Wednesday, January 6, 2010

HISTORIC RCA'S STUDIO B

Here's a final look at what helped to earn Nashville its name, Music City.

During our recent visit, we toured the historic RCA Studio B, home of 1,000 hits, in the heart of Music Row.


The place looks like it did when it closed, the day before Elvis Presley's death on Aug. 16, 1977. Check out the tile floor and the antique looking reel to reel recording equipment.


The building is now referred to as Studio B......but this was the actual studio. Many musicians liked to record in this specific studio....(rather than Studio A). The entire facility is really small....and far less techy than one would imagine.

This piano was reported to be Elvis's favorite...he always warmed up by playing it before his midnight sessions....he loved to record late at night, often ending when the sun came up.


Among the many artists who recorded there, you'll probably recognize these names: The Everly Brothers, John Hartford, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Dottie West, Waylon Jennings, Roy Orbison, Ann-Margret, Connie Francis, Willie Nelson, The Browns, andFloyd Cramer.


Apparently Elvis loved the mood these 4 colored 60's looking lights created. He often directed that all of the other lights in the studio be turned off, making it quite dark. Some of the fixtures hung down and the story goes that when Elvis was recording "Are You Lonesome Tonight"....he hit his head on one of the lights and if you listen carefully.....you can hear the thud.

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