photos: http://www.elvismatters.com - Elvis Matters
The Shelby County Historical Commission, and Elvis historian Mike Freeman, voted to approve the creation of a historical marker for American Studios. The marker will be placed at its former location, where a Family Dollar Store is today. If all goes well, we may have a marker ceremony in January 2014. Below is the marker text.
American Studios
"American Studios, a cornerstone of the explosive Memphis music industry in the 1960s, stood on this site. Opened in 1962 by record producer Chips Moman, American featured a versatile group of musicians known as the 827 Thomas Street Band, later the Memphis Boys. They worked with scores of artists, such as Elvis Presley, the Box Tops, King Curtis, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex, B.J. Thomas and Bobby Womack. During its heyday, American produced 15 top ten pop music hits on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart. Overall, more than 120 American recordings not only reached the pop charts but also those for rhythm & blues, country and even jazz. American closed in 1972 with the loss of its last big label contract with Atlantic Records and Moman's decision to relocate to Atlanta. "
Elvis Presley at American Studios
"To revive his recording career, Elvis Presley came to American Studios in 1969. Spending much of the 1960's making movies, Elvis saw his status as a pop singer had faded. Seeking a comeback, he worked with Chips and the 827 Thomas Street Band. Together they mixed Elvis' unique talent with American's trademark blend of country, pop and rhythm & blues. The collaboration worked. The sessions turned out such hits as “Suspicious Minds,” “In the Ghetto,” “Don't Cry Daddy” and “Kentucky Rain.” with music critics hailing these recordings as some of his best, Elvis quickly returned to the top of the charts."
By the way, we (the same folks who created the Plastic Products marker) will create a marker for Poplar Tunes.
source: Mike Freeman
American Studios
"American Studios, a cornerstone of the explosive Memphis music industry in the 1960s, stood on this site. Opened in 1962 by record producer Chips Moman, American featured a versatile group of musicians known as the 827 Thomas Street Band, later the Memphis Boys. They worked with scores of artists, such as Elvis Presley, the Box Tops, King Curtis, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex, B.J. Thomas and Bobby Womack. During its heyday, American produced 15 top ten pop music hits on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart. Overall, more than 120 American recordings not only reached the pop charts but also those for rhythm & blues, country and even jazz. American closed in 1972 with the loss of its last big label contract with Atlantic Records and Moman's decision to relocate to Atlanta. "
Elvis Presley at American Studios
"To revive his recording career, Elvis Presley came to American Studios in 1969. Spending much of the 1960's making movies, Elvis saw his status as a pop singer had faded. Seeking a comeback, he worked with Chips and the 827 Thomas Street Band. Together they mixed Elvis' unique talent with American's trademark blend of country, pop and rhythm & blues. The collaboration worked. The sessions turned out such hits as “Suspicious Minds,” “In the Ghetto,” “Don't Cry Daddy” and “Kentucky Rain.” with music critics hailing these recordings as some of his best, Elvis quickly returned to the top of the charts."
By the way, we (the same folks who created the Plastic Products marker) will create a marker for Poplar Tunes.
source: Mike Freeman
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