Via Google Maps
Former location –
Bearsville Studio was opened in 1969 by Albert Grossman, an entrepreneur, producer and manager of folk music and rock and roll performers. He was the manager of many of the most popular performers of folk and folk-rock music of the time, including Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Band, Janis Joplin and Gordon Lightfoot. Grossman served as director of the label and studio up until his death in 1986.
Most of Grossman’s artists from Bearsville Records recorded here. This included Paul Butterfield, Foghat, Todd Rundgren and Utopia and The Band.
The studio, because of its relatively remote location, became a destination for many performers that were looking for a tranquil place to be creative. It wasn’t unusual for musicians to drop in on local bars and play a few sets to the thrill of the locals.
Notable Recordings Made At Bearsville Studio
Moondog Matinee by The Band
Wave by The Patti Smith Group
Ra by Utopia
Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe
Green by R.E.M.
Out Of Time by R.E.M.
These Days by Bon Jovi
Trash by Alice Cooper
Fool For The City by Foghat
Remote Control by The Tubes
The studio was converted into a private residence and an adjacent complex, including a 250-seat theater and a second recording house.
Bearsville Studio
71 Ricks Rd
Woodstock NY 12498
I worked in Bearsville studio during the summer of 1982 with some of the guys from Sparks. Beautiful location.
Sadly, as a result of mismanagement, the album was never finished. Happy days.
My friend Eric was dating Todd’s sister Ruthie. So we got to spend time at the studio. Todd was putting the
“Magic Dragon Theater” tour together at that time. Great time to be up there.