This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Inside Capitol Records' Studio A
Charlie Paakkari works with a mixing board at Capitol Records' studios.
(
Rob Strauss/KPCC
)
Listen
6:17
Inside Capitol Records' Studio A
Inside Capitol Records' Studio A
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To mark the occasion, there will be a community festival on Sunday, July 25th. The public can go behind the scenes at the TV Guide studio at Hollywood and Highland, hear a special performance by Louis Prima Jr. and take a tour of Capitol Records' legendary Studio A.
Greg Parkin, Senior Director of Operations at Capitol Studios, said the chance to tour Studio A is a "once in a lifetime opportunity."
“Normally this is kind of locked down," said Parkin. "This is the artists' space. But we were able to get one day with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to knock this out and get the public in here for the first time."
The studio has been the setting of famous recordings, including "Come Fly With Me," by Frank Sinatra and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head"," by Dean Martin. In fact, Sinatra was involved in the very first session of Studio A in 1956, but he wasn't singing, he was conducting for the album "Tone Poems of Color."
The studios also feature famous subterranean echo chambers that were designed by sound innovator Les Paul.
In the early 90s, the studio was redesigned so larger orchestras could work in there. That renovation also allowed for more film and television recordings.
Sponsored message
Microphones in Studio A
Photo Courtesy of Capitol Archive
“You’re in a very large studio with microphones dating back everywhere from yesterday to 1940," said recording engineer Charlie Paakkari. "We’re a combination of both new and old and depending on our needs. We use both old and new technology to make the right sound.”
On Sunday, visitors will be able to hear some of the famous recordings in the studio, as well as outtakes from various sessions. They will also get to see how some of the studio equipment works, including the famous echo chambers.
Take a look at our photo tour of Studio A.
Capitol Records, Photo by Fuze Group Photography
Sponsored message
Piano in Studio A, Photo by Fuze Group Photography
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
