Pop piano man Ben Folds is on a mission to save Nashville’s Studio A from being sold and developed into something other than a recording space. Built by Chet Atkins in 1964, Studio A has held sessions by artists including Elvis, Dolly Parton, and George Straight. In recent years, Folds has been the main tenant – renting and renovating the space. Ben Folds Five’s most recent album The Sound of the Life of the Mind was also recorded at this facility.

In an interview with Billboard, Folds explains:

“The community needs to chip in and realize that if that’s gone, and a tipping point occurs, then we don’t have Music City anymore.”

So far the response has been big and promising, partially thanks to friends like Elton John speaking up for Ben’s fight.

Ben Folds, known for his extremely active support of music education, re-routed his current orchestra tour so he could attend a rally at Studio A this morning at 9am.

#SaveStudioA seems to be making waves, but might very well end up turning into a crusade to save #SaveMusicRow in Nashville from other potential buyers looking to redevelop the area.

Ben Folds speaking at today’s rally to save Studio A in Nashville. Photo by Jesse Scott, source: Ben Folds’ Facebook