John Fry
John Fry is founder of Memphis-based Ardent Music LLC which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2006. Since 1966, Ardent’s studios have produced a steady stream of hits for clients such as Sam & Dave, Big Star, Leon Russell, Led Zeppelin, The Staple Singers, ZZ Top, REM, Jimmie & Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gin Blossoms, 3 Doors Down, and The White Stripes. Ardent occupied its present location in 1971, and today’s facilities include three fully equipped studios and a mastering suite.
The firm also includes Ardent Records, a contemporary Christian music label distributed by INO/Integrity Music and Sony/BMG, and featuring such artists as Todd Agnew, Skillet, Jonah33, and Joy Whitlock. Other company activities include music publishing and artist development
Fry has served as national President of the Society of Professional Audio Recording Services (SPARS), Chairman of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment, and Music Commission, Chairman of the Memphis Film Commission, Chairman of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission, Vice-Chairman of the Memphis Music Foundation, Board Member of Visible School Music and Worship Arts College, President and National Trustee of the Memphis Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy Organization), and Chairman of the University of Memphis Music Industry Advisory Board. He was the recipient of the 2006 Distinguished Achievement in the Creative and Performing Arts Award from the College of Communication and Fine Arts at the University of Memphis.