Ardent Studios: 50 Years Of Music History

Featuring Jody Stephens, Mike Mills, Jesse Valenzuela, Luther Russell, and Adam HillThe GRAMMY Museum and Ardent Studios will celebrate the legendary studio’s 50th anniversary with an intimate evening featuring Ardent Studios luminaries Jody Stephens (Big Star, Golden Smog, Those Pretty Wrongs), Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Jesse Valenzuela (Gin Blossoms), Luther Russell (Those Pretty Wrongs), and producer/engineer Adam Hill (Big Star, Jack White, Klaus Voorman). Panelists will discuss their experiences and Ardent Studios’ rich recording history with moderator Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares. The discussion will be followed by a special performance. Since its founding in 1966, Ardent has released more than 100 gold and platinum albums and singles over its storied history, including works by Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Isaac Hayes, R.E.M., Stevie Wonder, Skillet, Waylon Jennings, Big Star, The White Stripes, North Mississippi Allstars, and countless others. After the 2014 passing of Ardent’s legendary owner/founder John Fry and longtime engineer and producer John Hampton, the company’s momentum is being led by Jody Stephens and Ardent’s co-owner Patrick Scholes, who was recently named chairman. Ardent’s history is seen as a continuum through a vibrant present and into a thriving future. The fabled studio continues to expand its vibrant list of artists, and focus on accelerating investments in the company’s label operations.