662. Tour of United Recording Studio

My new Web site is: www.lelandskla.... My book "Everybody Loves Me" is there plus my BEARD T Shirts and high quality prints of my paintings and drawings.
Here are the directions to my new club house if you want to come and hang. flatfiv.co/pag.... There is fun swag there too!
My PO Box is: Leland Sklar
PO Box 92316
600 Lincoln Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91109-9998

[@lelandsklar6363]

Made a mistake on the video. It starts at what was Western Recording Studio, not United. The complex was United/Western. Then when I walked down the street it was to United. My mistake.

[@johnshenale6079]

My god Leland , Don never ages :(

[@davidramos7254]

Many thanks for the studio tour. My wife, Laurie, would like to thank you for the kind words you sent the other night. Understandably, it was a difficult weekend for them. They're a very tough, very professional group of docs, nurses and more. Thanks again, Lee, for your kindness. You're the best.

[@SoundsFair--M-and-J]

Sklar U. field trip!!!! This was fantastic, thanks so much!!! 😃😃👍👍

[@SeanVedell]

Man, Sunset Boulevard is noisy!! The history on those walls and in those rooms. Man, what a treat. I’d take two hours to just walk down the hall looking at all those pictures. Thanks for the tour and memories. You have the best! stories.

[@aschneider70]

My man! Just for the truck you deserves a Grammy! And Lari!!! Our brazilian treasure!

[@eyelidman09]

These tours are great, Lee. Living history. Some folks will never set foot in a studio, yet these spaces have been your office and workspace for over fifty years. Many thanks and respect.🙏👍🇬🇧🙏

[@ericdreizen1463]

Lee Sklar's office is here? Damn! Back in the day of course, Ol' Blue Eyes had his offices here on the 2nd floor. That's because this was Reprise, Frank Sinatra's record company. He & Bing Crosby both built this building!

[@eyelidman09]

Thanks Eric. Fascinating.👍

[@subdude1234]

@@ericdreizen1463 Wondering why he recorded at Capital then? Was it a newer and better studio?

[@ericdreizen1463]

@@subdude1234 I lived thru it all; perhaps u weren't born yet? He was w/ Capitol earlier & recorded there B4 he founded Reprise. As far as I know, anyway. I don't know his reason for leaving & starting his own. Capitol couldn't have been newer cz' they were there first, founded in the '50s by musician/songwriter extraordinaire Johnny Mercer & Glen Wallichs. Originally next to Wallich's Music City, a record & sheet music store, at Sunset & Vine. WMC was an institution in the LA music scene then. Many Capitol artists made personal appearances there. After the Capitol Tower was built, they moved there & Dot Records moved in. That was Randy Woods' label & they had quite a stable, Pat Boone & Lawrence Welk among them. I was playing drums in a good band (I was just outa HS) who Dot wanted to sign becz they thought we could get a hit. I don't know why the deal fell thru, the band later did an album for RCA becz Henry Mancini's son was a member & that was HM's label as an artist. I had to leave so I wasn't on that. Never got released anyway. But Henry used to come over & listen to us, said he was impressed. And that's the kind of band u wanna be in, lol. Draft Board & Vietnam really put an end to things for me. Whether their studios were "better" is subjective, Sinatra & many others felt quite comfortable recording there. RCA & Tutti Camarata's Sunset Sound (where all the Disney stars recorded) were going big guns in those days, too.

[@subdude1234]

@@ericdreizen1463 Thanks Eric. I was born in 1953, so I've been through the times myself. I wonder if that was the Randy Woods that wound up with the 'Ol Time Pickin' Parlor in Nashville.I was on the other side of the states playing bass for Connie Smith, Hagar Twins, and several other country artists, but was always fascinated with the west coast and Cal. My grandfather was the first chief station engineer for KABC-TV in LA. Always will remember Ed"Big Daddy Roth" Rat Fink, Beach Boys and the good 'ol days.

[@El_K_Bron_Del_Moycas]

And to see Lee's picture in the hall... The ultimate testimony of a lifetime of dedication, discipline, talent and kindness.

[@adamah6456]

I recently saw Lee’s smiling face (well, I’m assuming he was smiling underneath the massive beard!) on a pic hanging in the hallway heading to the restroom of Vitello’s restaurant (the famous Italian food joint located in Tujunga Village district of Studio City).

[@PB-fo6dq]

So much history! To be sure, I appreciate those whose performers whose names and faces are so well known. Yet… my friends will say I become animated when talking about the session musicians who so often created the music “ex nihilo”, or from nearly nothing. I am thankful for the documentaries and various KZbin shorts, large and small, that have helped us to know about The Wrecking Crew, Booker T. & the M.G.s, and the Stax crew, the Funk Brothers, etc. Thanks to James Jamerson, Bob Babbitt, Carol Kaye, Duck Dunn, and you, Mr. Sklar for making it great fun to play bass guitar!

[@kikohurtado1]

Don Murray!!! First time I see him in a video, being listening to his great work since the 80's

[@barrywaples8150]

Evening Lee & all Greetings from Epping,UK. Cheers Barry 🎸

[@blairhelsing630]

Thanks for taking us along.

[@dwayneaguiar1148]

Wow thats a bad ass studio.🥁😎🥁..

[@kitano0]

Lari is one of the most wonderful people on the planet. So are you, Lee!

[@ericdreizen1463]

Frank Sinatra's office was on the 2nd floor of United. This was Reprise Records, founded by Frank Sinatra. He & Bing built this building! When I was in HS, near here, I walked in off the street after final exams. They were nice to me & I got to hang during the Batman sessions w/ Neil Hefti's orch w/ Hal Blaine on drums. Too many hits recorded here to mention, including of course all of Sinatra's Reprise hits, ie Very Good Year, My Way, New York New York, on & on. This studio was/is ground zero!

[@gdownz1044]

I knew I've seen pictures of this place before and remember reading about it when I looked up the History of Reprise some years ago. What an incredible studio it is. Thank You for sharing this story and your memories. It was Great! 👍

[@glh-zs7mf]

Incredible post thank you 👍 love the IF great stuff👍🎶🎸🙌

[@michaelcope9501]

Thank you Mr. Sklar. You are so awesome!

[@kevinbrennen6773]

Wow, this is amazing. I hope you feel as proud as we do seeing your bearded face in those legendary pictures on the wall. You sir ARE a living legend and I'm so happy you're not only doing this channel, but still performing.

[@Ian-Steele]

Thank you very much for that studio tour Lee. I know it may seem like ‘home’ to you, but it’s a world that most of us never get to see and as such is especially fascinating. Judging by the photos on the wall that studio has been the source of a world of great music. I’m pleased they managed to squeeze in a photo of you and Waddy along with the other greats.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Lee...OMG!!!! Thanks so much for turning my on to Lari as part of your Sunset Sound interview!!! What an amazing, emotional player with beautiful writing. It blows my mind. An instant connect!! Whew!!!

[@allendean9807]

Lari basillo has so much joy when she plays. A true inspiration to players the world over

[@prs149]

I've been in that studio when it was known as ocean way(1989) ,And I discovered Lari quite a while ago on KZbin , I thought that was Her in the thumbnail, I decided to watch this video hoping that he was gonna mention ocean way,,( now United) And to my Surprise Leland did, And now I feel 25 again in which I was 32 years ago when I've visited there

[@rikconverse8726]

I remember seeing S.I.R. when I’d leave from a shoot at Sunset Gower Studios. I always thought it was the coolest place. Always busy and often a “rocker” sighting.

[@guitardude4700]

You have a beautiful spirit miss 👍🙏

[@jimprice07]

Thanks for sharing!

[@DaxLLM]

Very cool Lee... Not many people get to see a recording studio, especially with that kinda history!

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Oh man, this is so cool...

[@nielswil]

Thank you for the tour. I hope more will come our way.

[@ssravp]

Love that you’re going to be playing on Lari’s album! She’s an amazing guitarist!

[@aaronellison4775]

It's a shame so many people don't even know who she is. She is awesome!!!

[@willissellars6304]

...and could have been a lawyer, but I'm glad she made the choice she did!

[@nathans.8063]

Thanks for the tour! I thought I saw a video of Green Day recording here and it looked familiar. Then I saw the records on the wall and it confirmed it.

[@KeyboardMac]

Lots of iconic people on every wall, then suddenly LB pops up , Amazing dream studio, thankz LS

[@kimr45]

Awesome tour Leland, thanks for taking the time to do that.

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

WOW THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHOWING US LESS FORTUNATE MUSICIANS THIS. THANKS ALSO FOR ALL YOUR GREAT MUSIC WITH PHIL COLLINS AND JUST YOUR TALENT. ❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤

[@jeffersonspace]

Thanks for the all this history. Some of us are feeling all warm... Be safe, bless

[@marygiuranna6817]

Thank you for taking us "behind the scenes" today Lee, it was extraordinary!!

[@Linda-wk9ue]

Absolutely love the studio tour videos. A peek behind the curtain at how the magic is done and hearing you tell history stories is fascinating 😎🤘🎶🎸🖕

[@ronnyskaar3737]

You are an essential part of recording history, dear Leland. For me, at last. A bass that sat almost at the end of the beat. Creating so much room for The Song.

[@shanghaimaath]

Thank you Mister Sklar for the tour of this place where were written pages of music history!

[@IshaanNigamOfficial]

Thanks for this visit. Wish to visit such a legendary studio some day❤️

[@basslobster]

Thanks for the tour. Love the old school analogue equipment. 👍

[@MiddleMalcolm]

I love these studio tours, and you can hear it in Lee's voice, the heartfelt reverence for the people and places that are part of our musical history. Lee... You are truly worthy to work inside these storied spaces. Thank you for these peeks into your day.

[@Winterof62]

I can hear it in your voice (& heart) the wonderfully , touching sentimental journey you just laid before us! Thank you for the treat ! ❤✌🎶

[@deepeeonline]

Amazing studio and thanks for recording the video Leland. Bill Putnam built the studio for those who recognize his name :)

[@petehernandez1476]

Leland, thank you for shooting this video. I used to live just up the street at the Hollywood Terrace and I used to walk by this studio on occasion when I'd go have breakfast just down the street and do a little exploring. So cool to see Lari Basilio. I absolutely ADORE her. The only thing more beautiful than her is her personality, talent, and her art. I cannot wait to EXPERIENCE the product of your collaborations. Thanks for taking us 'behind the scenes'. Best. -p

[@ronfreeman5857]

Thanks for this, Lee, really appreciate your narrative on the history of this...Great too have a look...we are privileged..

[@1stand2ndtimearound67]

YEAH!!!!!! great behind the scenes. Love the shot of ALL the famous people that have been there before you...

[@marktegeder2455]

Very cool!!!! Thanks for that tour!

[@paulmarjoram2258]

Absolutely Tops Lee. Thirst inducing insightful studio tour. There should be, must be, more of this as I’m sure there are many like me who are transfixed and interested in studio setups and the life in them in general. Top work as always. Much appreciate all that you do in bringing us all these enlightening superb snippets of your musical experiences, your views on life and the sharing of the all the great music you have been part of or simply enjoy yourself. Stay safe And healthy. Wishing you Happiness for as long as old master time gives you. You deserve a lot. 👏🌈

[@johnthompson2985]

Lee, I can't wait to hear Lari's latest work with your Golden Touch applied.

[@ThomasVergouwen]

Thanks for taking us there! I've been watching with goosebumps man! The history that you've been witnessing on that day in 1967 is to be treasured forever. I can imagine it means a lot to you still!

[@epiphonium]

That might be the most awesome thing I have ever seen ! To just think about all the fantastic music that happened in those rooms and how much talent walked thru those halls! I could stand there and look at those pictures all day. Just to breath the same air you guys once breathed. Thanks for this video. My eyes are tearing up. I am gonna watch this again a few times at a slower speed.

[@teresaclark1508]

My eyes teared up also thinking of all the musicians who have worked in this studio who have passed away.

[@epiphonium]

@@teresaclark1508 it's amazing isn't it ?

[@jeffbaxter5918]

What a REALLY NICE man you are, Mr. Leland Sklar! We LOVE your videos and all the really cool stories you always tell. Thank you so much and keep up the good work! :)

[@jeffreyallan4525]

Leland, thank you for your channel. I watch it daily. I really enjoy it.

[@stixkid9811]

Victor Feldman invited me on a studio session when I was about 13 years old at Western United, back in 1974. My dad gave Piano Lessons to his sons Trevor and Jake. I don’t think Josh took Piano Lessons so I’m not sure anymore it was great. It was a Chevrolet commercial with Hal Blaine on drums. Hal was super cool. He let me play his drums unattended for probably 30 minutes after the session. Great to see this again. Thank you so much.

[@elenbrandt290]

The former "tenants" Ocean Way, are friends and lovely people. When I visited, all I wanted to do was plaster myself against the walls to soak up the history - you can feel it.

[@chrislestermusic]

I knew I recognized the location. I recorded there in the 90s.

[@BP-ww9fp]

If those studio walls could talk, the stories they'd tell! Love seeing all the photos, gold records, etc.

[@L.Scott_Music]

Back in the day you didn't know those people would be legends and now you are again working with an artist on her way to legendary.

[@nathanpickett202]

What a treat to see this from the inside! Thank you Leland!

[@clemensmeiss1208]

Thanx for the trip. It’s some kind of breathtaking. You can feel the musical spirit through the Web ;-)

[@alanriley9621]

Lee, thanks for being so generous with your time and giving us this tour. What a treat for any fan of great music. I love seeing all those Gold Records on the wall. Someone did a wonderful job of framing and arranging all of those pictures. It's fascinating to hear your story about sitting on that couch and seeing all those legends, then you became one.👍🏆👈

[@zechsp]

I was thrilled with the emotion of the beautiful young woman! thanks for the tour, Mr. Leland!

[@stanesposito2664]

This is amazing! Thanks for the tour. Lari rocks!

[@ginoseriacopi1555]

I loved your tour! Thanks!

[@NyMyers64]

Thanks for the fantastic tour Lee, really enjoyed it. Have a great rest of your day!

[@JimFothergill]

Lee I can’t thank you enough for taking us on this tour again! I can only dream of walking around there! Just too damn cool! Thank you!

[@elenbrandt290]

A thrill to see it again - Thank you Leland!!!

[@DevilTravels]

Nothing gets my heart thumping like seeing the inside of a recording studio...especially one so well equipped. And the halls filled with images of talent and classic recording machinery...Give me a moment while I recover. ;)

[@joendeb640]

Amazing! I am geeking out. Oh, how I would love to sit in on one of those long, monotonous recording sessions. Only a true audio geek would understand.

[@gustavoviveros8394]

Thanks Lee 👍🏻 great tour 👌🏻

[@beyekind12another]

So awesome! I’ve seen black and white photos of thee wrecking crew in that studio and when Glen Campbell was a studio musician with them. It is so great to have that continuity in a world where things change eventually. How special for you! It must seem in someways that time has stood still when you walk into Studio A. Thank you so much for sharing that with us!

[@euroyen420p2]

When you were describing the wrecking crew memories, awesome man!

[@teleman929]

Thanks Leland. I always enjoy these glimpses behind the curtain..

[@tobindoodle8901]

OMG......I am speechless!! Thank you Leland for sharing such a wonderful view of your world today! You can feel the history from far away, I can imagine what it must feel like when you are among all those memories. So many greats, so much music, so awesome, like you😎 BTW.... the iso rooms look like time-out rooms, is that where you go when you are not paying attention??🤣😂 Stay safe everyone 🤗 and have a wonderful day 😉 PS...I guess I really wasn't speechless😁👍

[@844jimthompson]

Thanks for the tour Lee..I enjoy them..I have never been in one..Interesting..

[@erickorte9823]

I hope you had a great day recording. The excitement and anticipation before recording and playing is amazing. It is why musicians endure the travel the time away from home no sleep etc. Making music is a magical endeavor

[@Payne2view]

I always enjoy a look around a recording studio. Thanks for videoing that.

[@Gina-ly5bp]

😎 this is soooo cool! Thank you!

[@umbertoyltp]

Legacy alive in full swing, thank you for showing us around!

[@ridgebackdk]

spoke with carol a few times many many years ago.... wonderful lady ....so full of information and so genuine ....said what was on her mind but so friendly ....

[@douglasdegraff8335]

Thank you Leland for the personal tour of your first studio. Great History lesson for me. Doug

[@splashesin8]

Love this kinda tour❣️ Thank you❣️🎶 :)

[@dodo13500]

Back in high school, 1969 my group won a battle of the bands and the prize was recording there. A week after Frank Sanatra recorded in the same room!

[@rickenbacker315]

What history this place has!! Incredible place... Thanks Leland..

[@mikemedina9902]

Hello from Puerto Rico Mr. Sklar, I just want to thank you for sharing this amazing video. For all of us that love music this kind of videos are a treasure . Thank you once again and keep them coming!

[@kenrehor]

Speaking of Mike Post, your Dingwall looks like the exact color of Jim Rockford's 1974 Pontiac Firebird!

[@robertkerr9738]

Thank you so much for sharing this stuff with us. It is so amazing to hear you show us all these amazing places and tell us so many stories. It truly means a lot.

[@lfmarton]

Wow ! Lari Basilio in the house! :)

[@YellowWalkman]

Such an interesting world to explore

[@sceiron1]

Morning Lee and everyone, LOVE the tiki tour Lee really really love these peeps behind the scene, cheers from NZ Mike

[@helenespaulding7562]

Cheers back atcha Mike! 👋

[@jamesbeshears6717]

Pretty amazing to see the birth place of some of the music that helped me through my yesterdays✌🕉🍏🎶

[@angusorvid8840]

What makes a studio great is not just the equipment, the soundboard, mics, etc., but the variety of recording environments and the general upkeep. I've seen studios with cobwebs growing over the monitors. Not a good sign. A good studio is a living, breathing thing with a personality of its own.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

🙌 got to go downtown without having to drive thru traffic and find parking. A real treat to go thru the studio

[@mrmsmdjp]

Hey all. Hey Leland. Thanks for the Sunset tour. Drag that SIR is gone. "Can't Stop Progress" (TIF) Cheers!

[@robertellenwood]

Thank you, Lee! Would love to see more studio tours!

[@ivanlescalem.3035]

Gracias por compartir, thanks for sharing. Im an audio engeneer and its amazing to see thought ypur eyes and share your history. Thanks a lot. Greetings from México City.

[@eddiethek]

I love the tours as much as I enjoy "the way back machine" tunes. Thanks for #662!

[@carolynvines2027]

No doubt a fabulously fun "office for the day"! Man, the air conditioner was Loud in Studio A. I wonder if it's always like that.

[@lelandsklar6363]

Clearing air when not in use. Covid times

[@paulpocock5888]

I am always amazed at your capacity to remember dates and names. Interesting insight and history Leland.

[@brentonpaterson7047]

I can feel the warmth of the day. Thanks Lee.

[@miller8084]

Really enjoy those studio tours!

[@markgough3337]

Very cool slab of history. Thanks for the tour Lee. It means a ton!

[@PeterEgmose]

Studio A is "the story" of my "musical life" (born in 55), and you've been working there, with all those people! I was curios about you from the first time I saw and heard you, and after 3 years, since corona started, I've grown the same beard and "hair" as you☮