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901-725-0855
Info@ArdentStudios.com
2000 Madison Ave, Memphis

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ABOUT
STUDIOS
- STUDIO A
- STUDIO B
- STUDIO C
- STUDIO D
- MASTERING
MICROPHONES
INSTRUMENTS
RECORDS
NEWS
MERCH
CONTACT

ABOUT
STUDIOS
- STUDIO A
- STUDIO B
- STUDIO C
- STUDIO D
- MASTERING
MICROPHONES
INSTRUMENTS
RECORDS
NEWS
MERCH
CONTACT

Our
Story

Ardent Recording is one of the most legendary music studios in the world. Renowned for our creative energy and technological innovation, we’ve hosted an array of exceptional artists, producers, and engineers. Over the years, we’ve been the birthplace of countless iconic recordings that have, quite possibly, shaped the course of modern music and music production.

For nearly six decades, Ardent has been a sanctuary of creativity for a diverse, world-renowned roster of artists. Our studio has welcomed legends like Led Zeppelin, Sam & Dave, ZZ Top, R.E.M., Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, The Bar-Kays, The White Stripes, Big Star, Bob Dylan, The Raconteurs, The Gin Blossoms, Stevie Wonder, Steve Earle, Smashing Pumpkins, The Allman Brothers… to name just a few.

When you listen to records made at Ardent, you’re hearing the very heartbeat of Memphis.

John Fry at National 1966

Old Ardent Studios Facade — National Street Location 1967

Humble Beginnings

In 1959, a shared passion for both electronics and music sparked a business venture between three high school friends: John Fry, John King, and Fred Smith. Together, they founded Ardent Records in the Fry family garage.

By 1966, the studio had outgrown its humble beginnings and was in need of a larger, more permanent home. With the addition of key collaborators Jim Dickinson and Terry Manning, Ardent established a full staff and moved to a new location at 1457 National Street in Memphis. There, they made history as the first studio in the city to offer 4-track recording.

From the soul of Stax to the rock of Led Zeppelin, Ardent’s National Street location left an indelible mark on modern music history.

New Madison Avenue Location

By 1968, the trio behind Ardent had witnessed the meteoric rise of Stax and other local record labels and recognized the need to expand to accommodate the growing demand.

On October 25, 1968, John Fry acquired the 1996-2000 land parcels on Madison Avenue, setting the stage for Ardent’s next chapter.

With plans in place and custom equipment ordered, construction began in the spring of 1969.

Then, on Thanksgiving weekend in 1971, Ardent officially moved into its new home at 2000 Madison Avenue—where we’ve remained ever since, continuing to help artists bring their musical visions to life.

Man standing — John Fry 1970 at Madison Ave. Location being built

Studio C Console — Studio C 1982

Studio C

In 1979, John Fry recognized the need for further expansion as the process of record-making had evolved into more immersive, long-term sessions. To better serve Ardent’s growing clientele and enhance workflow, the decision was made to add another room. The Studio C wing was constructed in 1979 and officially opened in 1980, further cementing Ardent’s reputation as a state-of-the-art facility for creative collaboration.

Technology at its Core

John Fry’s passion for advancing electronics technology has always been at the core of Ardent’s identity.

From the very beginning, Ardent set the standard for innovation in Memphis. We were the first studio in the city to introduce four-track tape machines, EMT plates, and later, a sixteen-track recorder and the first Mellotron in the United States.

As technology evolved, so did Ardent. We were early adopters of groundbreaking equipment, from the Moog synthesizer and Fairlight to automated consoles by MCI, SSL, and Neve. We embraced the digital frontier with some of the first multitracks produced by Mitsubishi, ensuring that Ardent remained at the cutting edge.

Today, with newly renovated control rooms, we continue to uphold this legacy. We’re equipped with the latest offerings from Neve and Solid State Logic and have fully embraced Dolby Atmos, positioning ourselves at the forefront of modern mixing standards.

Dickinson Fry — John Fry and Jim Dickinson 1966

BECOME A PART OF HISTORY

Make Music. Make History

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The Studios
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The Studios
News
Privacy
Contact

Info@ArdentStudios.com
901-725-0855
2000 Madison Ave, Memphis TN

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