Studio A was built in 1965 based on ideas of Chet Atkins, Owen Bradley and Harold Bradley and operated byRCA Records until 1977. Despite its name, Studio A is actually newer than the adjacent RCA Studio B which was built in 1956. Studios A and B were collectively referred to as RCA Victor Nashville Sound Studios. While Studio B became a tourist attraction and learning facility, Studio A continues to be in use by recording artists to this day. Studio A was also designed to better incorporate the Nashville Sound production techniques. The building was continuously used by RCA until 1977, when they closed their Nashville offices and sold their properties located on Music Row. In 2002, the building was leased by Ben Folds for his Grand Victor Sound company and became also known as Ben's Place. He leased the building for twelve years. Folds rented out parts of the building to other artists, such as Jamey Johnson. In 2015, Studio A joined Studio B in the National Register of Historic Places. In early 2016, country musicrecord producer Dave Cobb took over the building from Folds for his Low Country Sound record label imprint.
Demolition controversy
The studio grounds passed through multiple owners until in 2014 when the building’s existence was threatened with demolition by a local developer to make way for condominiums. At this time Ben Folds, who had been leasing the location for twelve years, managed to collect enough regional and professional support to the point where Curb Records founder, Mike Curb, and local philanthropists Chuck Elcan and Aubrey Preston managed to collectively purchase the building, which became paramount to preserving its historic significance. This critical incident in the studio’s future led to a more consolidated, dedicated and collaborative effort to preserve the musical history and promote creativity within Music Row and the Nashville area. It also led to the establishment of grassroot preservationist organizations such as the Music Industry Coalition.
Architecture
Studio A is the last remaining of only three gym-sized rooms designed by John E. Volkmann specifically to record large ensembles and is large enough to house choirs, orchestras, string sections and a live band.
