East West Suites

In 1933, a humble grocery store called Cash Is King stood where East West Suites now stands. East West Suites has a history far more vibrant than your average motel. The building itself has witnessed a fascinating transformation over the decades. It transitioned from a grocery store to a casino in the 1940s, changing names multiple times to skirt gambling and liquor laws. By the end of the decade, the casino era ended, and the building became a radio broadcast studio. The real magic began when Bill Putnam, the founder of Universal Audio and engineer for legends like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, bought the building in the late 1950s. He combined it with the neighboring property, creating United Western Recorders. Putnam’s reputation attracted iconic artists like Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, and Ray Charles. Studio 1 at United, now part of East West Suites, hosted numerous Sinatra recordings. Studio 2 was the hub for television themes, including “The Monkees” and “The Partridge Family,” and the legendary Wrecking Crew. Studio 3 witnessed the creation of much of The Mamas and the Papas’ music, including significant portions of “Pet Sounds.” In the early 1980s, Allen Sides bought the studios, renaming them Ocean Way Recording. The Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Tom Petty graced these hallowed halls. The studios continued to attract musical giants like Madonna, U2, and Michael Jackson. Another name change came with Rick Adams’ ownership, becoming Cello Studios, hosting artists like Blink-182, AFI, and Muse. Cello Studios thrived in the early 2000s but closed its doors in 2005. Doug Rogers, founder of EastWest Sounds, rescued the studios in 2006, recognizing their historical importance. After three years of meticulous renovations, preserving the original acoustic designs, East West Studios reopened in 2009. The studios quickly became a hot spot again, with Rihanna recording “Rated R” there and Frank Ocean creating his acclaimed “Channel Orange.” East West Suites carries the legacy of these remarkable studios. From Cash Is King to East West Suites, the building’s journey mirrors the ever-evolving music industry.