Earlier this afternoon, I took a little trip down past Produce Row to Sugar Hill Studios, "The Abbey Road of the South," according to co-owner Dan Workman. (Among many other things, the entire Sugar Hill staff are huge Beatle fans, making it even cooler.) Sugar Hill opened in the '40s and is the longest continually operating recording facility in the Southwest; hits like "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights," the Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace" and Destiny's Child's "Survivor" have been recorded there. While I was there, I sat down with Workman, former drummer in Houston post-punk performance art terrorists Culturecide, for a brief interview that only touched on Sugar Hill's vast history.
Here is the slideshow. - Chris Gray
Sugar Hill is such a great place. I've recorded there many times and known both Dan and Andy Bradley for many years. I even rehearsed there in the "gold star" room before it was sold to the current owners.
It has a fantastic vibe and great gear. Plus, the ghost of the Big Bopper still hangs around. Ask anyone who has worked there a lot late at night. There are some great stories.
Posted at: July 18, 2008 9:02 PM