We went to Studio B during our recent trip to Nashville, and let me tell you it was an AMAZING experience!
You may be asking, “What is Studio B?”
Quite simply put, it is a time capsule of some of the best music in the history of America. Seriously, you need to put this in your Nashville Must-Do list because you’re not going to want to miss it.
This legendary musical landmark was established in 1956 and was the go-to place for many recording artists until 1977. Over 35 thousand songs were recorded in this tiny studio that was started by Chet Atkins and Steve Sholes.
What is the best way to get to Studio B?
If you’re going to be touring Nashville the Country Music Hall of Fame is probably on your Must-Do list anyway. Well, it just so happens that the Country Music Hall of Fame now owns Studio B. So, when you purchase your ticket to the Hall of Fame be sure to upgrade to the pass that includes Studio B. It is worth every…single…penny!
They offer a teacher discount. Be sure to inquire when you purchase your ticket!
There is a shuttle that will take you from the Hall of Fame directly to Studio B and back when your tour is over. It’s included in the price of the ticket.
Shout out to our tour guide!
We had an AMAZING tour guide. Not only was he super personable, he was funny and very informative. He not only told us the history of the studio, he was insightful and really made us think. He talked about how country music has adapted over the years and how the genre takes cues from other genres to be able to adapt and remain relevant. Once you learn this and look back at country music over the decades you can see the shifts.
If walls could talk
The walls of this tiny little studio (literally, like 5-6 small rooms) have seen some of the greats struggle, fail, and create some of modern music’s greatest moments. This studio has played the role of home-away-from-home for many artists during marathon recording sessions.
A little name dropping
Elvis Presley recorded over 200 songs in this studio. It was his favorite. Even when the new studio was built (the more modern high-tech version), Elvis preferred to record only in Studio B. The baby grand Steinway piano he used to tune his vocals before recording still sits in the corner of the room. Just – wow.
Maybe you’ve heard of Mrs. Dolly Parton. She recorded hits such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” in this very studio. By the way, did you know she wrote both of those songs in one day? That is beyond impressive!
Those are not the only two music legends to use this studio. There’s a whole list:
The Everly Brothers
Willie Nelson
Roy Orbison
Charlie Pride
Waylon Jennings
David Bowie
The Monkeys
Carrie Underwood
The list goes on. These are just a few of the performers who hold a place in music royalty.
Funny story
As a newer artist, Dolly Parton was running late for her time in the studio. She was hurrying her commute along as she was pulling into the studio’s parking lot. Well, she gave the car a little too much gas and ran over the curb and hit the studio building. You can still see the spot today. She definitely made an impression!
Want to know more about this famous music studio and some of the famous stories that go along with it. (Hint: You do!) Be sure to check out our latest episode here.
If you want to know more about the Country Music Hall of Fame be sure to check out our post We Visited the Country Music Hall of Fame!
Drop us a comment and let us know if you’ve visited Studio B. Let us know where you’re planning to go next or if you have travel suggestions for us. We want to hear from you!
And remember, break the monotony, not the bank.
–Marnie and Jeff
