Turnpike Troubadours are an American red dirt country band formed in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in 2005, fronted by songwriter Evan Felker. His recurring characters and fiddle-driven arrangements made them the defining red dirt act — start with Diamonds & Gasoline (2010), then the 2023 reunion-era A Cat in the Rain. Dig into Turnpike Troubadours vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Turnpike Troubadours formed in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in 2005. Fronted by singer-songwriter Evan Felker, with longtime bassist RC Edwards and a lineup featuring fiddle and steel guitar, the band became one of the defining acts of the red dirt country movement. After announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2019, the band reunited in 2021 to renewed enthusiasm and continued releasing acclaimed records.
The band plays red dirt, country, and Americana rooted in fiddle, steel guitar, and electric instrumentation. Felker's literate, character-driven storytelling, with figures who recur across multiple songs and albums, is a signature element, earning the band comparisons to classic narrative songwriters and a devoted regional and national following.
The band's albums have been issued and reissued on vinyl, with the independent-era releases of interest to red dirt and Americana collectors. Colored-vinyl variants accompany several titles, and demand rose following the band's reunion.
Listeners new to Turnpike Troubadours often start with Diamonds & Gasoline (2010) or the self-titled album (2015). For related listening, see and .
