Boutwell Studios: Difference between revisions
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The business was started in [[1961]] by [[WAPI-AM|WAPI]] engineer [[Ed Boutwell]] with his wife [[Fran Boutwell|Fran]] in their house. With success Boutwell moved the business to a series of progressively larger locations including a former church on [[35th Street North]], a space in [[English Village]], and in the early 1970s, a production facility on [[Southside]]. | The business was started in [[1961]] by [[WAPI-AM|WAPI]] engineer [[Ed Boutwell]] with his wife [[Fran Boutwell|Fran]] in their house. With success Boutwell moved the business to a series of progressively larger locations including a former church on [[35th Street North]], a space in [[English Village]], and in the early 1970s, a production facility on [[Southside]]. | ||
Since the beginning, Boutwell Studios has predominantly served the advertising industry. Boutwell and [[WAPI-AM|WAPI]]'s [[Henry Kimbrell]] co-produced the famous [[15-cent Jingle]] for [[Jack's|Jack's Hamburgers]]. Other jingles were produced for [[Pizitz]], [[Bromberg's]], and [[Greg's Cookies]]. Boutwell was one of the first studios to offer stereo recording, and also attracted local bands for recording sessions, including the demo tracks that earned [[Tammy Wynette]] her break in Nashville. [[The Distortions]] album "Behind My Wall" was cut there, as well as much of the soundtrack for the film ''[[Stay Hungry]]''. Other notable visitors have included the Allman Brothers (as the Allman Joys), Atlanta Rhythm Section (as the Candymen), Byron Berline, and Mason | Since the beginning, Boutwell Studios has predominantly served the advertising industry. Boutwell and [[WAPI-AM|WAPI]]'s [[Henry Kimbrell]] co-produced the famous [[15-cent Jingle]] for [[Jack's|Jack's Hamburgers]]. Other jingles were produced for [[Pizitz]], [[Bromberg's]], and [[Greg's Cookies]]. Boutwell was one of the first studios to offer stereo recording, and also attracted local bands for recording sessions, including the demo tracks that earned [[Tammy Wynette]] her break in Nashville. [[The Distortions]] album "Behind My Wall" was cut there, as well as much of the soundtrack for the film ''[[Stay Hungry]]''. Other notable visitors have included the Allman Brothers (as the Allman Joys), Atlanta Rhythm Section (as the Candymen), Byron Berline, and Mason Williams. | ||
In [[1975]] young radio DJ [[Greg Bass]] joined the firm as voice talent, but quickly found other facets of the business to which he could contribute. He became a partner and recruited former radio partner [[Courtney Haden]] to operate a second studio. Engineer [[Mark Harrelson]], now technical director, became a partner in 1983. Ed's daughter [[Nancy Boutwell|Nancy]] became the sixth partner when her father retired in [[1986]]. | In [[1975]] young radio DJ [[Greg Bass]] joined the firm as voice talent, but quickly found other facets of the business to which he could contribute. He became a partner and recruited former radio partner [[Courtney Haden]] to operate a second studio. Engineer [[Mark Harrelson]], now technical director, became a partner in 1983. Ed's daughter [[Nancy Boutwell|Nancy]] became the sixth partner when her father retired in [[1986]]. | ||
Revision as of 11:40, 31 August 2013
Boutwell Studios is an full--service commercial audio recording and post-production company located at 2917 Central Avenue in Homewood.
The business was started in 1961 by WAPI engineer Ed Boutwell with his wife Fran in their house. With success Boutwell moved the business to a series of progressively larger locations including a former church on 35th Street North, a space in English Village, and in the early 1970s, a production facility on Southside.
Since the beginning, Boutwell Studios has predominantly served the advertising industry. Boutwell and WAPI's Henry Kimbrell co-produced the famous 15-cent Jingle for Jack's Hamburgers. Other jingles were produced for Pizitz, Bromberg's, and Greg's Cookies. Boutwell was one of the first studios to offer stereo recording, and also attracted local bands for recording sessions, including the demo tracks that earned Tammy Wynette her break in Nashville. The Distortions album "Behind My Wall" was cut there, as well as much of the soundtrack for the film Stay Hungry. Other notable visitors have included the Allman Brothers (as the Allman Joys), Atlanta Rhythm Section (as the Candymen), Byron Berline, and Mason Williams.
In 1975 young radio DJ Greg Bass joined the firm as voice talent, but quickly found other facets of the business to which he could contribute. He became a partner and recruited former radio partner Courtney Haden to operate a second studio. Engineer Mark Harrelson, now technical director, became a partner in 1983. Ed's daughter Nancy became the sixth partner when her father retired in 1986.
Greg Bass and Courtney Haden subsequently bought controlling interest in the company that year and secured a Small Business Administration loan to move the business to the former Homewood Church of Christ on Central Avenue and Mayfair Circle in Homewood. They completely overhauled the building, constructing new offices and five separate recording studios in the 12,000 square foot space, moving in in 1999.
Boutwell Studios have been regional pioneers in recording and production technology. They have led the way in video-synching, recording distant talent by digital phone, creating a dedicated multi-media audio facility, and monitoring and mixing 5.1 channel surround sound.
References
- Fournier, Rosalind (August 2006) "Sound Business" Savvy Business. Birmingham Magazine. Vol. 46, No. 8, p. 98-99.
- Haden, Courtney (August 16, 2007) "Ed's head: Ode to a record-breaking enthusiast." Birmingham Weekly
- Geiss, Chuck (October 27, 2011) "Naked Birmingham". Black & White
External link
- Boutwell Studios website