The Hit Factory (other)

The Hit Factory is a recording studio in New York City owned and operated by Troy Germano. Since 1969, The Hit Factory recording studios have existed in six different locations in New York City as well as facilities in London and Miami. Today the studios are located at 676 Broadway in the Noho neighborhood of New York City.

History

On March 6, 1975, Edward Germano, a singer, record producer, and one of the principal owners of the Record Plant Studios New York, purchased The Hit Factory from Jerry Ragavoy. At that time The Hit Factory studios were located at 353 West 48th Street and consisted of two studios, A2 and A6. Eventually, a third studio, A5, was added. These studios were active from 1975 to 1981. Germano incorporated The Hit Factory into a business, redesigned its studios, and created the logo it uses to this day. Notable albums from this location include Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder, One-Trick Pony by Paul Simon, Fear of Music by Talking Heads, Voices by Hall & Oates, Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf, Foreigner by Foreigner (band), I'm in You by Peter Frampton, Live and Sleazy by Village People, Peter Gabriel ("Scratch") by Peter Gabriel, Emotional Rescue by the Rolling Stones, Double Fantasy by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

In 1981, The Hit Factory moved to a new location at 237 West 54th Street, across the street from Studio 54. Dubbed The Hit Factory Broadway, the new location had five studios designed by Germano: A1, A2, A3, M1, and M4—the last of which was later transformed into the first mastering suite for Herb Powers Jr. Germano's son, Troy Germano, started working full-time with him at this location. Albums that were recorded and/or mixed at this location include ''Graceland'' by Paul Simon, ''Born in the U.S.A.'' by Bruce Springsteen, ''Undercover'' by the Rolling Stones, ''Under a Blood Red Sky'' by U2, ''The Rhythm of the Saints'' by Paul Simon, '' Live/1975–85'' by Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band, '' True Colors'' by Cyndi Lauper, ''Whiplash Smile'' by Billy Idol, '' Steel Wheels'' by the Rolling Stones, ''Long After Dark'' by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, ''Agent Provocateur'' by Foreigner, '' Tunnel of Love'' by Bruce Springsteen, ''Riptide'' by Robert Palmer, '' Up Your Alley'' by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, ''Forever'' by Kool & the Gang, the '' Bodyguard'' soundtrack by Whitney Houston, ''Hell Freezes Over'' by Eagles, ''August'' by Eric Clapton, '' Talk Is Cheap'' by Keith Richards and ''Dangerous'' by Michael Jackson.

In 1987, Germano opened another location, The Hit Factory Times Square, at 130 West 42nd Street. Previously known as Chelsea Sound, the studios were redesigned by Ed and Troy Germano. This facility had two recording studios, Studio C and Studio B, as well as three mastering rooms under the moniker The Hit Factory DMS, for digital mastering studios. The mastering rooms were for engineers Herb Powers Jr., Chris Gehringer, and Tom Coyne. The Times Square recording and mastering studios existed until 1992. Albums of historical importance recorded or mixed at this location include ''Freedom'' by Neil Young, ''Foreign Affair'' by Tina Turner, ''Down with the King'' by Run-DMC, '' Don't Sweat the Technique'' by Eric B. & Rakim, and ''Storm Front'' by Billy Joel.

In 1991, Ed Germano acquired a 100,000-square-foot building at 421 West 54th Street. It opened in 1993 as simply The Hit Factory. Ed and Troy designed and built this facility with David Bell, Derek Buckingham, Alan Cundell of White Mark Limited and Neil Grant of Harris Grant Associates UK. As the main headquarters for The Hit Factory, the studios expanded to seven recording-and-mixing studios (Studios 1-7), five mastering studios (The Hit Factory Mastering) and five private writing-production suites, including rooms for Mark Ronson, Kevin Shirley and Trackmasters. Studio 1 was built for orchestral recordings that could accommodate up to 140 musicians. In 2002, Troy Germano consolidated the New York City operations into this building. Some of the albums recorded or mixed at this facility include HIStory by Michael Jackson, Butterfly by Mariah Carey, Let's Talk About Love by Celine Dion, Dangerously in Love by Beyoncé, Diary of a Mad Band by Jodeci, CrazySexyCool by TLC, Ray of Light by Madonna, No Strings Attached by NSYNC, Falling into You by Celine Dion, Daydream by Mariah Carey, Ready to Die by the Notorious B.I.G., the Titanic soundtrack album, Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey, Duets by Frank Sinatra, My Life by Mary J. Blige, Rhythm of Love by Anita Baker, Songs by Luther Vandross, The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson, Invincible by Michael Jackson, Pop by U2, ''Space Jam'' with Seal, X&Y by Coldplay, Music by Madonna, River of Dreams by Billy Joel and Sogno by Andrea Bocelli.

From 1989 to 1993, the company also operated The Hit Factory London. In 1989, Ed and Troy, in a joint venture with ''Sony Music UK'', took control of CBS Studios on Whitfield Street in Soho, London. They redesigned the facility and reopened at the beginning of 1990 with the Rolling Stones working on their album Flashpoint. Sade recorded her album Love Deluxe in Studio 2 and Alison Moyet recorded her album, "Hoodoo" in Studio 3. The studios were designed by Ed, Troy, and the team from Harris Grant Associates UK (David Bell, Derek Buckingham, Alan Cundell & Neil Grant). This facility had three recording studios: Studio 1, Studio 2, and the Rooftop Studio 3, as well as five mastering rooms and hosted many of the artists from that era from Sony Music's UK labels (primarily Columbia Records & Epic Records). Studio 1 was designed for orchestral recording and could accommodate 100 piece orchestra. The film score for Basic Instinct, by composer Jerry Goldsmith, was recorded here. The Hit Factory London remained through 1993 until the Germano's sold their interests back to Sony Music ending the partnership and retaining The Hit Factory name and trademark. This facility later became Sony's Whitfield Street Studio.

In 1998, Ed and Troy purchased Criteria Recording in Miami, Florida, revamping and reopening the studios under the new name The Hit Factory Criteria Miami. The studios were designed again by Ed, Troy, and White Mark Limited UK (David Bell, Alan Cundell & Derek Buckingham). The facility had five recording studios–Studio A, Studio C, Studio D, Studio E, and Studio F–a completed mastering room used as a writing and production room for guest producers and artists. In 2012, the Germanos sold the studio as Criteria Recording Studios and retained The Hit Factory name, logo and trademark.

Edward Germano died in 2003 and The Hit Factory closed its main headquarters in 2005. Contrary to reports in the media that the studios in New York City were shuttered due to the advancement of home digital recording, the building at 421 West 54th was sold for estate planning purposes.

In 2008, Troy Germano, completed Germano Studios in Noho. Germano Studios changed its name to The Hit Factory in 2023 and is now the only "The Hit Factory" recording studio in the world. Notable albums recorded at this location include "Hackney Diamonds" by The Rolling Stones, "Jose" by J Balvin, "Crosseyed Heart" by Keith Richards, "Manana Sera Bonito" by Karol G, "Astroworld" by Travis Scott, "Hollywood's Bleeding" by Post Malone, "That's What They All Say" by Jack Harlow, "DAMN." by Kendrick Lamar, "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga, "21" by Adele, "Blonde" by Frank Ocean, "Yeezus" by Kanye West, "Uptown Special" by Mark Ronson, "Love in the Future" by John Legend, "Queen" by Nicki Minaj, "Luv Is Rage 2" by Lil Uzi Vert, "Time Clocks" by Joe Bonamassa, "Unvarnished" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, "My World 2.0" by Justin Bieber, "Anti" by Rihanna, "4" by Beyoncé, "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel" by Mariah Carey, and "Clapton" by Eric Clapton.

Locations

The studios occupied several spaces in and around Midtown West, Times Square and Noho. Locations:

* 7th Avenue (The Hit Factory) 1969-1972
* 353 West 48th Street, (The Hit Factory, West 48th Street) 1972–1981
* 237 West 54th Street (The Hit Factory Broadway), 1981–2002
* 130 West 42nd Street (The Hit Factory Times Square), 1987–1992
* 31–37 Whitfield Street (The Hit Factory London), 1989–1993
* 1755 NE 149th Street (The Hit Factory Miami), 1998–2012
* 421 West 54th Street (The Hit Factory Headquarters), 1992–2005
* 676 Broadway (The Hit Factory, Noho), 2008–present

RIAA Diamond Awards

24 RIAA Diamond Awards albums and songs have been recorded at The Hit Factory:
* Stevie Wonder "Songs In The Key Of Life"
* Bruce Springsteen "Born In The USA"
* Whitney Houston "Whitney"
* Celine Dion "Falling Into You"
* TLC "CrazySexyCool"
* Santana "Supernatural"
* Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band "Live 1975–'85"
* Whitney Houston "The Bodyguard"
* Billy Joel "Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II"
* "Titanic" soundtrack
* Meat Loaf "Bat Out Of Hell"
* NSYNC "No Strings Attached"
* Celine Dion "Lets Talk About Love"
* Michael Jackson "Bad"
* Mariah Carey "Daydream"
* Lauryn Hill "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
* Adele "21"
* Travis Scott "Sicko Mode"
* Justin Bieber "Baby"
* John Legend "All Of Me"
* Maroon 5 "Moves Like Jagger"
* Mariah Carey "All I Want For Christmas Is You"
* Whitney Houston "I Will Always Love You"
* The Notorious B.I.G. "Life After Death"

Album of the Year Grammy Awards

The Hit Factory has 10 wins and 33 nominations for Album of the Year:
* 1977 "Songs in the Key of Life" Stevie Wonder
* 1982 "Double Fantasy" John Lennon and Yoko Ono
* 1987 "Graceland" Paul Simon
* 1992 "Unforgettable... With Love" Natalie Cole
* 1994 "The Bodyguard" Whitney Houston
* 1997 "Falling Into You" Celine Dion
* 1999 "The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill" Lauryn Hill
* 2000 "Supernatural" Santana
* 2012 "21" Adele
* 2023 "Mañana Será Bonito" Karol G (Latin Grammy Award)

Academy Award for Best Original Song

The Hit Factory has three wins and seven nominations for Best Original Song
* 1988 Working Girl "Let the River Run" by Carly Simon
* 1995 Pocahontas "Colors of the Wind" by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
* 1997 Titanic "My Heart Will Go On" by James Horner and Will Jennings (Celine Dion)

John Lennon's last recording session

Public awareness of The Hit Factory increased after the death of John Lennon on December 8, 1980. Lennon had recorded his final album at The Hit Factory at 353 West 48th Street, a fact mentioned in some newspaper accounts of the murder. There are contradictory reports as to whether he was recording and mixing at The Hit Factory or the nearby Record Plant on the day he was murdered. Most publications give the Record Plant as the location, as do producer Jack Douglas and others who were with Lennon that day. However, Keith Badman, not an eyewitness, writes in his book ''The Beatles: After the Break-up, 1970–2000'' that Lennon had been at The Hit Factory the night of his murder. He also writes that Lennon had been at the studio the previous few days working on and mixing tracks for Yoko Ono.

Notable recordings

Albums

*''Hackney Diamonds'' by The Rolling Stones 2023
*''Graceland'' by Paul Simon 1986
*''Songs in the Key of Life'' by Stevie Wonder 1976
*''Double Fantasy'' by John Lennon and Yoko Ono 1980
*''Emotional Rescue'' by The Rolling Stones 1980
*''Born in the U.S.A.'' by Bruce Springsteen 1984
*''Mary'' by Mary J. Blige 1999
*''Fear of Music'' by Talking Heads 1979
*''It Was Written'' by Nas 1996
*'' Dangerously In Love'' by Beyoncé 2003
*'' Diary of a Mad Band'' by Jodeci 1993
*'' Milk and Honey'' by John Lennon and Yoko Ono 1984
*'' This Is Me... Then'' by Jennifer Lopez 2002
*'' Flashpoint'' by The Rolling Stones 1991
*'' Scarface'' by Giorgio Moroder 1983
*''Hell Freezes Over'' by Eagles in 1994
*''River of Dreams'' by Billy Joel 1993
*''Ready to Die'' by The Notorious B.I.G. 1994
*'' Pop'' by U2 1997
*''Octavarium'' by Dream Theater 2005
*''Under a Blood Red Sky'' by U2 1983
*'' Chimes of Freedom'' by Bruce Springsteen 1988
*''Daydream'' by Mariah Carey 1995
*'' Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life'' by Jay-Z 1998
*''Falling Into You'' by Celine Dion 1996
*'' The Bodyguard'' by Whitney Houston 1992
*'' Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture'' 1997
*''We Live Here'' by Pat Metheny Group 1995
*''Space Jam'' 1996
*'' No Strings Attached'' by NSYNC 2000
*''Nellyville'' by Nelly 2002
*''Duets'' by Frank Sinatra 1993
*''Bat Out Of Hell'' by Meat Loaf 1977
*'' Foreigner'' by Foreigner 1977
*''Hands All Over (album)'' by Maroon 5 2010
*'' Unforgettable... with Love'' by Natalie Cole 1991
*'' True Colors'' by Cyndi Lauper 1986
*'' HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I'' by Michael Jackson 1995
*''Dangerous'' by Michael Jackson 1991
*''CrazySexyCool'' by TLC 1994
*''Celebrity'' by NSYNC 2001
*''What's the 411?'' by Mary J. Blige 1992
*'' Merry Christmas'' by Mariah Carey 1994
*''Riptide'' by Robert Palmer 1985
*''Big Willie Style'' by Will Smith 1997
*'' Swept Away'' by Diana Ross 1984
*''Forever'' by Kool & the Gang 1986
*''Machismo'' by Cameo 1988
*'' Live at the Hollywood Palladium, December 15, 1988'' by Keith Richards 1988
*''Green'' by R.E.M. 1988
*'' Rhythm of Love'' by Anita Baker 1994
*'' Down with the King'' by Run-DMC 1993
*''Live and Sleazy'' by Village People 1979
*'' Britney'' by Britney Spears 2001
*'' Main Offender'' by Keith Richards 1993
*'' I Am...'' by Nas 1999
*''Valotte'' by Julian Lennon 1984
*''Greatest Hits'' by Lenny Kravitz 2000
*''Dream of Life'' by Patti Smith 1988
*'' Boys and Girls'' by Bryan Ferry 1985
*'' More Than You Think You Are'' by Matchbox Twenty 2002
*'' Up'' by R.E.M. 1998
*''The Velvet Rope'' by Janet Jackson 1997
*'' X&Y'' by Coldplay 2005
*''Songs'' by Luther Vandross 1994
*'' Time, Love & Tenderness'' by Michael Bolton 1991
*'' A Very Special Christmas'' by Various Artists 1987
*''Back to the Future'' Soundtrack 1986
*'' Supernatural'' by Santana 1999
*'' Night Music'' by Joe Jackson 1994
*'' Men Without Women'' by Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul 1982
*''Rocky IV'' Soundtrack 1985
*''Sacred Love'' by Sting 2003
*'' Mariah Carey'' by Mariah Carey 1990
*''Foreign Affair'' by Tina Turner 1989
*''The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration'' by Bob Dylan 1993
*'' Tunnel of Love'' by Bruce Springsteen 1987
*''Whitney'' by Whitney Houston 1987
*''Black Tie White Noise'' by David Bowie 1993
*'' Bedtime Stories'' by Madonna 1994
*'' Survivor'' by Destiny's Child 2001
*''Back to Broadway'' by Barbra Streisand 1993
*''Sogno'' by Andrea Bocelli 1999
*''Love Deluxe'' by Sade 1992
*''You Can Dance'' by Madonna 1987
*''Hollywood's Bleeding'' by Post Malone 2019
*'' Astroworld'' by Travis Scott 2018
*'' Damn'' by Kendrick Lamar 2017
*'' Living In A Ghost Town'' by The Rolling Stones 2020
*'' Stoney'' by Post Malone 2016
*''The Life of Pablo'' by Kanye West 2016
*'' Crosseyed Heart'' by Keith Richards 2015
*'' Brightest Blue'' by Ellie Goulding 2020
*'' Born This Way'' by Lady Gaga 2011
*'' 21'' by Adele 2012
*'' 4'' by Beyoncé 2011
*''My World 2.0'' by Justin Bieber 2010
*''Beauty Behind The Madness'' by The Weeknd 2015
*'' Clapton'' by Eric Clapton 2010
*''Blonde'' by Frank Ocean 2016
*''Queen'' by Nicki Minaj 2018
*'' Battle Born'' by the Killers 2012
*''Bridges'' by Josh Groban 2018
*''Uptown Special'' by Mark Ronson2015
*''Yeezus'' by Kanye West 2013
*''Prism'' by Katy Perry 2013
*'' Threads'' by Sheryl Crow 2019
*'' Play On'' by Carrie Underwood 2009
*''Luv Is Rage 2'' by Lil Uzi Vert 2017
*''A Town Called Paradise'' by Tiesto 2014
*'' Cloud Nine'' by Kygo 2016
*'' At.Long.Last.A$AP'' by A$AP Rocky 2015
*'' Harmony'' by Josh Groban 2020
*''The Blessed Unrest'' by Sara Bareilles 2013
*'' async'' by Ryuichi Sakamoto 2017
*''Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel'' by Mariah Carey 2009
*'' Stronger With Each Tear'' by Mary J. Blige 2009
*'' Life Is Good'' by Nas 2012
*''Vibras'' by J Balvin 2018
*''Rêvolution by IAM'' 2017
*''Title'' by Meghan Trainor 2015
*''The Element of Freedom'' by Alicia Keys 2009
*''Native'' by OneRepublic 2013
*''Rebirth'' by Lil Wayne 2010
*''Rated R'' by Rihanna 2009
*'' Love in the Future'' by John Legend 2014
*''Girl'' by Pharrell Williams 2014
*'' This House Is Not for Sale'' by Bon Jovi 2016
*'' Unvarnished'' by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts 2013
*'' Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent'' by Lewis Capaldi 2019
*''2020'' by Bon Jovi 2020
*''Invasion of Privacy'' by Cardi B 2018
*'' Stranger Songs'' by Ingrid Michaelson 2019
*''Tha Carter V'' by Lil Wayne 2018
*''My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'' by Kanye West 2010
*''Seal the Deal & Let's Boogie

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