Leon McAuliffe Itinerary
While he originally hailed from Texas, once Leon McAuliffe moved to Tulsa in the mid-1930s, the legend of the steel guitar adopted the city as his hometown. Celebrate the life and career of this musical giant with a fun day trip from Claremore to Tulsa. On this route, enjoy a variety of activities including a small town diner breakfast at Dot's in Claremore and crate diving for classic Western Swing records before catching a show at the legendary Cain's Ballroom.
Claremore
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Claremore , OK
Stop 1: Dot's Cafe
Start your Leon McAuliffe itinerary with a full breakfast at one of his favorite diners. Leon loved the classic vibe of this cafe, because it felt like the hole-in-the-wall diners of his youth back in the 1930s.
Start from: 310 W Will Rogers Blvd , Claremore , OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 5th and N. Cherokee , Claremore, OK
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Claremore , OK
Stop 2: Rogers State University
Although it closed in the early 1990s, Leon helped found and taught at the Hank Thompson School of Country Music on this campus in the middle 1970s.
Start from: , Claremore , OK
Distance:
Arrive at: , Claremore , OK
Claremore
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Claremore, OK
Stop 3: Will Rogers Round-Up Club
Stop by this arena that was once one of Leon's favorite clubs to play.
Start from: 5th and N. Cherokee , Claremore, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 217 S Main St. , Broken Arrow , OK
Broken Arrow
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Broken Arrow , OK
Stop 4: Spirit Steel Guitar
Stop by this independent steel guitar shop in picturesque Broken Arrow to purchase a steel guitar of your own and master some of Leon's classic techniques.
Start from: 217 S Main St. , Broken Arrow , OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 221 W 4th St , Tulsa , OK
Tulsa
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Tulsa , OK
Stop 5: Union Bus Station
Although it's the bus terminal today, before urban renewal, this spot was home to the Cimarron Theater. For most of the 1950s Leon held court here, playing weekly shows with his band, recording a daily radio show and running a record label from his headquarters on the second floor.
Start from: 221 W 4th St , Tulsa , OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 6924 E Admiral Pl, Tulsa , OK
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Tulsa , OK
Stop 6: Guitar House
Before helping open the Hank Thompson School of Country Music in the mid-1970s, Leon taught at this classic Tulsa guitar shop.
Start from: 6924 E Admiral Pl, Tulsa , OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 11332 E 21st , Tulsa , OK
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Tulsa , OK
Stop 7: Coney Island
Grab one of Leon's favorite lunches, chili cheese dogs, at the Original Coney Island near downtown Tulsa.
Start from: 11332 E 21st , Tulsa , OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 1241 S Lewis , Tulsa , OK
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Tulsa , OK
Stop 8: Starship Records & Tapes
While digesting your chili cheese dogs, head over to this classic Tulsa record shop for some crate diving. Who knows, you might find some original Leon McAuliffe or even Bob Wills LPs?
Start from: 1241 S Lewis , Tulsa , OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 5111 S Memorial Dr , Tulsa , OK
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Tulsa , OK
Stop 9: Memorial Park Cemetery
Although his grave is unmarked, Leon McAuliffe is buried near section 6 and lot 353 in this peaceful cemetery, so stop by and pay your respects.
Start from: 5111 S Memorial Dr , Tulsa , OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 423 N Main , 74103, OK
74103
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74103, OK
Stop 10: Cain's Ballroom
Top off your Leon McAuliffe day by catching a show at the 'Home of Bob Wills' and birthplace of Western Swing, Cain's Ballroom.
Start from: 423 N Main , 74103, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: , , OK