Stax
926 E. McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN WebsiteThe epitome of Sixties soul, this studio -- carved out of the remains of an old movie theatre, which is why it had a marquee -- fell apart and was eventually torn down in 1989. However, this museum, built on the exact spot, replicates the original building perfectly, right down to the sloping theater floor.
Sun
706 Union Ave., Memphis, TN MapThe birthplace of rockabilly and, many say, rock and roll itself, with a roster of impressive artists from Jerry Lee to Elvis to Johnny Cash to the Big O getting their collective start here. Not only is the original studio perfectly maintained, it still functions as a place to record!
Motown
2648 West Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI WebsiteThere are few landmarks as unimposing as the studios of Hitsville USA, a small photography studio that Berry Gordy and his wife slept above at night (at least in the early days). From 1959-1972, every major Motown hit was recorded here, and this studio was one of the first, in 1985, to open as a tourist attraction. The living quarters upstairs have even been refurbished with an authentic mid-Sixties look!
Atlantic
234 West 56th St., New York, NY MapWhile this label's famous studios, which have bounced around various locations in Gotham for decades, are still in operation, the studio responsible for birthing R&B as we know it with songs like Ray Charles' "What'd I Say" and Big Joe Turner's "Shake Rattle and Roll" is located here, just above Patsy's Restaurant.
Cosimo's
525 Governor Nicholls St., New Orleans, LA MapTragically (and rather amazingly), there is no museum or other kind of tribute to this unimposing French Quarter landmark -- although the original studios of producer Cosimo Matassa, located a few blocks away on N. Rampart, were where New Orleans rock was born, this location boasts an even more impressive resume: everything Fats and Little Richard cut from 1956 to 1960, not to mention Irma Thomas, Ernie K-Doe, and more...
