Rock and roll history was made in Blauvelt in the 1970s at a small recording studio at Route 303 and Erie Street.
It’s official: The spot where Bruce Springsteen recorded "Born to Run" is going down in history.
The Historical Society of Rockland County has given its imprimatur to placing a marker at the site of the914 Sound Studios in Blauvelt, where The Boss laid down the tracks for his iconic anthem more than 40 years ago.
“I'm thrilled we got it approved by the historical society," said Michael Magnone, who sought recognition for the site after reading my column about Born to Run's 40th anniversary. "It's a great thing for Blauvelt. 914 Studios represents pop culture history and it's a site where Springsteen recorded one of the greatest songs in rock and roll history."
Magnone got permission to place the plaque from the owner of the property at Route 303 and Erie Street, where Janis Ian, James Taylor, Dusty Springfield and others once cut some of the most memorable rock and roll of the 1970s. The Blauvelt Auto Spa now occupies the building, which is next door to the Blauvelt Coach Diner.
The sign's cost is estimated at between $2,500 and $3,000 depending on its size and inscription; Magnone is working out a way to seek donations. He said he hadn't yet planned the ceremony for the unveiling, which is expected to be in 2016.
Magnone, who grew up on Greenbush Road less than a mile from the studios, was fueled not only by his love of Springsteen’s music - he's seen Bruce perform more than 75 times - but by the memory of his late friend, Kevin Quaranta, who once got picked up hitchhiking by Springsteen while he was on his way to the studio.
Springsteen recorded his first two albums at 914. "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J." and "The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle," were both released in 1973.
The title track of his third record, "Born to Run," was recorded at 914 some 40 years ago The remainder of the album was recorded in New York City. It was released in August of 1975.
The studio was founded in 1971 by Brooks Arthur, a revered record producer and engineer who was looking for a laid-back place to nurture recording artists that was close to his Valley Cottage home.
Among some of the others who recorded at 914: Melanie, Joe Delia, Loudon Wainwright III, Blood Sweat and Tears, Ashford and Simpson, Les Paul, Barry Manilow, Melissa Manchester, and the Ramones.
Janis Ian's 1975 album "Between the Lines" featuring the song "At Seventeen" won Grammys for her, Brooks Arthur and engineer Larry Alexander.
Janis Ian and Brooks Arthur mixing "At Seventeen" at 914 Sound Studios in Blauvelt. (Photo: Photo Courtesy ©
Peter Cunningham Archives)
When I contacted Arthur to tell him 914 was picked as a historic site, he emailed me a recollection describing the studio as a "two sided coin that featured wildly creative and landmark recording sessions backed with the conversely tumultuous business years from 1970 ending its valiant run in 1975/1976."
He also wrote of his "recurring dream" of bringing 914 back to life with vintage audio gear blended with state of the art recording equipment.
"I’ve still got time," he wrote from California, where he lives now, "914 might happen again."
