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A & R Recording

From Alfawiki
A & R Recording Inc.
Company typeIndependent recording studio
IndustryMusic recording
Founded1958
FounderJack Arnold, Phil Ramone
Defunct1989
Headquarters
New York City
,
United States
ProductsRecording studio services, record production, A & R Records label

A & R Recording Inc. was a leading independent recording studio in the United States, established in 1958 by founders Jack Arnold and Phil Ramone.

History

Prior to founding A & R Recording, Arnold and Ramone were employed at JAC Recording, where Arnold held a partnership role. The studio's name was derived from their last names and coincidentally matched the industry phrase "artist and repertoire," highlighting their emphasis on cultivating musical talent.

Shortly after the company's inception, Jack Arnold departed due to health complications.

Original Studio – 112 West 48th Street

The first facility, known as "Studio A1," was situated in Midtown Manhattan inside Mogull's Film & TV building at 112 West 48th Street. This location was adjacent to Manny's Music, a prominent musical instrument store, and near Jim and Andy's Bar, a favored gathering spot for session musicians. To streamline musician coordination, Ramone installed an intercom system linking the studio with the bar.

Ramone established his reputation as an innovative sound engineer and producer at this venue, utilizing cutting-edge technology that played a crucial role in the studio’s competitive edge. Although initially intended for demo recordings, the studio quickly gained popularity for final production sessions due to its exceptional acoustics and superior sound quality. This success led to investments in upgraded equipment to accommodate increasing demand.

Expansion – Studios A-1 and A-2 at 799 7th Avenue

In October 1967, A & R purchased Columbia Records' Studio A on the seventh floor of 799 Seventh Avenue at 52nd Street, significantly enlarging its operations with nearly 10,000 square feet of space. Columbia had owned this property since 1939 until its demolition in 1983 for redevelopment.

Donald C. Hahn, who joined A & R in 1961 as a key executive, was elevated to Vice President overseeing these studios in 1969, ensuring consistent leadership during this period of growth.

By 1974, the facilities included:

  • Studio A-1: Measuring 40 by 50 feet with a ceiling height of 30 feet, capable of accommodating up to 90 individuals
  • Studio A-2: Measuring 25 by 30 feet with a ceiling height of 12 feet, suitable for up to 20 people

These expansions bolstered A & R’s ability to serve a larger clientele and enhance its offerings within the competitive recording sector.

Third Studio – Studios R-1 and R-2 at 322 West 48th Street

Further growth led A & R to establish a third studio within the Leeds Music Corporation building at 322 West 48th Street, where it became part owner of the six-story structure. The recording spaces on the first and second floors were designated R1 and R2 respectively, with "R" representing "Ramone." Additional operational space was located in the basement.

Capacities as of 1974:
Studio R-1: Dimensions of 38 by 28 feet with a ceiling height of approximately 13 feet 9 inches; capacity for 26 people
Studio R-2: Dimensions of 20 by 25 feet with a ceiling height of about 13 feet; capacity for 12 people

Establishment of A & R Records

In February 1970, A & R Recording expanded into record production by launching its own label, A & R Records. The label produced albums for renowned artists including Paul Simon, Burt Bacharach, Billy Joel, Dionne Warwick, Engelbert Humperdinck, Gloria Estefan, Barry Manilow, and k.d. lang among others. This strategic move broadened their business scope and strengthened their position in the music industry.

Satellite facilities

In 1970, A & R Recording expanded its international footprint by creating two satellite studios through strategic collaborations:

914 Sound Studios

In collaboration with Brooks Arthur, A & R established "914 Sound Recording Studios, Inc." located in Blauvelt, New York. This studio, converted from a former gas station, began operations in October 1970 as a fully owned subsidiary of A & R Recording Inc. Ownership was divided between Arthur and Ramone, alongside partners Don Frey and Arthur Downs Ward. The studio remained active until its sale in 1978, with the corporation officially dissolving in 1982.

Vincent SRS

A joint venture with Norman Vincent resulted in the opening of "Vincent SRS" in Jacksonville, Florida, launching in November 1970. Vincent took charge of managing the studio, thereby extending A & R’s reach into the southeastern United States market.

Company closure

After nearly thirty years of industry involvement, A & R Recording terminated its operations in 1989.

Notable artists

Among the many artists produced by Ramone are:

  • Clay Aiken
  • Burt Bacharach
  • The Band
  • Bono
  • Laura Branigan
  • Ray Charles
  • Karen Carpenter
  • Chicago
  • Peter Cincotti
  • Natalie Cole
  • Chick Corea
  • Bob Dylan
  • Sheena Easton
  • Melissa Errico
  • Gloria Estefan
  • Aretha Franklin
  • Elton John
  • Quincy Jones
  • Patricia Kaas
  • B.B. King
  • Julian Lennon
  • Shelby Lynne
  • Madonna
  • Barry Manilow
  • Richard Marx
  • Paul McCartney
  • George Michael
  • Liza Minnelli
  • Anne Murray
  • Olivia Newton-John
  • Sinéad O'Connor
  • Luciano Pavarotti
  • Peter, Paul, and Mary
  • André Previn
  • Diane Schuur
  • Michael Sembello
  • Carly Simon
  • Paul Simon
  • Frank Sinatra
  • Rod Stewart
  • James Taylor
  • The Guess Who
  • Frankie Valli
  • Dionne Warwick
  • Stevie Wonder


Studio district

During the disco era, a concentrated 10-block area in midtown Manhattan housed several prominent studios including Media Recording, Hit Factory, Sony, and A&R Recording’s two facilities. Among these, Record Plant Recording Studios at 321 W. 44th Street stood out with four recording rooms, duplication suites, two mobile units, a mastering cutting room, and an on-site Record Plant Shop.

  1. A & R Recording Inc.
    112 West 48th Street
    Founded by Jack Arnold and Phil Ramone in 1959; situated adjacent to renowned musician venues Jim & Andy's Bar and Manny's Music. Frequently utilized by Tom Dowd for Atlantic Records sessions and Creed Taylor for Verve productions. Van Morrison recorded "Brown Eyed Girl" here.
  2. A & R Studio 2 (formerly Columbia Studio A)
    799 7th Avenue
    Launched by Arnold and Ramone in early 1968.
  3. Associated Sound (currently Quad Recording Studios)
    723 7th Avenue
    Located near West 48th Street; notable for recordings such as The Angels' "My Boyfriend's Back" and The McCoys' "Hang On Sloopy."
  4. Bell Sound Studios (later known as The Hit Factory)
    237 West 54th Street
    Established in 1950 by Allen Weintraub and Daniel Cronin; favored by Burt Bacharach. Acquired by Jerry Ragovoy in 1968 and renamed The Hit Factory; sold to partner Eddie Germano in 1975; presently managed by his son Troy George Germano.
  5. Capitol Studios, Studio A
    151 West 46th Street
    Operated under Capitol Records from 1949 to 1961 within the Eaves Building.
  6. Century Sound
    135 West 52nd Street
    Opened by Brooks Arthur in 1967 inside a former radio broadcast studio.
  7. Columbia 30th Street
    207 East 30th Street
    A converted Armenian church studio functioning from 1949 until mid-1982.
  8. Columbia Studio A (later A & R Studio R2)
    799 7th Avenue
    Columbia’s primary facility before relocating to East 30th Street; sold to A & R at the end of 1967.
  9. Columbia Studio B
    49 East 52nd Street
    Former CBS Radio Network building inaugurated late 1967.
  10. Dick Charles
    729 7th Avenue
    A small demo studio near West 48th Street popular among songwriters.
  11. Mira Sound
    145-155 West 47th Street
    Situated on Hotel America’s ground floor; recorded hits such as "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" by The Shangri-Las.
  12. Power Station (renamed Avatar Studios from 1996 to 2017)
    441 West 53rd Street
    Founded in 1977 by Tony Bongiovi on a former ConEdison site.
  13. RCA Victor
    155 East 24th Street
    Close to Lexington Avenue.
  14. RCA Webster Hall
    125 11th Street
    Converted nightclub venue located in the East Village; originally constructed in the late nineteenth century.
  15. The Record Plant (later called Streetlight)
    321 West 44th Street
    Opened by Gary Kellgren and Chris Stone in 1968; previously housed Warner Brothers Pictures offices.
  16. Stea-Philips
    7th Avenue at 51st Street
    Owned by Lenny Stea; site where The Four Seasons recorded "Sherry."
  17. Talentmasters Recording Studio
    126 West 42nd Street
    Owned by Bob Gallo and Robert Harvey; later acquired by Atlantic Records. The Who recorded sessions here.
  18. World United
    1595 Broadway
    Owned by Harry Lookofsky, father of Michael Brown from The Left Banke.
  19. JAC Recording, Inc.
    152 West 58th Street
    Owned by Charles Leighton; this is where Phil Ramone launched his career.
  20. Allegro Sound Studios
    1650 Broadway (51st Street side)
    Initially a Kama Sutra Records demo facility, later acquired by Laurie Records and upgraded under chief engineer Bruce Staple. Renamed Generation Sound Studios during the ’70s. Known for Tommy James hits like "I Think We're Alone Now." Later managed by chief engineer Tony May from A&R.

Personnel

In 1972, the leadership team of A & R comprised Robert Gerics, who served as both general manager and studio manager; Nick Diminno, acting as studio manager; and Irving Joel, the chief engineer. Their facility was situated at 322 West 48th Street.

Management and Shareholders

A & R Recording Inc.


A & R Records (Subsidiary)


Engineering Staff

  • Brooks Arthur
  • Roy Cicala
  • Ami Hadani
  • Charlie "Chaz" Clifton
  • David Greene, who worked as both engineer and producer
  • Roy Halley
  • Tom Hidley
  • Irving Joel (1931–2015), chief engineer from 1968 to 1974
  • Bob Ludwig, specialist in mastering engineering
  • Tony May
  • Elliot Scheiner, engineer with seven years at A & R
  • Bill Schwartau (1926–1985), appointed Chief Engineer in 1958
  • Norman Schwartz (1928–1995), served as studio technician and sound consultant
  • David Smith (1949–2006), chief engineer; Phil Ramone dedicated his book Making Records to him
  • Fred Weinberg, engineer and producer
  • William Earl Windsor (1927–2017), held chief engineer position from 1966 to 1968
  • Shelly Yakus


Studio Management

  • Nick Diminno
  • Robert Gerics
  • Mitch Plotkin

References

  • {{cite book last1 = Gottlieb first1 = Gary date = "2010" title = How Does It Sound Now? url = publisher = Course Technology page = "57"}}
  • {{cite book last1 = Hinton first1 = Milt last2 = Berger first2 = David G. date = "2008" title = Playing The Changes: Milt Hinton's Life in Stories and Photographs publisher = Vanderbilt University Press }}
  • {{cite book last1='Simons' first1='Dave' date='2004' title='Studio Stories: How the Great New York Records Were Made: From Miles to Madonna, Sinatra to the Ramones' url= publisher=Backbeat Books}}
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