Bruce Robb (producer) - Cherokee Studios Founder

Cherokee Studios Founder

By 1969, The Robbs now calling themselves “Cherokee” had settled on a ranch in Chatsworth, California. With the help of friends Roger Nichols and Toby Foster, the band converted their barn in to one of the first ever artist-owned recording studios. Bruce was particularly enthusiastic about the idea because he had always disliked the sterile vibe in the studios of the era. It started with friends like Del Shannon, who brought Jeff Lynne from Electric Light Orchestra. Word spread bringing Little Richard, Bob Crewe, Michael McDonald... Then, Nichols recorded Steely Dan’s “Pretzel Logic,” and the studio now known as “Cherokee Ranch” earned their first gold record. All the while, Bruce was honing his skills as an engineer and producer under the tutelage of his gifted brother Dee.

In ’74, an eviction for running an “illegal home studio” prompted the Robbs to purchase the former MGM Recording Studios in Los Angeles. Once again, the artist-producers transformed the space and the momentum picked up again. Cherokee Studios built a client list that reads like a “Who’s Who” of the music industry with every major recording star from David Bowie to Michael Jackson to Elton John to Bob Dylan to each one of the Beatles… and everyone in between. In tandem with the studio, Bruce’s personal career soared. Before closing in 2007, Cherokee Studios had been awarded over 300 gold and platinum album credits, many of those belonging to Bruce for his work as a producer and/or engineer.