Exploring the Studios of Music Row: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Nashville's Music Row is a place where the magic of music comes to life, especially in its historic studios. From RCA Studio B to Columbia Studio A, these iconic spaces have shaped the sound of American music.

RCA Studio B: The Birthplace of the Nashville Sound

RCA Studio B, known as “The Home of 1,000 Hits,” was pivotal in defining the Nashville Sound, with its lush string arrangements and smooth vocal harmonies. Built in 1957 by Dan Maddox for RCA Victor, the studio became a creative haven for legends like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Roy Orbison.

• Famous Recordings: Elvis Presley recorded over 200 songs here, including hits like “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and “It's Now or Never.” Dolly Parton also created classics like “Jolene” within these walls. Other notable recordings include “Only the Lonely” by Roy Orbison and “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton.
• Architectural Significance: Studio B's distinctive exterior features blue and gold tiles, but its vintage equipment and piano where Elvis once played make its interior iconic.
• Visitor Experience: Today, you can take a guided tour of RCA Studio B through the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Walk through the echoing corridors, sit at the same piano Elvis played, and hear stories of the hit records that shaped music history.

Columbia Studio A: The Sound of Change

Just down the road from RCA Studio B, Columbia Studio A opened in 1964 as a state-of-the-art recording space. Known for its innovative engineering and eclectic recordings, this studio welcomed the likes of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Simon & Garfunkel.

• Famous Recordings: Bob Dylan recorded much of his iconic Blonde on Blonde album here, while Johnny Cash laid down tracks for The Holy Land. The studio also became known for producing Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water. Other notable recordings include “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash and “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell.
• Architecture and Design: The studio was designed to accommodate Columbia's vision of a modern recording space, with adjustable sound panels and innovative equipment.
• Tours and Visitor Experience: After narrowly escaping demolition, Columbia Studio A now offers guided tours through the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the non-profit Music Industry Coalition.

Quonset Hut Studio: Nashville's First Recording Studio

Before RCA Studio B or Columbia Studio A, there was the Quonset Hut Studio. Built in 1955 by brothers Owen and Harold Bradley, it was the first recording studio on what would become Music Row.

• Famous Recordings: Patsy Cline recorded “Crazy” here, and Brenda Lee cut “I'm Sorry” within these walls. Other artists who recorded here include Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn, and George Jones.
• Historical Significance: The studio is credited with launching the careers of many country stars and pioneering the Nashville Sound.
• Architectural Style: The unique Quonset hut structure gave the studio its name and helped it stand out as a recording landmark.
• The original sound board owned by Owen Bradley was taken out of the Quonset Hut and is on display at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

Other Legendary Studios of Music Row

While RCA Studio B, Columbia Studio A, and Quonset Hut Studio are the most famous, other studios worth exploring include:

• Ocean Way Nashville: Originally a church built in 1911, Ocean Way is now a prestigious studio where artists like Beyoncé and Vince Gill have recorded.
• The Tracking Room: Famous for its large recording space, used by artists like Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, and Keith Urban.
• Starstruck Studios: Opened in 1988 by Reba McEntire, this studio has hosted sessions for artists like George Strait and Blake Shelton.

Music Row's Statistics and Impact

• Records Sold: RCA Studio B alone has produced over 35,000 songs, with countless reaching gold or platinum status.
• Cultural Heritage: The area around Music Row houses over 200 music-related businesses, contributing billions of dollars annually to Nashville's economy.
• Recording Industry Cluster: As a hub for recording, Music Row is home to more than 30 recording studios and 50 record labels.

Preserving Music Row's Legacy

Despite its history, Music Row faces significant challenges due to modern development pressures. Organizations like Historic Nashville Inc. and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are working to safeguard these landmarks for future generations.

• Historic Preservation Efforts: The “This Place Matters” campaign highlights the importance of preserving Music Row's cultural heritage.
• Adaptive Reuse Success Stories: The conversion of the Quonset Hut Studio into a classroom space at Belmont University showcases how historic studios can be repurposed while retaining their musical legacy.
• Visitor Support: Tourists can support preservation efforts by donating to organizations like the Music Row Preservation Fund or by visiting these studios and spreading the word.

Insider Tips for Visitors

To make the most of your visit to Music Row's studios, consider these tips:

• Plan Ahead: Book tours early to secure your spot, especially for the popular RCA Studio B tours.
• Combine Tours: Pair your studio visit with a Country Music Hall of Fame tour to deepen your understanding of Nashville's musical legacy.
• Bring a Camera: Many studios allow photos, giving you a chance to capture memories inside these iconic spaces.
• Check Out the Museums: Visit the Musicians Hall of Fame or the Johnny Cash Museum for more insights into the history of Music Row.