The History of Evergreen Studios

Burbank’s Evergreen Studios has a rich history behind its building. The studio has served as a recording space for hundreds of artists over the years, and in its 80 years it has continued to evolve and serve Hollywood in many different ways. 

The Evergreen Studios building has been a Los Angeles landmark since the 1940s. It was originally built by Alberta Fonda Minor as a 740-seat cinema called The Magnolia Theatre. The theatre was designed by Jaques DeForest Griffin who was said to be inspired by the Eiffel Tower. The exterior’s marquee is decorated with an iconic 170 ft pylon. By the 1960’s, the owner of the space was Jack Grossman. He started remodels on the building and added a new marquee, box office, air conditioning, and Italian marble front facade. 

By 1979, the theatre closed its doors and reopened as a scoring stage owned by composers Artie Butler, Charles Fox, and Gayle Levant. In 2009, the space again went under major refurbishment by new owner Matt Salazer aimed at fixing problems with the acoustics. In 2010, DiaDan Holdings Ltd. purchased the space and continued its recording history as DiaDan Studios Inc. until they sold the studio in 2017. 

Today, the space is called Evergreen Studios and is the home to a state-of-the-art recording facility. The space features a 3000 ft live room that can accommodate up to 80 musicians. With 3 isolation booths and a projection screen, the space is perfect for large groups and solo artists. The space also has two smaller recording studios as well as a Dolby Dub Stage. With conference rooms, writing rooms, lounges, and two kitchens, the space offers everything needed to create amazing music. 

Over the years the studio has been used as a soundstage for many movies including When Harry Met Sally, The Blues Brothers, Star Trek The Motion Picture, Back to the Future and more. The exterior of the building can also be seen in many big blockbuster hits like La La Land and Night Moves. 

Many well-known artists have recorded in the space over its 40 years as a recording studio including Frank Sinatra, Beyoncé, Slash, Barbra Streisand, Stephen Sondheim, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Dr. Dre, Ray Charles, Snoop Dogg, Ringo Starr, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake, Billy Joel, Usher, Pink and Paul McCartney. 

With such a long and illustrious history, it is no surprise that Evergreen Studios continues to be a popular recording venue in Los Angeles. The adaptability of the space along with its recording innovations has allowed Evergreen Studios to stand the test of time. 

Evergreen Studios is more than just a building; it's a symbol of Hollywood’s ever-evolving music and film industry. The walls of this historic studio have absorbed the sounds of countless legendary sessions, making it a place where past and present collide. The studio’s legacy is not just in the names that have graced its halls but in the creativity and artistry it has fostered over decades. From its beginnings as The Magnolia Theatre to its current incarnation as a world-class recording facility, Evergreen Studios represents the spirit of innovation and artistic excellence. As technology advances and the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Evergreen Studios is poised to remain a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ creative community, nurturing the next generation of artists and storytellers.