At 70 years old, Ricky Skaggs, a towering figure in country and bluegrass music, has announced a landmark development in his illustrious career. The 15-time Grammy-winning artist, known for his influential role in revitalizing traditional country sounds since the 1980s, has reopened his historic recording studio, Skaggs Place Studio, following an extensive renovation.
Located in Hendersonville, Tennessee, just outside Nashville, Skaggs Place Studio holds a rich legacy in the music industry. Originally founded by Skaggs himself in 1998 after acquiring it from Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys (who owned the building since 1968), the studio has been the creative home to an impressive roster of celebrated musicians. Legendary artists such as Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, and many others have recorded within its walls, contributing to numerous Grammy-winning projects.
Recognizing the rapid technological advancements in recording equipment and studio design over recent years, Skaggs embarked on an extensive upgrade of the facility. Among the improvements are raising the ceiling height to 14 feet, installing new hardwood floors, implementing amp lockers optimized for live recordings, and updating the lighting and HVAC systems to ensure a quiet and comfortable environment for artists. These enhancements modernize the studio while preserving its warm, creative atmosphere filled with vintage photographs celebrating Skaggs’ musical heroes and influences.
In a recent statement, Ricky Skaggs expressed his excitement about the studio’s reopening and its future potential. He highlighted Skaggs Place Studio’s exceptional live sound capability and ample space, making it ideal for live video recordings and accommodating string sessions—a feature that speaks to the studio’s versatility. Skaggs also noted that musicians seeking a serene alternative to the bustle of downtown Nashville would find the studio a perfect creative haven.
This rejuvenation marks a significant milestone for Skaggs, who has remained a dedicated contributor to the country music landscape, not only as a performer but also as a mentor and producer. The revitalized studio ensures that his legacy will continue to nurture the talents of established and emerging artists alike.
As Ricky Skaggs celebrates seven decades of life and decades of musical achievement, the reopening of Skaggs Place Studio stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to excellence in music production and his influential role in preserving and advancing the heritage of country and bluegrass music. Fans and collaborators alike can look forward to many more memorable projects emerging from this storied studio in the years to come.
