“For more than 35 years I’ve been fortunate to call Steve Ripley one of my true friends,” Van Halen said. “Steve is many things. Part genius, part musician, part inventor and many other great things, but my favorite thing about Steve is the wonderful, kind, humble human being he is and always will be. I love Steve with all my heart and am proud to know him.”

In 1987, the Ripley family moved back to Tulsa, and he acquired The Church Studio, the legendary recording venue which Leon Russell owned in the 1970s. This would become his second home and the hub for his larger body of creative work — including seven albums for The Tractors and a solo album.

Ripley contributed to a number of Church Studio collaborations with such artists as the Red Dirt Rangers, Hanson, Chainsaw Kittens, Admiral Twin and Carlton Pearson. He was a mentor to many young musicians and fans, and he was known as an anchor to the neighboring community, particularly supporting his homeless friends in the area.