For Nearly 70 Years, Royal Studios Has Been at the Center of the Memphis Music Ecosystem.
Nestled in the heart of South Memphis, Royal Studios stands as a testament to the city’s rich musical heritage. With a history that spans over six decades, this legendary recording studio has been a birthplace for countless hits and has played a pivotal role by shaping the sound of American music and being a leader in highlighting and preserving Black culture through music.
The Early Days
The rich history of Royal Studios begins with its origins as the Shamrock Theater, constructed in 1915. As one of Memphis’ earliest movie houses, it started its journey just four years after the city saw its first moving picture. In the early 1920s, the Rex Theater, an innovative open-air venue known as an airdome, relocated to the Shamrock building on McLemore Avenue. When the Rex was outfitted for sound, it was renamed the Royal Theater, continuing to serve as a beloved neighborhood cinema until it closed its doors in 1955.
Two years later, in 1957, local musical entrepreneur Joe Coughi transformed the Royal Theater into Royal Recording Studio. Partnering with Quinton Claunch, Ray Harris, and John Novarese, Coughi rented the building for sixty dollars a month and established the home of Hi Records. This newly minted recording studio quickly gained a reputation as the “House of Instrumentals,” producing a series of instrumental hits by the Bill Black Combo, such as “Smokey, Part 2,” “Josephine,” “White Silver Sands,” each of which
sold over a million copies.
The studio’s direction took a pivotal turn in the 1960s under the leadership of Willie Mitchell. Mitchell recorded over 20 singles at Royal for Memphis labels, Stomper Time Records and Home of the Blues from 1958 to 1960 before getting signed to Hi Records as an Instrumental Artist in 1961. Mitchell gradually shifted the label’s focus from rockabilly to a distinct R&B sound, shaping what is now known as the Memphis Sound. Under his guidance, Royal Studios became a seminal force in the music industry, contributing to the rich tapestry of Memphis’ musical legacy.
The Hi Records Era
In the 1960s and 70s, Royal Studios rose to prominence as the home of Hi Records. Under Willie Mitchell’s leadership, the studio developed a signature sound characterized by lush, soulful arrangements and a deep, groovy rhythm section. This period saw the creation of numerous hits from artists such as Al Green, Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, and O.V. Wright amongst others.
Al Green’s classic collaborations with Willie Mitchell, in particular, produced an array of soul masterpieces, including “Let’s Stay Together,” “Love and Happiness,” and “Tired of Being Alone.” With Mitchell producing, writing and engineering, Al Green would make Memphis Music History having 6 consecutive # 1 albums, 6 #1 singles and 10 top ten singles. These recordings not only defined the Hi Records sound, but also cemented Royal Studios’ reputation as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Continuing the Legacy
Willie Mitchell’s legacy has been carried forward by his family, particularly his son, Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell. Today, Boo Mitchell with his sister Oona Mitchell, continue to run Royal Studios, ensuring that it remains a vital part of the city’s music scene. Under their guidance, the studio has seen a resurgence, attracting contemporary artists from various genres. Artist like John Mayer, Wu-Tang Clan, Brandy Clark, and Silk Sonic have all came for the Royal sound.
In recent years, Royal Studios has hosted recording sessions for high-profile artists such as Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars, who recorded the Grammy-winning song of the decade “Uptown Funk” at the studio, an updated version of the funky soul that helped to exemplify Royal’s hit making abilities to the current music scene. No matter how much the music landscape changes, some of today’s top-charting artists still look to Royal Studios to develop hits that are inspired by the studio’s iconic sound.
The Unique Atmosphere
One of the defining features of Royal Studios is its unique atmosphere. The studio has retained much of its original equipment and décor, providing an authentic recording experience that transports artists back to the golden age of soul music. The vintage gear, combined with the studio’s retro aesthetic, creates an inspiring environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
Community and Culture
Royal Studios is more than just a recording space; it’s a cultural landmark that embodies the spirit of Memphis. The studio’s commitment to nurturing local talent and preserving the city’s musical heritage is evident in its ongoing community engagement and outreach efforts. Royal Studios hard work and ingenuity ensures that the legacy of Memphis music is passed down to future generations.
For more information on Royal Studios, visit the Royal Studios website.
