Fusion 45

American Recording Studios (also known as American Sound Studios) was the creative domain of guitarist, producer and songwriter Lincoln Wayne “Chips” Moman.

Moman began his career as a touring guitarist, backing up Bill Black’s Combo, the Mar-Keys, Johnny Burnette and Gene Vincent. From there, he aligned with Satellite Records (predecessor of Stax Records), where he wrote and produced the label’s first hit single in 1960, Carla Thomas‘ Gee Whiz. After producing a hit for Volt, Burnt Biscuits by the Triumphs (which included a young Al Green), Moman bolted from Volt over a money dispute and founded American Recording studios in 1962.

From 1962 through 1973, American Recording Studios was the de facto home of the Memphis Sound, turning out hits by the Gentry’s, Sandy Posey (who was, at one time, Moman’s receptionist) as well as the Box Tops, Merillee Rush, Neil Diamond, Dusty Springfield and Dionne Warwick. The King, himself, cuts parts of Elvis in Memphis at American, with Moman behind the board for Suspicious Minds and In The Ghetto.

From 1967 to 1971, American placed 120 singles on the Billboard charts including:

BJ Thomas - Hooked On A Feeling
Neil Diamond - Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show
The Box Tops - Cry Like A Baby
Elvis - Kentucky Rain
Elvis - Suspicious Minds
Neil Diamond - Holly Holy
Joe Tex - I Gotcha
Merillee Rush - Angel of The Morning
Joe Tex - Skinny Legs And All