon Jennings’ outlaw honky tonk together into one cohesive sound, incorporating Hillcountry blues, Cajun music, and rock dynamics. At their best, Turnpike Troubadours could blend these together perfectly for an innovative country-rock sound that combined populist political folk music with outlaw honky tonk.

Driving percussion and an alarming chorus set the scene for this powerful departure song for an unfaithful partner, taken from Turnpike’s junior project A Long Way From Your Heart. A key example of their gritty sound which was refined through rural bars.

Evan Felker may be at the core of their band‘s sound; but their interplay makes their sadder songs come to life and makes them stand out among their disciples and peers.

Fiddle player Kyle Nix

Turnpike Troubadours have created songs that resonate with groups, then made them their own by performing them live at shows. In a country music world characterized by individualism, Turnpike Troubadours put bandhood first. They created songs which resonate with their collective, and make each of their shows their own way.

2022 was an impressive year for The 38’s as they made a triumphant return, releasing After the Flood Vol 1 — their first album since 2020– and playing everywhere from dance halls to amphitheaters and arenas.

Red Dirt Band from Oklahoma draws its roots from Red Dirt tradition while carrying forward regional music traditions from Texas and Hillcountry, paying homage to Waylon Jennings sonicly with their sound, creating a broad Americana experience for their listeners.