In its heyday, RCA Studio A hosted an enviable number of early rock and country acts including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, the Beach Boys, and countless others, and it’s become a huge tourist attraction even though it’s still hosting sessions by Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves. Back in June it was announced that the studio was going to be sold to developers and later demolished in order to make space for new condos.
The building itself isn’t remarkable, but for preservationists it’s a symbolic landmark of Nashville’s fast-disappearing musical landscape. Today Nashville Scene that Curb Records founder Mike Curb will buy the studio to save it from demolition, alongside local philanthropists Chuck Elcan and Aubrey Preston. Curb has already stepped in to save Music Row buildings in the past, having already purchased and restored Studio A’s companion Studio, RCA Studio B, and a variety of others. Ben Folds of all people has operated Studio A for the past 12 years, and he wrote an open letter back in June to rally support for preservation efforts.