 The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame was recognized by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1988, with legislation authored by State Senators Maxine Horner and Penny Williams.The Hall of Fame was one of several organizations created in the North Tulsa “renaissance” dedicated to reconstructing the city’s historic Greenwood district after the Tulsa Race Riot.The organization was originally housed in the Greenwood Cultural Center, and co-sponsored a yearly celebration of Oklahoman black music tradition called “Juneteenth on Greenwood.”

In 2004, Tulsa County’s Vision 2025 project allocated $4 million to purchase and renovate the Tulsa Union Depot for use by the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.