6 of our favourite artists who made music at Abbey Road Studios
It's one of the most iconic recording studios in the world
Last updated 9th Sep 2022
Abbey Road Studios is one of the world's most iconic recording studios. Synonymous with the biggest hits of The Beatles, the studios have played host to a number of legendary musicians throughout their history, since opening in November 1931.
Initially called the EMI Recording Studios, the studios at number 3 Abbey Road, St John's Wood were renamed after the success of The Beatles album. The place is now Grade II listed and attracts thousands of tourists to its iconic zebra crossing every year.
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Take a look at some of the biggest artists who have worked at Abbey Road:
Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers is the Chief Creative Advisor for Abbey Road Studios. Appointed in March 2018, the award-winning producer and hitmaker serves as a global ambassador for the studios, which he uses as his creative base in the UK.
Oasis
Oasis recorded their third album 'Be Here Now' at multiple recording studios including at Abbey Road in October 1996. The album followed the band's defining albums, debut 'Definitely Maybe' and follow up (What's The Story) Morning Glory' and featured songs including 'D'You Know What I Mean?', 'Stand By Me' and 'Don't Go Away'.
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd began recording their iconic album 'Dark Side of the Moon' at Abbey Road, then known as EMI Studios, in May 1972. At the time, Abbey Road was revolutionary, as the studios were capable of making 16 track mixes, perfect for the band's desired multi-layer sound.
Johnny Marr
Former Smiths singer Johnny Marr mastered his third solo project 'Call The Comet' at the famous London studios. The album was mastered at Abbey Road by Frank Arkwright, who had a long-standing professional relationship with the guitarist, having previously worked on mastering The Smiths' discography.
Aretha Franklin
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin's album 'A Brand New Me' is a compilation album featuring archival recordings of the singer's timeless voice accompanied by arrangements by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The album was recorded at Abbey Road and released in November 2017, nine months before Aretha Franklin sadly passed away in August 2018.
The Beatles
The Beatles were certainly Abbey Road's most notable client. The Fab Four: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison recorded some of the most well-known music in history at the studio. EMI producer George Martin worked with The Beatles and recorded 190 of their 210 songs at the studios. The band named their 1969 album after the road on which the studio was located, which led EMI studios to later become Abbey Road. The album's artwork is iconic, portraying the four band members walking across the zebra crossing outside the studio. This is now a huge tourist attraction and even has Grade II listed status!
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