Legendary Recording Studios in Nashville: Breeding Grounds for Country Music Greatness

Blackbird Recording Studios In Nashville

When you think of Nashville, Tennessee, a few things come to mind - hot chicken, Southern charm, and of course, Country music. Music City USA, as it's affectionately known, is steeped in a rich musical heritage, and it owes much of this legacy to its recording studios. They've been the creative backdrop for countless hit songs, fostering and shaping the evolution of country music. Let's take a virtual tour through some of the most famous and significant recording studios in Nashville, focusing on their impact on the country music landscape.

RCA Studio B

No list of Nashville's recording studios would be complete without RCA Studio B, the birthplace of the Nashville Sound. This studio opened its doors in 1957 and revolutionized the country music industry by introducing lush, orchestral arrangements into the traditionally raw, honky-tonk genre. Chet Atkins, the studio's first manager, and a team of seasoned session musicians forged a new, smoother style of country music aimed at reaching a broader, pop-oriented audience.

Over 35,000 songs were recorded here, including more than 1,000 Top Ten hits. The list of artists who recorded at Studio B reads like a who's who of country music: Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and the Everly Brothers, to name a few. Parton's "Jolene" and Presley's "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" were both created here, adding to the studio's legendary status.

Grand Victor Sound Nashville (formerly RCA Studio A)

Just a few steps from Studio B is the equally revered Studio A. Founded in 1964 by Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley, it was designed to accommodate large orchestras and choirs, allowing artists to explore the limits of the Nashville Sound. This studio was instrumental in propelling country music onto the global stage, shaping hits for legends like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Charley Pride.

In 2014, Studio A was almost demolished for condominiums but was saved by philanthropist and musician Aubrey Preston and pop artist Ben Folds. Today, it's a thriving hub for both established artists and rising stars, maintaining its reputation as a home for creativity and innovation in country music.

The Quonset Hut Studio

The Quonset Hut was Nashville's first major recording studio. Owen and Harold Bradley launched it in the 1950s in an old Army surplus Quonset Hut, marking the beginning of what would become Nashville's Music Row. The studio gave birth to the Nashville Sound and was a popular recording site for artists from Patsy Cline to Johnny Cash.

Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry" and Patsy Cline's "Crazy" were recorded here, proving the studio's knack for producing timeless hits. Although operations ceased in 1982, its legacy was revived when Belmont University restored the studio to its former glory in 2006, preserving this crucial piece of country music history.

Ocean Way Recording Studio

Ocean Way Nashville, established in a 100-year-old grey stone church on Music Row, stands as an embodiment of Nashville's deep musical history while continuously shaping its future. Renowned for its unique acoustics and high-tech equipment, the studio has played host to numerous country music titans, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, and Brad Paisley, among others. Its impact on country music is particularly notable in the studio's facilitation of live ensemble recordings - a somewhat lost art in the modern era of digital production - which allows for a rich, organic sound that harks back to country music's roots. By helping preserve the traditional warmth and depth in country music recording, while still pushing technological boundaries, Ocean Way has crafted a significant legacy within the genre. Through this, Ocean Way Nashville continues to serve as a vital conduit between the heritage of country music and its modern evolution.

The Sound Kitchen

The Sound Kitchen opened its doors in the 1990s in Franklin, just south of Nashville. Since then, it has become a go-to studio for both emerging talents and established artists looking for top-notch production services and a creative environment. Artists as diverse as Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood have all recorded within its walls, underscoring the studio’s reputation for quality.

Key to the Sound Kitchen's impact on country music is its blend of state-of-the-art technology with a comforting, creative atmosphere. The studio's seven uniquely designed rooms, including the popular "Big Boy" studio with its renowned acoustics, are equipped with the latest recording technology, enabling artists to experiment and push the boundaries of the country music genre.

One of the most notable albums recorded at the Sound Kitchen is Taylor Swift's 'Fearless.' Swift, who started her career as a country artist, recorded several songs from this album at the Sound Kitchen, and it went on to become the best-selling album of 2009 in the US. 'Fearless' not only established Swift as a major player in the music industry, but it also introduced a younger audience to country music, contributing to the genre's renewal and expansion.

Sound Emporium

Founded by Cowboy Jack Clement in 1969, Sound Emporium has been a cornerstone of Nashville's music scene for over half a century. The studio is noted for its versatility, welcoming a diverse range of artists from Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers to Robert Plant and Taylor Swift.

Significant albums like "Red Headed Stranger" by Willie Nelson and the Grammy-winning "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack were crafted within its walls. Today, Sound Emporium continues its commitment to fostering musical creativity, bridging the gap between Nashville's storied past and its dynamic future.

Blackbird Studio

Established in 2002 by John and Martina McBride, Blackbird Studio is a relative newcomer in the Nashville scene, but it has quickly become one of the world's premier recording facilities. Equipped with nine studios and boasting an extensive collection of equipment, Blackbird has attracted a diverse roster of artists, from Kings of Leon to Tim McGraw.

Blackbird has a special place in the modern country landscape, facilitating the genre's ongoing evolution and pushing its boundaries. This forward-looking studio demonstrates that while Nashville respects and cherishes its musical roots, it's not afraid to innovate and redefine country music.

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Nashville's recording studios are much more than mere buildings. They are living, breathing entities that continue to shape, innovate, and inspire the country music landscape. Their contribution to music extends beyond country, affecting pop, rock, and folk genres, among others. These studios are a testament to Nashville's commitment to musical innovation and the cultivation of talent, confirming its status as one of the world's great music cities.

Whether preserving the traditions of the Nashville Sound or driving the evolution of country music into new territories, these studios have made and continue to make an indelible impact. They remind us that country music isn't merely a genre, but a rich tapestry of stories, emotions, and experiences, woven together in studios throughout Nashville, and shared with the world.

More Than 40 Years Later: Watch The Johnny Cash Christmas Show of 1977

Over the course of his career, Johnny Cash made a series of Christmas TV specials and recorded a string of Christmas records. In this 1977 TV performance, Cash is in great form. He brings special guests Roy Clark, June Carter Cash, The Carter Family, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison ("Pretty Woman" starts around 23:50), Carl Perkins, and the Statler Brothers. Tune in for Christmas as we celebrated it 40 years ago—with gigantic shirt collars, wavy hair, and bow ties. So many bow ties.

Country Music Hall of Famer Fred Foster Passes Away at 87

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

For the third time this year, we need to pause and remember a Country Music Hall of Fame great.

Fred Foster, the guiding force behind Monument Records, died Wednesday (2/20) in Nashville. He had been in weak health for a number of years.

The greatest legacy of Fred Foster is his ear for talent. While he worked for Mercury Records in the mid-50s he heard a young man who was on the rockabilly Sun label and begged his superiors to sign the singer. Mercury passed on Elvis Presley, and the rest is history.

Maybe that failure led Foster to believe he could run a label better, so in 1958 he took every penny he had and formed Monument Records, with the logo showing a replica of the Washington Monument. Determined not to let the same mistake happen again, Foster signed another fledgling artist on Sun: Roy Orbison. From there, Foster's skills helped launch or improve the career of a number of country (Billy Walker, Billy Grammer) and rock (Tony Joe White) acts.

His two biggest successes, however, came with the discovery of an east Tennessee songbird named Dolly Parton and a Texas Army veteran named Kris Kristofferson.

Parton's early hit "Dumb Blonde" was released on Monument and produced by Foster. After her first two albums on Monument she moved on to RCA Victor and international superstardom.

Kristofferson's legacy may be linked to the infamous story about him landing a helicopter on Johnny Cash's lawn to pitch "Sunday Morning Coming Down" to Cash, but it was Fred Foster who first signed Kristofferson to a publishing, and later recording, deal. Foster was also the one who suggested that Kristofferson incorporate the name of one of the secretaries in the building, Bobbie McKee, into a song. Kristofferson's "Me and Bobbie McGee" is one of the most important songs in country and rock (thanks to Janis Joplin's cover).

Foster never slowed down, producing the Grammy-winning Last of the Breed album with Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and Merle Haggard in 2007. In 2016 Foster produced a tribute album to Ray Price. That year Foster was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the rotating "non-performer" category for his decades of service to country music as a producer, publisher, and promoter.

"I am heartbroken that my friend, Fred Foster, has passed on," Dolly Parton said in a statement. "Fred was one of the very first people to believe in me, and gave me chances no one else would or could."

Fred Foster was 87.

New Music Video From Cam, Roy Orbison & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - "Heartbreak Radio"

Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis Team Up Again For Upcoming Come See Me & Come Lonely

Artist: Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis
Album: Come See Me & Come Lonely
Label: Goldenlane
Release date: November 10, 2017

Two female legends of contemporary country music have combined forces on a new album, combining voices, vision and talents again after their critically-acclaimed 2013 project Dos Divas. Altogether, these two artists have sold well over 10 million albums worldwide, not to mention they both come from country royalty - Pam is the daughter of icon Mel Tillis and Lorrie, the daughter of hitmaker George Morgan. The two of have chosen some of their favorite country songs including those originally made famous by Dottie West, Billie Jo Spears' "Blanket On The Ground," and Dwight Yoakam's "Guitars, Cadillacs" plus early rock favorites such as Roy Orbison's "It's Over" and The Everly Brothers' "Walk Right Back." The project includes special guest appearances by Joe Diffie & Darryl Worley as well.

Track listing:

  1. Do Ya
  2. Walk Right Back
  3. It's Over
  4. Guitars, Cadillacs
  5. Summer Wine Feat. Joe Diffie & Darryl Worley
  6. Saunders Ferry Lane
  7. Rose in Paradise
  8. Blanket on the Ground
  9. Tennessee Waltz
  10. It Doesn't Matter Anymore
  11. The End of the World
  12. Come See Me and Come Lonely

New Projects From Darius Rucker, Jerrod Niemann, Sammy Kershaw, Midland, Roy Orbison & More

With a little homework, lots of new projects were discovered on the horizon. Take a peek, do you have any anticipated favorites? 

Artist: Darius Rucker
Album: When Was The Last Time
Label: Capitol Nashville
Release date: October 20, 2017

Artist: Jerrod Niemann
Album: This Ride
Label: Curb
Release date: October 6, 2017

Artist: Blackhawk
Album: Greatest Hits Live
Label: Goldenlane
Release date: October 6, 2017

Artist: Sammy Kershaw
Album: Swamp Poppin'
Label: Big Hit Records
Release date: September 8, 2017

Artist: Midland
Album: On The Rocks
Label: Big Machine
Release date: September 22, 2017

Artist: The Lone Bellow
Album: Walk into a Storm
Label: Sony
Release date: September 15, 2017

Artist: David Crosby
Album: Sky Trails
Label: BMG
Release date: September 29, 2017

Artist: Roy Orbison
Album: A Love So Beautiful: Roy Orbison & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Label: Legacy
Release date: November 3, 2017

 

Four Classic Sun Records Albums To See Special Vinyl Reissue By Likes of Orbison, Cash & Perkins

ORG Music has announced that it will release three special vinyl releases from the legendary Sun Records this July: Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. A special Hank Williams dedication album will be released this fall.

Roy Orbison- At The Rock House
Release date: July 14, 2017
This reissue will finally get it’s wide release on black vinyl. It was originally released in 1961 by Sun Record Company as Orbison’s debut. ORB previously did a very limited color vinyl edition for Black Friday Record Store Day 2014.

Track Listing:
A1 This Kind Of Love
A2 Devil Doll
A3 You’re My Baby
A4 Tryin’ To Get To You
A5 It’s Too Late
A6 Rock House
B1 You’re Gonna Cry
B2 I Never Knew
B3 Sweet And Easy To Love
B4 Mean Little Mama
B5 Ooby Dooby
B6 Problem Child

Carl Perkins - Best of the Sun Records Sessions
Release date: July 21, 2017

Best of the Sun Records Sessions is a compilation featuring prime selections of Carl Perkins’ recordings during his time at the legendary Sun Record Company, which have been remastered for vinyl. The album includes favorites like “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Only You.”

An Indie Exclusive edition, limited to just 500 copies, is pressed on cream color vinyl. The standard, black vinyl edition will be widely available as well.

Track Listing:
A1: Only You
A2 All Mama’s Children
A3 Roll Over Beethoven
A4 Tennessee
A5 Lonely Street
A6 Blue Suede Shoes
A7 Turn Around
B1 Put You Cat Clothes On
B2 Gone Gone Gone
B3 Glad All Over
B4 I’m Sorry I’m Not Sorry
B5 Dixie Fried
B6 You Can’t Make Love To Somebody
B7 Forever More

Johnny Cash - Greatest!
Release date: July 28, 2017

Greatest! is the fourth album by American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, released on the legendary Sun Records in 1959. The tracks on the album were recorded between July 1955 and July 1958. Six out of the twelve songs became singles, with “Get Rhythm” topping the Country charts and becoming the most successful one.

An Indie Exclusive edition, limited to just 500 copies, will pressed on red color vinyl. The standard, black vinyl edition will be more widely available.

Track Listing:
A1 Goodby Little Darlin’
A2 I Just Thought You’d Like To Know
A3 You Tell Me
A4 Just About Time
A5 I Forget To Remember To Forget
A6 Katy, Too
B1 Thanks A Lot
B2 Luther’s Boogie
B3 You Win Again
B4 Hey Good Lookin’
B5 I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You
B6 Get Rhythm

Sun Records Does Hank Williams
Release date: TBD (possibly RSD Black Friday release)

Sun Records Does Hank Williams is a collection of Hank Williams hits performed by artists from the legendary Sun Record Company catalog. The compilation features superstars Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, alongside a handful of lesser-known Sun Records artists. A wide release on black vinyl is planned for fall 2017.

Track List:
A1      Carl Mann               Take These Chains From My Heart
A2      Sonny Burgess         My Bucket's Got A Hole In It
A3      Johnny Cash             I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You
A4      Eddie Bond              I Saw The Light
A5      Carl McVoy              There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
A6      Jerry Lee Lewis       You Win Again
B1      Roland Janes            Hey Good Looking
B2      Johnny Cash             I Can't Help It
B3      Cliff Gleaves            Your Cheatin' Heart
B4      Warren Smith            Dear John
B5      Jerry Lee Lewis         Settin' The Woods

New Roy Orbison 13-Piece Vinyl Box Set To Come Out In December

Artist: Roy Orbison
Album: The MGM Years - 1965-1973
Release date: Dec. 4, 2015



In 1965 Roy Orbison was riding high following the success of recent smash hits highlighted by his iconic “Oh, Pretty Woman.” Lured by a million dollar contract that included a film deal his label Monument couldn’t offer, Roy left Monument and signed with MGM Records.

The MGM deal contained an almost frenetic recording and release commitment, requiring Roy to commence recording three full albums, plus multiple singles for each album, every single year. Roy delivered with both vigor and quality, with his output sometimes exceeding 70 recordings per year. This MGM Years box set is a summation of that marvelous work—13 full-length albums including the long sought-after The Fastest Guitar Alive soundtrack (Roy starred in the film) and a new collection of B-Sides & singles that have never before appeared on a full-length Roy Orbison album.

All 13 albums were transferred from the original multi-track tapes at famed Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and then mixed by GRAMMY -winning engineer Chuck Turner at the Johnny Cash Cabin, with help from Roy’s son, Alex Orbison. They were then remastered by longtime Roy Orbison friend and GRAMMY -winning engineer Richard Dodd. In order to make sure modern technology remained true to Roy’s original intent, the curators frequently compared their work to the original vinyl and its inherent warm sound.

TNS Video History- Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis- "This Train"

JD Souther To Release Tenderness On May 12

Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, iconic musician and actor JD Souther releases his new album Tenderness via Sony Music Masterworks. Produced by Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, Herbie Hancock), the album will be available on May 12, 2015 and supported by select tour dates across the country and internationally.

JD Souther is both a legendary and mysterious figure in American popular music," says Chuck Mitchell, SVP of Sony Music Masterworks. "He's a self-described 'classicist' who, in his new work, draws a through line between the first great songbook of Porter, Kern, etc., and his own generation's massive impact on the art of the song. The result is an album that brings a new and fresh perspective to this amazing singer-songwriter's contributions."

Now there are many ways to listen to music, and my intention is, as always, that each song tell its own story," adds Souther.  "However, Tenderness is designed as a set.  I invite you to enjoy it this way."

JD Souther proves once again why he's an American treasure," says Irving Azoff, the music industry icon whose company manages Souther. On Tenderness, Souther balances his pop and jazz sensibilities paying particular homage to his earliest influences, the geniuses of the 20th Century Great American Songbook, while maintaining the signature qualities that have made him one of the true contemporary giants of American song. Souther is best known penning countless hits for the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, James Taylor, Don Henley, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, Brooks and Dunn and others; while establishing a cult following as a performer with the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band and as a solo artist.

As an actor, he has appeared in the TV Shows Thirtysomething and Nashville, among others. A passionate animal lover and advocate, JD is also involved with Best Friends Animal Society.

Track Listing:
   • Come What May   

   • Something in the Dark   

   • This House   

   • Let's Take a Walk   

   • Dance Real Slow   

   • Show Me What You Mean   

   • Horses in Blue   

   • Need Somebody   

   • Downtown (Before The War) 

TNS Video History- Roy Orbison- "Oh, Pretty Woman"

TNS Video History- Roy Orbison- "Only The Lonely"

Country Music Executive Jim Halsey Releases New Book

After building the number one country-music agency in the world, Halsey eventually sold it to found the Jim Halsey Institute, which focuses on helping others pursue their dreams in the music industry. In his new book released nationwide this month, titled “Starmaker,” he continues that mission by sharing the secrets he learned while shepherding the careers of entertainment giants.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book digs deep into the fundamentals: how to develop an act, how to get an agent, how to use the press to build your audience, how to play the biggest and best forums. His incisive advice will help readers find their place on the team—the position that provides the most successful and most fulfilling career. Whether you dream of seeing your name in lights or prefer a powerful position behind the scenes, Halsey can tell you how to achieve your dream.

The book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Throughout his career, Halsey has worked with The Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Hank Thompson, Reba McEntire, Wanda Jackson, Tammy Wynette, Rick Nelson, Roy Orbison, Dwight Yoakam, Clint Black, the Judds, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Lee Greenwood, and a host of others. Since 1990, The Jim Halsey Institute has been helping artists’ dreams come true everyday. Halsey continues his active management of the supergroup, The Oak Ridge Boys. When he is not traveling, teaching, or writing, he lives near Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his wife, Minisa.

A Great Music Video Of Roy Orbison Singing "Pretty Paper"

Next year I'll have to do a Twelve Days Of Christmas video series. There's just too much good stuff I have readers sending into me. Meanwhile, here's a beautiful rendition of "Pretty Paper" by Roy Orbison.

New Mac McAnally CD "Down By the River" Set For August 4th

Nashville longtime musician, songwriter, producer and recording artist Mac McAnally will release his latest album Down By The River on August 4th. The 11-song collection of new original material is also his 11th release as a solo artist and his debut for Show Dog Nashville. The self-produced album showcases McAnally, one of music's most respected creators, on acoustic and electric guitars, acoustic and electric piano, harmonica, ukulele and percussion.

McAnally is one of the most respected guitar players in the world. He's played behind or sang harmony for artists including Roy Orbison, Hank Williams, Jr., Amy Grant, Jimmy Buffett, Travis Tritt, Linda Ronstadt, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dolly Parton and many more. As a producer, he's helmed successful projects by Sawyer Brown, Chris LeDoux and Little Feat, among others. In addition to the hits he has penned for artists, McAnally received his first No. 1 single as an artist and sixth as a writer on his collaboration with Kenny Chesney, "Down The Road." The song penned by McAnally and recorded by Chesney, who invited the acclaimed music maker to sing on the track with him, also led to an ACM Vocal Event of the Year nod for the collaboration.

Track Listing:

1. Blame it on New Orleans
2. Down by the River
3. If You Hang Around Long Enough
4. On Account of You
5. (Nothing Like A) Sunny Day
6. Over and Out
7. You First
8. Unresolved
9. Bound to Get Down
10. Big Disappointment
11. Until Then

New Roy Orbison Covers Album Includes Country's Own Carter Twins

A rock and roll pioneer with an unforgettable dynamic voice, Roy Orbison is being honored by some 35 new signed and unsigned artists who have recorded their rendition of Orbison classics and other songs on a brand new album- Roy Orbison- Under The Covers. In this way they carry forward his pioneering spirit and the indelible mark his five decades of music have made. From “Only The Lonely” and “Pretty Woman,” to “You Got It” and Roy’s Traveling Wilburys “You’re Not Alone Anymore,” Orbison’s songwriting was matched by his soulful and unique 5 octaveoperatic voice.

Country’s own new brotherly duo, The Carter Twins have contributed an acoustic version of “Claudette” that is currently the best-selling iTunes single off the album. Listen to the new single HERE…

Happy Birthday To The Big O- Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison (4/23/36 – 12/6/88) was an influential Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter, guitarist and a pioneer of many genres of music including country music and whose recording career spanned more than four decades. Orbison is best known for the songs, "Only the Lonely," "In Dreams," "Oh, Pretty Woman," "Crying," "Running Scared," and "You Got It". He was known for his smooth high baritone voice, with a range of at least two and a half octaves. In 1973, Orbison contract signed a new contract with Mercury Records and released a country(ish) album on the label entitled I'm Still In Love With You. His first single off that album was Sweet Mama Blue- watch him sing it here…

New Roy Orbison CD Released- And A Free Song Download

Head over to the Roy Orbison website where by giving them your email address, you can download an exclusive version of Mean Woman Blues. While you're there, check out the new online exclusive concert cd available exclusively on iTunes.

Roy Orbison performed his final concert at Highland Heights in Akron, Ohio on December 4, 1988 - two days before his untimely passing. While the concert was recorded and Roy’s performance of “It’s Over” is featured in ‘The Soul of Rock and Roll’ released by Monument/Orbison Records/Legacy Recordings earlier this fall, the final tapes in their entirety have remained unreleased, until now.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Orbison’s passing and to thank fans for keeping Roy’s memory alive, Roy Orbison Jr. has made the full recording of ‘The Last Concert’ available for download, exclusively at iTunes on December 2, 2008.

Roy Orbison The Last Concert – Track List
Only the Lonely 4:32
Leah 3:16
Dream Baby 2:56
In Dreams 3:28
Mean Woman Blues 3:17
Blue Bayou 3:27
Candyman 3:45
Crying 5:43
Ooby Dooby 5:57
Go, Go, Go (Down the Line) 5:52
It’s Over 3:29
Working For the Man 1:50
Lana 2:48
Oh, Pretty Woman 5:22