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{{Short description|Former recording studio in West Hampstead, London}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2010}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2010}}
'''Decca Studios''' was a recording facility in Broadhurst Gardens, [[West Hampstead]], North [[London]], England <!-- Owned would imply Freehold, whereas Leasehold is common in London. -->controlled by [[Decca Records]].
[[File:West Hampstead - Lilian Baylis House (geograph 7396758).jpg|thumb]]
'''Decca Studios''' was a recording facility at 165 [[Broadhurst Gardens]], [[West Hampstead]], [[North London]], England, <!-- Owned would imply Freehold, whereas Leasehold is common in London. -->controlled by [[Decca Records]] from 1937 to 1980.


==History==
From the company's beginnings in 1929, British Decca's earliest recordings were made at two locations, the Chenil Galleries Studios in Chelsea, and later in Lower Thames Street. Ironically for a company later renowned for its technological developments of recording, auditory evidence from the time suggests that these setups were rather rudimentary affairs, with the recording quality mediocre at best, although from about 1933 onwards, with technological and acoustic changes to these studios, recording quality gradually improved, but was still a long way short of the standard being produced at [[Abbey Road Studios]], and it was only with the opening of new purpose built facilities at Broadhurst Gardens that Decca was finally able to compete for acoustic quality.
The building that housed Decca Studios at 165 [[Broadhurst Gardens]] in London was built in the 1880s as the Falcon Works, a place for tradespeople to work from. A few years later it was turned into a venue, including two halls, for concerts, meetings and other gatherings. Although named West Hampstead Town Hall, it was a venue for hire, rather than a local government facility.<ref>{{cite book |first1=Dick |last1=Weindling |first2=Marianne |last2=Colloms |title=Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek: West Hampstead's Musical Heritage Remembered |date=2013 |publisher=History Press |page= |isbn=9780750952873}}</ref> In 1928, [[Crystalate Manufacturing Company|Crystalate Gramophone Record Manufacturing]] took it over and moved its recording studio there. In 1937, Decca took over Crystalate's record division and moved its recording production to the Broadhurst Gardens studios, closing its existing Upper Thames Street studio.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://westhampsteadlife.com/2013/09/20/making-music-in-west-hampstead-and-kilburn/5073 |title=Making Music in West Hampstead and Kilburn |first1=Dick |last1=Weindling |first2=Marianne |last2=Colloms |date=20 September 2013 |work=West Hampstead Life |access-date=27 February 2021}}</ref>


From British Decca's beginnings in 1929, its earliest recordings were made at two locations, the [[Chenil Galleries Studios]] in Chelsea,<ref>Brian Rust, ''Brian Rust's Guide to Discography'' (1980), p. 67.</ref> and later in Lower Thames Street. In 1961, Decca expanded by building Studio 3, with a live room large enough to accommodate a full symphony orchestra, on land adjacent to 195 Broadhurst Gardens.<ref name="MasseyH">{{cite book |last1=Massey |first1=Howard |title=The Great British Recording Studios |date=2015 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |location=Lanham, Maryland, US |isbn=978-1-4584-2197-5 |page=43}}</ref>
⚫
[[The Beatles]] failed [[The Beatles' Decca audition|their Decca audition]] at the location on 1 January 1962,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.music.indiana.edu/som/courses/rock/misc.html |title=London Studios and Clubs |publisher=Music.indiana.edu |date= |accessdate=2012-12-04}}</ref> and subsequently signed with [[Parlophone]] instead.


⚫
[[The Beatles]] failed [[The Beatles' Decca audition|their Decca audition]] at the location on 1 January 1962,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.music.indiana.edu/som/courses/rock/misc.html |title=London Studios and Clubs |publisher=Music.indiana.edu |access-date=2012-12-04}}</ref> and subsequently signed with [[Parlophone]] instead.
With the sale of Decca to Polygram, the studios were closed in 1980 and the building was renamed [[Lilian Baylis]] House, and is currently used as rehearsal space by [[English National Opera]].

With the sale of Decca to [[Polygram]], the studios were closed in 1981 and the building was renamed [[Lilian Baylis]] House. In recent years, it has been used as rehearsal space by [[English National Opera]]. The building was awarded [[Listed building|Grade II listed status]] in August 2021.<ref name="NHLE-1475683">{{NHLE|num=1475683|desc=Lilian Baylis House (former Decca recording studios), including walls to Broadhurst Gardens, 165 Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, London, NW6 3AX|grade=II|accessdate=12 August 2021}}</ref><ref name=MasseyH/>


==Recording artists==
==Recording artists==
⚫
Many popular songs and albums were recorded at Decca Studios. [[John Mayall]]'s 1968 ''[[Blues from Laurel Canyon]]'' was recorded there, along with five albums by the [[The Moody Blues|Moody Blues]]. [[David Bowie]] recorded his first single, "Liza Jane", at the studio in 1964.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teenagewildlife.com/info/faq/22.html |title=David Bowie FAQ: Early On |publisher=Teenagewildlife.com |date=1966-01-14 |access-date=2012-12-04}}</ref> The studios also saw the formation of the original [[Fleetwood Mac]], under the aegis of then-Bluesbreakers guitarist [[Peter Green (musician)|Peter Green]], after John Mayall bought him studio time as a birthday present, recording the tracks "First Train Home", "Rambling Pony" and the instrumental "Fleetwood Mac".<ref>{{cite web|author=Martin E. Adelson |url=http://discog.fleetwoodmac.net/discog.php?pid=171 |title=The Original Fleetwood Mac - Fleetwood Mac |publisher=Discog.fleetwoodmac.net |access-date=2012-12-04}}</ref> [[Marc Bolan]] recorded his debut single "The Wizard" at the studio in 1965.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/sep/22/archive-george-melly-marc-bolan|title=From the Observer archive, 26 September 1965: life's a gas for the latest pop sensations|last=Melly|first=George|date=2013-09-21|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref> [[Marmalade (band)|Marmalade]] recorded most of their Decca hits in Studio 2, including "[[Reflections of My Life]]". [[Adam and the Ants]] recorded full band demos of their then live repertoire at the studio in August and December 1978. These have been widely bootlegged among [[Adam Ant]] fans prior to their commercial release.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://antmusic.simondaw.me.uk/demos.htm |title=Demos 1977-1979 |website=Antmusic |access-date=13 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226222344/http://antmusic.simondaw.me.uk/demos.htm |archive-date=26 February 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[The Zombies]] recorded "[[She's Not There]]" at the facility.{{cn|date=March 2024}}
[[File:Billy Fury Way, West Hampstead - London. (15696810308).jpg|thumb|A street nearby was named Billy Fury Way following a poll, in recognition of [[Billy Fury|Fury]]'s recording work at Broadhurst Gardens]]
⚫
Many popular songs and albums were recorded at Decca Studios. [[John Mayall]]'s 1968 ''[[Blues from Laurel Canyon]]'' was recorded there, along with five albums by the [[Moody Blues]]. [[David Bowie]] recorded his first single, "Liza Jane", at the studio in 1964.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teenagewildlife.com/info/faq/22.html |title=David Bowie FAQ: Early On |publisher=Teenagewildlife.com |date=1966-01-14 |accessdate=2012-12-04}}</ref> The studios also saw the formation of the original [[Fleetwood Mac]], under the aegis of then-Bluesbreakers guitarist [[Peter Green (musician)|Peter Green]], after John Mayall bought him studio time as a birthday present, recording the tracks "First Train Home", "Rambling Pony" and the instrumental "Fleetwood Mac".<ref>{{cite web|author=Martin E. Adelson |url=http://discog.fleetwoodmac.net/discog.php?pid=171 |title=The Original Fleetwood Mac - Fleetwood Mac |publisher=Discog.fleetwoodmac.net |date= |accessdate=2012-12-04}}</ref> [[Marc Bolan]] recorded his debut single ''The Wizard'' at the studio in 1965.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/sep/22/archive-george-melly-marc-bolan|title=From the Observer archive, 26 September 1965: life's a gas for the latest pop sensations|last=Melly|first=George|date=2013-09-21|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref> [[Marmalade (band)|Marmalade]] recorded most of their Decca hits in Studio 2, including "[[Reflections of My Life]]". [[Adam and the Ants]] recorded full band demos of their then live repertoire at the studio in August and December 1978. These have been widely bootlegged among [[Adam Ant]] fans prior to their commercial release.<ref>http://antmusic.simondaw.me.uk/demos.htm</ref> [[The Zombies]] recorded "[[She's Not There]]" at the facility.


Many classical recordings were made at the studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://images.cch.kcl.ac.uk/charm/liv/pubs/DeccaComplete.pdf |title=Decca Classical, 1929-2009 |author=Philip Stuart |year=2009 |publisher=Images.cch.kcl.ac.uk |accessdate=2012-12-04}}</ref> Britain's leading Big Band, [[Ted Heath (bandleader)]] and his Orchestra recorded a succession of big band jazz records at Broadhurst Gardens for Decca during the band's peak years from 1945 until Heath's death in 1969.
Many classical recordings were made at the studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://images.cch.kcl.ac.uk/charm/liv/pubs/DeccaComplete.pdf |title=Decca Classical, 1929-2009 |author=Philip Stuart |year=2009 |publisher=Images.cch.kcl.ac.uk |access-date=2012-12-04}}</ref> Britain's leading [[big band]], led by [[Ted Heath (bandleader)|Ted Heath]], made a succession of recordings at Broadhurst Gardens for Decca during the band's peak years, from 1945 until Heath's death in 1969.


==Selected recordings==
==Selected recordings==
* ''All Time Top Twelve [[Ted Heath (bandleader)|Ted Heath]] and his Music'', De LK 4208
* ''All Time Top Twelve [[Ted Heath (bandleader)|Ted Heath]] and his Music'', De LK 4208
*''[[The Rolling Stones (EP)|The Rolling Stones]]'', The Rolling Stones (1963)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://musicmoz.org/Bands_and_Artists/R/Rolling_Stones/Discography/Singles/Rolling_Stones_EP,_The/ |title=Bands and Artists: R: Rolling Stones: Discography: Singles: Rolling Stones EP, The |publisher=MusicMoz |date=1964-01-10 |accessdate=2012-12-04}}</ref>
*''[[The Rolling Stones (EP)|The Rolling Stones]]'', The Rolling Stones (1963)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://musicmoz.org/Bands_and_Artists/R/Rolling_Stones/Discography/Singles/Rolling_Stones_EP,_The/ |title=Bands and Artists: R: Rolling Stones: Discography: Singles: Rolling Stones EP, The |publisher=MusicMoz |date=1964-01-10 |access-date=2012-12-04}}</ref>
*[[The Flies (English band)|The Flies]] recorded "[[(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone|(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone]]" and "House of Love" in Studio 2{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
⚫
*''[[Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton]]'', John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (1966)<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.chromeoxide.com/mayall.htm |title=Music Collectors pages - John Mayall's Bluesbreakers - 05/04/2010 |publisher=Chrome Oxide |date= |accessdate=2012-12-04}}</ref>
*''[[Crusade (album)|Crusade]]'', John Mayall's Bluesbreakers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzentgraf.de/books/mt/taylor1.htm |title=Taylormade - The Mick Taylor Database |publisher=Nzentgraf.de |date= |accessdate=2012-12-04}}</ref> (1967)
*''[[Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton]]'', John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (1966)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chromeoxide.com/mayall.htm |title=Music Collectors pages - John Mayall's Bluesbreakers - 05/04/2010 |publisher=Chrome Oxide |access-date=2012-12-04}}</ref>
⚫
*''[[Crusade (album)|Crusade]]'', John Mayall's Bluesbreakers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzentgraf.de/books/mt/taylor1.htm |title=Taylormade - The Mick Taylor Database |publisher=Nzentgraf.de |access-date=2012-12-04}}</ref> (1967)
*''[[Bare Wires]]'', John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (1968)
*''[[Bare Wires]]'', John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (1968)
*''Blues from Laurel Canyon'', John Mayall (1968)
*''Blues from Laurel Canyon'', John Mayall (1968)
*''[[Days of Future Passed]]'' (1967)
*''[[Days of Future Passed]]'' (1967), The Moody Blues
*''[[In Search of the Lost Chord]]'' (1968), The Moody Blues
*''[[In Search of the Lost Chord]]'' (1968), The Moody Blues
*''[[On the Threshold of a Dream]]'' (1969), The Moody Blues
*''[[On the Threshold of a Dream]]'' (1969), The Moody Blues
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==See also==
==See also==
* [[The Decca audition]] - for a fuller account
* [[The Beatles' Decca audition]] - for a fuller account


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Authority control}}
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{{coord|51.5463|-0.1904|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}

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{{Coord|51.5463|-0.1904|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}


[[Category:Recording studios in London]]
[[Category:Recording studios in London]]
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in the London Borough of Camden]]
[[Category:History of the London Borough of Camden]]
[[Category:History of the London Borough of Camden]]
[[Category:Decca Records|Studios]]
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[[Category:Grade II listed buildings in the London Borough of Camden]]

Latest revision as of 17:35, 19 November 2024

Decca Studios was a recording facility at 165 Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, North London, England, controlled by Decca Records from 1937 to 1980.

History

[edit]

The building that housed Decca Studios at 165 Broadhurst Gardens in London was built in the 1880s as the Falcon Works, a place for tradespeople to work from. A few years later it was turned into a venue, including two halls, for concerts, meetings and other gatherings. Although named West Hampstead Town Hall, it was a venue for hire, rather than a local government facility.[1] In 1928, Crystalate Gramophone Record Manufacturing took it over and moved its recording studio there. In 1937, Decca took over Crystalate's record division and moved its recording production to the Broadhurst Gardens studios, closing its existing Upper Thames Street studio.[2]

From British Decca's beginnings in 1929, its earliest recordings were made at two locations, the Chenil Galleries Studios in Chelsea,[3] and later in Lower Thames Street. In 1961, Decca expanded by building Studio 3, with a live room large enough to accommodate a full symphony orchestra, on land adjacent to 195 Broadhurst Gardens.[4]

The Beatles failed their Decca audition at the location on 1 January 1962,[5] and subsequently signed with Parlophone instead.

With the sale of Decca to Polygram, the studios were closed in 1981 and the building was renamed Lilian Baylis House. In recent years, it has been used as rehearsal space by English National Opera. The building was awarded Grade II listed status in August 2021.[6][4]

Recording artists

[edit]

Many popular songs and albums were recorded at Decca Studios. John Mayall's 1968 Blues from Laurel Canyon was recorded there, along with five albums by the Moody Blues. David Bowie recorded his first single, "Liza Jane", at the studio in 1964.[7] The studios also saw the formation of the original Fleetwood Mac, under the aegis of then-Bluesbreakers guitarist Peter Green, after John Mayall bought him studio time as a birthday present, recording the tracks "First Train Home", "Rambling Pony" and the instrumental "Fleetwood Mac".[8] Marc Bolan recorded his debut single "The Wizard" at the studio in 1965.[9] Marmalade recorded most of their Decca hits in Studio 2, including "Reflections of My Life". Adam and the Ants recorded full band demos of their then live repertoire at the studio in August and December 1978. These have been widely bootlegged among Adam Ant fans prior to their commercial release.[10] The Zombies recorded "She's Not There" at the facility.[citation needed]

Many classical recordings were made at the studios.[11] Britain's leading big band, led by Ted Heath, made a succession of recordings at Broadhurst Gardens for Decca during the band's peak years, from 1945 until Heath's death in 1969.

Selected recordings

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Weindling, Dick; Colloms, Marianne (2013). Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek: West Hampstead's Musical Heritage Remembered. History Press. ISBN 9780750952873.
  2. ^ Weindling, Dick; Colloms, Marianne (20 September 2013). "Making Music in West Hampstead and Kilburn". West Hampstead Life. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  3. ^ Brian Rust, Brian Rust's Guide to Discography (1980), p. 67.
  4. ^ a b Massey, Howard (2015). The Great British Recording Studios. Lanham, Maryland, US: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 43. ISBN 978-1-4584-2197-5.
  5. ^ "London Studios and Clubs". Music.indiana.edu. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  6. ^ Historic England. "Lilian Baylis House (former Decca recording studios), including walls to Broadhurst Gardens, 165 Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, London, NW6 3AX (Grade II) (1475683)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  7. ^ "David Bowie FAQ: Early On". Teenagewildlife.com. 14 January 1966. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  8. ^ Martin E. Adelson. "The Original Fleetwood Mac - Fleetwood Mac". Discog.fleetwoodmac.net. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  9. ^ Melly, George (21 September 2013). "From the Observer archive, 26 September 1965: life's a gas for the latest pop sensations". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  10. ^ "Demos 1977-1979". Antmusic. Archived from the original on 26 February 2009. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
  11. ^ Philip Stuart (2009). "Decca Classical, 1929-2009" (PDF). Images.cch.kcl.ac.uk. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  12. ^ "Bands and Artists: R: Rolling Stones: Discography: Singles: Rolling Stones EP, The". MusicMoz. 10 January 1964. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  13. ^ "Music Collectors pages - John Mayall's Bluesbreakers - 05/04/2010". Chrome Oxide. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  14. ^ "Taylormade - The Mick Taylor Database". Nzentgraf.de. Retrieved 4 December 2012.

51°32′47″N 0°11′25″W / 51.5463°N 0.1904°W / 51.5463; -0.1904

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