Ardent Studios

Ardent Studios, founded by John Fry, is celebrating 46 years as a center of unforgettable music emanating from the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. The studio began its rich history with early classics by Sam & Dave, Led Zeppelin, Isaac Hayes, Leon Russell and The Staples Singers, then scored hits in the 70s, 80s and 90s with such artists as James Taylor, ZZ Top, REM, George Thorogood, The Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, and Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The legacy continues in the new millenium with hits recorded by The White Stripes, 3 Doors Down, Cat Power, North Mississippi Allstars, The Raconteurs, and award-winning music for such films as Hustle and Flow. To date, Ardent has amassed over 70 Gold and Platinum albums and singles. The Ardent story began when the teenage John Fry built a studio in his familys garage, where he recorded his first Ardent Records 45s. In 1966, I was done with school and my family sold our house, he recalls. I felt it was time to make a career commitment to ...