LEGENDS | Willis Alan Ramsey: The Medium Is The Message; Bill Porter Mixing for Elvis Presley

An exclusive interview with the Shelter Records artist, the legendary Willis Alan Ramsey! In this video, Ramsey discusses the pivotal role of engineer Bill Porter in the music scene of the 1950s and 1960s in Nashville, highlighting how Porter's engineering techniques and innovations shaped iconic hits for artists like Elvis, the Everly Brothers, and Roy Orbison. Ramsey delves into Porter's firing by Chet Atkins and subsequent success in the music publishing industry. Porter's genius shines through as he orchestrates the addition of saxophones to Elvis's "Suspicious Minds," which led to a resurgence in the artist's success. The interview also explores the differences between analog and digital recording. Ramsey reflects on the significance of the medium in shaping the message of music and applauds the advancements in modern recording while paying tribute to the classic era of analog music.

Willis Alan Ramsey is an American singer-songwriter who gained recognition in the 1970s for his self-titled debut album. Born in Alabama in 1951, Ramsey grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he developed a unique blend of folk, country, and blues influences. His eponymous album, released on Shelter Records in 1972 and recorded at The Church Studio, featured a collection of beautifully crafted songs showcasing his soulful vocals and intricate guitar playing. Songs like "Muskrat Candlelight" and "Satin Sheets" showcase his knack for crafting poetic, evocative narratives that captivate listeners. The record received critical acclaim and became a cult classic. Willis Alan Ramsey's impact as a songwriter continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike, solidifying his status as a revered figure in American folk music.

The Church Studio is a historic studio that was built in 1915 as Grace M.E. Church. It came to life in 1972 when Leon Russell, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award-winning artist, purchased the old church and turned it into an analog recording studio and home office to Shelter Records. Teresa Knox, a Leon Russell fan and Tulsa native, purchased The Church Studio and has brought it back to life as a professional analog and digital recording studio, event center, audio engineering school, entertainment network, and home to The Church Studio Archive.

Names, locations, and artists mentioned in this video:
Bill Porter
Chet Atkins
Elvis Presley
The Everly Brothers
Brenda Lee
CBS
Bob Beckham
Roy Orbison
Suspicious Minds
RCA
Marshall McLuhan
George Martin
The Beatles
Leon Russell
Skyhill
Ken McKim
The Church Studio

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