Ardent Studios Memphis

12/26/2025

12/16/2025

Give the Gift of Memphis Music History 🎁🎸

Still searching for the perfect gift for the audiophile, vinyl collector, or music lover in your life? Skip the socks and give them something legendary.

Wrap up a piece of music history with official Ardent Studios and Big Star gear. Whether they love that classic studio sound or the iconic neon star, this is the gift that will actually get worn.

🎄 Order now to get it under the tree in time!

Shop the Collection here: 👉 https://www.hellomerch.com/collections/ardent-music

12/05/2025

Our new December 2025 issue is out—don't miss it! Get your FREE digital or paper subscription at https://tinyurl.com/bdj9vhn2

12/04/2025

Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies go out to Steve Cropper's family during this time of loss. Steve was an extraordinary talent, not only as an exceptional guitarist featured on countless records but also as an arranger, songwriter, producer, and engineer.

Steve routinely did sessions at Ardent throughout his career. The numerous records Steve influenced have touched generations, and their impact still resonates today and will continue to do so.

Words cannot fully express the legacy and emotion he has left behind, but Steve was creating his legacy along the way through his music for everyone to appreciate.

Thank you for the music, Mr Cropper.

Here is a brief story about Steve Cropper, shared by John Fry.

“Steve Cropper wanted some mix time and he came over with what was going to be a Booker T. & The MGs' single, and he thought what he had was the a-side. He mixed that and then he said, "I've got this b-side, and I don't know what to do with it. There are these big gaps and I need to work up something on this thing." Because of the jingle people, there happened to be a marimba sitting in the studio — something that wouldn't normally be present — and he says to Terry Manning, "Do you know how to play that thing?" Well, Terry Manning didn't know how to play the marimba — he was a keyboard player and not a percussionist — but of course he said, "Yeah, I know how to play it." So, we mic'ed the thing up and Terry goes out there and they start playing the track back, and the track has kind of a reggae feel — so Terry starts playing something on the marimba that sounds like steel drum parts. Well, the song turns out to be "Soul Limbo". After Cropper's face lights up he's saying, "." I think we sold a million plus of that.”

Pictured R to L Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, Tom Dowd, Booker T, John Fry.

11/26/2025

What a way to close out the year. We are incredibly proud to see Ardent Studios featured on the cover of the December issue of Mix Magazine.
This is a massive moment for us. The cover story, featuring a stunning shot of our SSL Duality Fuse in Studio B by Chase Pierson, is about much more than just gear. The four-page spread inside chronicles the extensive renovations we have completed over the last few years and our journey to re-establish Ardent as a premier recording destination.
Seeing the studio recognized in this way is a testament to the hard work and passion we have poured into this revitalization. We could not be happier to share this new chapter with you.
A huge thank you to Phil and everyone at Solid State Logic for their incredible support throughout this process.
Read the digital edition at https://www.mixonline.com/ or pick up a physical copy.

10/06/2025

09/23/2025

The original lineup on stage in 1972 in New Orleans. Ardent Studios Memphis helped book this short tour promoting " #1 Record" ⭐️