Johnny Reid To Relaunch Scruggs Sound Studios As Soultrain Sound Studios

Johnny Reid. Photo: Daniel Shippey

Recording artist and studio owner Johnny Reid kept his promise to the late songwriter/guitarist/producer Randy Scruggs with the launch of his latest venture.

This spring, Reid will reopen the historic Scruggs Sound Studios in Nashville’s Berry Hill area as Soultrain Sound Studios. Scruggs bought the property and began work on the studio in 1979. Among the albums made in Scruggs Sound Studio include Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1989 album Will The Circle Be Unbroken V2, which Scruggs produced and featured Bruce Hornsby, John Hiatt, Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Earl Scruggs, John Denver, Emmylou Harris and more, as well as Keith Whitley—A Tribute Album.

Reid purchased the studio in 2018, prior to Scruggs’ passing and has renovated the studio’s interior, adding state of the art recording equipment, a “b” studio and vintage equipment to the 3,000-square-foot space.

“I made Randy Scruggs a promise that his building would one day make music once again. I’ve kept my promise and look forward to continuing its tradition,” commented Johnny Reid.
Joining Reid in the new venture are mix engineer Justin Cortelyou and producer/engineer Tawgs Salter.

Cortelyou’s engineering credits include work with Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, U2, Andrea Bocelli, Taylor Swift, and others. For years Cortelyou worked alongside mix-master Mike Shipley at The Animal House in Los Angeles, and legendary music producer Bob Ezrin. Salter has worked with a vast array of artists ranging from Walk Off The Earth, Serena Ryder, Hunter Hayes, Lights and Scott Helman to Andrea Bocelli, Dear Rouge, Mother Mother and USS.

“I’m honored to partner with Soultrain Sound Studios and make it my home base here in Nashville,” said Cortelyou. “It’s a privilege to join the long list of legendary artists, musicians, producers and engineers that once created here. It really is a special place.”

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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