American Studios / Elvis Presley at American Studios

American Studios was a cornerstone of Memphis's explosive music industry in the 1960s. Opened in 1962, it featured record producer Chips Moman and musicians known as The 827 Thomas Street Band, later The Memphis Boys, who worked with scores of artists including Elvis Presley, The Box Tops, King Curtis, Neil Diamond, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, Joe Tex, B.J. Thomas, and Bobby Womack. During its heyday, American produced 15 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and more than 120 American recordings reached the pop, rhythm and blues, country, and jazz charts. American closed in 1972 after losing its last big label contract with Atlantic Records and after Moman decided to relocate to Atlanta. In 1969, seeking to revive his recording career after spending much of the 1960s making movies and seeing his status as a pop singer fade, Elvis Presley came to American Studios and worked with Chips Moman and The 827 Thomas Street Band. Their collaboration combined Elvis' talent with American's blend of country, pop, and rhythm and blues, producing hits such as "Suspicious Minds," "In The Ghetto," "Don't Cry Daddy," and "Kentucky Rain," and quickly returned him to the top of the charts.

Memphis, Tennessee · United States