Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, Tulsa
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, located in the beautifully restored Tulsa Union Depot, is both a living museum and a vibrant performance venue that celebrates Oklahoma鈥檚 deep-rooted legacy in jazz, blues, and gospel music. This iconic downtown Tulsa landmark blends historic Art Deco charm with modern versatility, offering high ceilings, elegant architecture, and flexible event spaces such as the Great Performance Hall, museum galleries, music resource library, and even a VIP Suite. With its built-in stage and capacity to host over 500 guests, it鈥檚 a sought-after venue for weddings, concerts, and cultural events.
As a non-profit organization, the Hall of Fame honors legendary Oklahoma musicians, including Chet Baker, Charlie Christian, Don Cherry, Barney Kessel, and Jimmy Rushing, through permanent exhibits and regular live performances. Visitors can explore memorabilia, biographical displays, and archival materials that spotlight the state鈥檚 musical giants.
Since its founding, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame has inducted over 100 artists and groups. Its annual induction ceremony, now held each November, began in 1988 with educator Zelia N. Breaux as its first honoree. The institution also presents the Jay McShann Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 1999, to recognize artists like Dave Brubeck, Ramsey Lewis, Bob Wills, and Nat King Cole for their enduring influence.
Notably, jazz guitarist Barney Kessel delivered his final public speech at the Hall in 1991, and vocalist Joe Lee Wilson gave his last performance during his 2010 induction鈥攎oments that further rooted the Jazz Depot in the living history of American music.
Located on East First Street, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame remains a dynamic hub for music education, celebration, and performance in Tulsa.
As a non-profit organization, the Hall of Fame honors legendary Oklahoma musicians, including Chet Baker, Charlie Christian, Don Cherry, Barney Kessel, and Jimmy Rushing, through permanent exhibits and regular live performances. Visitors can explore memorabilia, biographical displays, and archival materials that spotlight the state鈥檚 musical giants.
Since its founding, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame has inducted over 100 artists and groups. Its annual induction ceremony, now held each November, began in 1988 with educator Zelia N. Breaux as its first honoree. The institution also presents the Jay McShann Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 1999, to recognize artists like Dave Brubeck, Ramsey Lewis, Bob Wills, and Nat King Cole for their enduring influence.
Notably, jazz guitarist Barney Kessel delivered his final public speech at the Hall in 1991, and vocalist Joe Lee Wilson gave his last performance during his 2010 induction鈥攎oments that further rooted the Jazz Depot in the living history of American music.
Located on East First Street, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame remains a dynamic hub for music education, celebration, and performance in Tulsa.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tulsa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame on Map
Sight Name: Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
Sight Location: Tulsa, USA (See walking tours in Tulsa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tulsa, USA (See walking tours in Tulsa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Create Your Own Walk in Tulsa
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tulsa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
University of Tulsa Walking Tour
Located on the historic U.S. Route 66, America's "Mother Road", the University of Tulsa campus centers on a wide, grassy, quad-like space, known as Dietler Commons. Formerly called "The U", it is found not far from the downtown area and is dominated by English Gothic architecture.
At the top of Deitler Commons sits one of the campus' most notable landmarks, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
At the top of Deitler Commons sits one of the campus' most notable landmarks, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tulsa's Historical Churches
Tulsa, Oklahoma is home to an array of remarkable churches, cathedrals, chapels, and other religious sites collectively reflecting the city's diverse religious heritage. A good number of these sanctuaries are located downtown. By far more than just places of worship, they are also architectural marvels and cultural landmarks.
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, with its striking Art... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, with its striking Art... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tulsa Introduction Walking Tour
Straddling the Arkansas River in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, the city of Tulsa is deeply rooted in the Native American history and, more recently, in the oil industry too.
The area of modern Tulsa is considered an Indian Territory, and has been formally settled by Native Americans since 1836. The tribesmen named their settlement Tallasi, which means "old town" in the Creek language,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
The area of modern Tulsa is considered an Indian Territory, and has been formally settled by Native Americans since 1836. The tribesmen named their settlement Tallasi, which means "old town" in the Creek language,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles