Criteria Studios

Criteria Studios is a music-recording studio in Miami, Florida, started in 1958 by musician Mack Emerman (1923–2013). and which went on to become the source of many hit recordings, especially in the 1970s. The studio was designed by Hollywood, Florida Architect, Charles C. Reed, Jr. Known to his close friends, such as Mack Emerman, as "Chuck". Chuck, 92, lives with his wife artist/sculptor Elaine Reed, in Raleigh, North Carolina. In an interview with Chuck, he stated, "Yes, Sundays were jam days in Mack's living room. All the jazz greats were there. It was the thing to do in those days. This was before Mack had the studio. Mack lived for music. Elaine and I were very close with Mack and his then wife, Chilie. Elaine not only named the studio, but she designed the logo still emblazoning the studio to this day. It was brilliant!" Then came the topic of music engineer, "Jeep." Chuck said, "So, this kid came to Mack one day and wanted a job in the music biz. As I recall, Jeep lied about his age so Mack would hire him. Jeep was a genius. He invented the electro-static speakers that I incorporated in the design of the main recording studio."Benny Goodman was recording in the studio and Mack invited Chuck and Elaine to sit in on the recording. Elaine still remembers that day. "Benny finished his first set and when he was finished, he looked at me. I shook my head "no". Benny said, 'Let's do it again!' and that was that." She laughed as she told the story.HistoryMany topline artists and producers have used Criteria over the years. A total of around 250 Gold or Platinum singles and albums were recorded at Criteria, including "Layla", "I Feel Good" and Eat a Peach, as well as parts of Hotel California and Rumours. Atlantic Records regularly used the studios to record their roster of artists in the 1970s, through a connection with Tom Dowd, a leading staff engineer/producer with the label. The Bee Gees worked out of Criteria in the mid- to late-1970s and early-1980s, most notably during recording of Main Course (1975) and Spirits Having Flown (1979). In 1999, The Hit Factory purchased Criteria Studios, revamping and re-opening the studios under the new name The Hit Factory Criteria Miami.