Ardent Studios-Memphis, TN

Ardent Studios was founded by John Fry and was initially a studio in his family’s garage, where he recorded his first Ardent Records 45’s. In 1966 the operation moved into a new store building on Memphis’ National Street, which was shared with a bookshop. Ardent became home to young producers and engineers such as Jim Dickinson, Terry Manning, Joe Hardy, John Hampton, Paul Ebersold, and later Skidd Mills, Jeff Powell, Brad Blackwood, Pete Mathews, and Jason Latshaw. In 1971, Ardent Studios moved to its present location on Madison Avenue, followed by the acquisition of 24-track recorders, bigger consoles and more gear.

Early on, the studio recorded Sam & Dave, Led Zeppelin, Isaac Hayes, Leon Russell and The Staples Singers, and in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s recorded James Taylor, ZZ Top, R.E.M., George Thorogood, The Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, Joe Walsh, and Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In the 2000s younger artists such as The White Stripes, 3 Doors Down, Cat Power, North Mississippi Allstars, The Raconteurs, Low Cut Connie and Guy Sebastian have recorded at Ardent, and the soundtracks for Hustle and Flow and Black Snake Moan were produced at Ardent as well. To date, Ardent has recorded over 70 gold and platinum albums and singles.

The RockNRoll Chorus spent the day recording for their next album. Experiencing the studio where some of the greatest rock legends came together was a once in a lifetime opportunity that was well lived.

To check out the incredible history and the studios discography, head over to their webpage: ARDENT STUDIOS