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| Henson Recording Studios | |
|---|---|
| Name | Henson Recording Studios |
| Location | Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founded | 1969 (as A&M Studios) |
| Founder | Herb Alpert, Jerry Moss |
| Genre | Various |
Henson Recording Studios
Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, is a landmark recording complex originally established as A&M Studios by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss and later renamed after producer and puppeteer Jim Henson. The facility has hosted sessions for a wide range of artists spanning rock, pop, film score composers and television producers, and has been associated with iconic recordings, film soundtracks and television syncs. Its studios have been used by leading figures from The Beatles-era engineers to contemporary producers, reflecting deep ties with studios, labels and production houses in Hollywood and the Los Angeles music scene.
The complex began as A&M Records' primary recording center after Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss expanded the label's operations in 1969, attracting artists from Carole King to Joe Cocker; the site became a hub among Universal Music Group-era conglomerates and independent producers. In the 1980s and 1990s the studios remained active with clients such as The Carpenters, Stevie Wonder, The Police, Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon, forging links with producers like Quincy Jones, George Martin, Bob Clearmountain and Trevor Horn. After the purchase by the family of Jim Henson in the late 1990s, the facility was renamed and renovated, hosting sessions for film composers associated with Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Danny Elfman and soundtrack projects tied to Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures. Periodic upgrades reflected collaborations with manufacturers such as Neve Electronics, SSL (Solid State Logic), API (Automated Processes, Inc.) and vendors used by engineers like Alan Parsons and Eddie Kramer.
The complex comprises multiple mixing and tracking rooms, control rooms and isolation booths used by session musicians, orchestras and vocalists; spaces have accommodated ensembles linked to London Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic musicians and contractors who work with film scoring companies like Remote Control Productions. Studio A has hosted large orchestral sessions and was configured for scoring for directors such as Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan; Studio B and Studio C serve pop and rock productions credited to artists like Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars. The building houses editing suites used by television music supervisors working with series from Netflix, HBO, CBS and NBC, and production offices frequently rented by managers from MCA Records, Columbia Records and Island Records. Onsite amenities historically included echo chambers inspired by designs used at Abbey Road Studios and drum rooms comparable to those at Capitol Studios.
Sessions credited at the facility include landmark albums and soundtracks by performers and composers such as Carole King (songwriting sessions linked to Tapestry-era collaborators), Stevie Wonder tracks tied to Motown alumni, The Police mixes engineered alongside Hugh Padgham-era techniques, and film scores by John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, Rachel Portman and Alexandre Desplat. Pop and rock artists who recorded or mixed there include The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Radiohead, U2, R.E.M., Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beck, Foo Fighters and Coldplay. Hip hop and R&B figures such as Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg have used the studios for tracking, overdubs or mixing, often working with engineers who also recorded for Def Jam Recordings, Interscope Records and Bad Boy Records. Television and film music clients include composers from Disney, Warner Bros. Pictures, DreamWorks and independent producers tied to Academy Awards-nominated scores.
Originally owned and operated by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss under A&M Records, the site underwent ownership transitions paralleling music industry consolidation involving companies such as PolyGram, Seagram, Vivendi, and Universal Music Group. The property was later acquired and rebranded by the family and businesses associated with Jim Henson and managed by studio executives who liaised with production companies including The Jim Henson Company and facility operators familiar with unions like AFM (American Federation of Musicians) and production agreements used in Los Angeles County recording sessions. Daily management has historically integrated freelance studio managers, chief engineers and long-term staff who coordinated with talent managers from agencies such as CAA and WME.
The studios have featured vintage analog consoles and modern digital hybrids, including desks by Neve, SSL (Solid State Logic), and API alongside digital audio workstations like Pro Tools used by engineers connected to Les Paul-influenced recording practices and contemporary mixing techniques. Outboard gear historically included compressors and equalizers from Urei, Teletronix, Manley Laboratories, Empirical Labs and reverberation units used in scoring mixes for directors affiliated with production houses like Lucasfilm and Legendary Pictures. The complex supported advances in surround formats, immersive audio and mixing standards linked to Dolby Laboratories and broadcast specifications used by THX-registered projects, while mastering workflows interfaced with facilities and mastering engineers who worked for labels including Masterdisk and The Mastering Lab.
The studios and building have appeared or been referenced in media tied to Hollywood culture, featuring in documentaries about A&M Records, archival pieces on Jim Henson, and music history programming produced by outlets such as BBC, VH1, MTV and NPR. The location has been used for photoshoots, video shoots and promotional content by artists represented by labels like Columbia Records, Island Records, A&M Records and managers who also worked with agencies such as IMG Models. The facility’s heritage intersects with broader Los Angeles cultural institutions including Hollywood Walk of Fame narratives, concerts connected to venues like The Troubadour, Roxy Theatre and events at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Work produced at the studios has been associated with projects nominated for and winning Grammy Awards, Academy Awards for Best Original Score, Emmy Awards for television music and other honors distributed by organizations including ASCAP, BMI and the Recording Academy. Engineers and producers who worked at the complex have received industry accolades such as Grammy Award trophies, Golden Globe nominations and lifetime achievement recognitions from institutions like Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and music producer guilds.
Category:Recording studios in California Category:Buildings and structures in Hollywood, Los Angeles