Turnpike Troubadours are a defining force in modern Red Dirt and music. Formed in 2005 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, they quickly became central to the Oklahoma-Texas music scene. Known for fiery live shows and vivid storytelling, the band blends country, folk, and rock with ease.
Led by frontman Evan Felker, their lyrics mix poetic realism with a strong sense of place. They tell honest stories of small-town life, struggle, and resilience. Early albums like Diamonds & Gasoline and Goodbye Normal Street earned both critical praise and a loyal fanbase.
After a brief hiatus in 2019, the band returned stronger than ever. In 2023, they released A Cat in the Rain and resumed touring extensively. Though rooted in Red Dirt traditions, their music continues to grow with new experiences and perspectives.
In 2025, they released another standout album featuring “Ruby Ann,” written by Oklahoma songwriter Lance Roark. This track highlights their ongoing support for rising talent in the region. From heartfelt ballads to high-energy anthems, their catalog continues to expand.
Ultimately, the Turnpike Troubadours are more than a band. They are a cultural force in Oklahoma music—proof of what happens when fearless performance meets unforgettable songwriting.
Back in 2005.
They are from Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Frontman Evan Felker, lead guitarist Ryan Engleman, fiddle player Kyle Nix, bassist R.C. Edwards, drummer Gabe Pearson, and steel guitar and accordion player Hank Early
