3 Iconic Recording Studios in Nashville That Help Define the Music City

Not very often do music fans dive into the whole context of where, when, and why a song was made. Regarding the “where,” recording studios are places where your favorite songs are born. In addition to Los Angeles, London, and New York being the home of some of the most infamous recording studios. Nashville has an abundant amount of studios that have provided music with some of the best artists, albums, and songs of all time.

Externally, studios are rather forgettable buildings. They don’t demand attention, as what is on the inside is far more important than what is on the outside. Thanks to their unassuming presence, nobody really knows what they’re looking for, and given that they want to hear the stories they entail, they want to find them. That being so, here are the three most iconic studios in Nashville.

1. RCA Studio B

So famous, that the studio is now a part of The Country Music Hall of Fame. RCA Studio B is located in the heart of Nashville’s Music Row and is arguably where popular country music started. The list of artists who have recorded there is extensive. The list includes Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, and The Everly Brothers.

Despite ceasing operations after their illustrious career, the music RCA Studio B produced has stood the test of time. “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” by Elvis Presley, and Charley Pride’s “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” are among the thousands of recordings that remain current in today’s music scene.

2. Clement House

Founded in 1969 in a cinderblock building by Cowboy Jack Clement, Clement House’s 55-year lifespan has graced the music industry with some of its biggest hits. Jason Isbell, Johnny Cash, Nanci Griffin, and Townes Van Zandt are just a few of the folks who have recorded at the historic studio.

Per their website, the studio is “ground zero for Outlaw Country, Bluegrass, and Americana since 1975.” They aren’t slowing down anytime soon. As of recent, the studio produced Sturgill Simpson’s new album, Passage Du Desir, and the late-great Johnny Cash’s new album, Songwriter. Lastly, it is Nashville’s first-ever home recording studio.

3. Ocean Way

Now, this is a studio you can’t miss in Nashville! Located in a 100-year-old Gothic church, Ocean Way is also on Music Row. Erected in 1996, the studio has produced and recorded every genre under the sun. The studio has seen the likes of George Strait, Paul Simon, Matchbox Twenty, and Sheryl Crow. Furthermore, they have done video game and film scoring for PlayStation, EA, and Lionsgate.

A versatile space, the inside is as decadent as the outside and is often used for orchestral productions thanks to the open floor plan and acoustics. Purchased by Belmont University in 2001, the studio is also utilized for Belmont’s College of Entertainment and Music Business.