Mark V Studios
A Legacy of Musical Innovation
In the heart of Greenville, South Carolina,
The story of Mark V Studios unfolds; a tale woven into the rich tapestry of American music history. The studio's roots trace back to the 1950s, when radio station WESC played a pivotal role in shaping the local music scene. Country and gospel programs like Earl Baughman's "Country Earl" and Floyd Edge's "Uncle Dudley" laid the foundation for what would become Mark V Studios.
The journey truly began when Pee Wee Melton, a musician and salesman at Allen's Music store, crossed paths with a young guitarist named Bill Huffman. Pee Wee, instrumental in bringing Bill into WESC and introducing him to other local musicians, set the stage for the Huffman brothers—Bill, Harold, and Joe—to emerge as key players in the Greenville music scene.
The Huffman brothers, influenced by the likes of Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, and Hank Garland, found themselves at the intersection of opportunity and ambition. With Pee Wee Melton's guidance, they entered the world of recording at WESC, their first exposure to capturing their own music.
In 1961, Mark V Studios was born…
A testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Huffman brothers. The studio, initially located on Mayberry Street, quickly became a hub for local talent. Inspired by the emerging independent recording studio trend of the 1940s, Mark V Studios embraced technological innovations, paving the way for musicians to immortalize their craft on records.
The studio's early years saw a diverse range of genres, from country and rock to jazz and jingles. Mark V Studios evolved with the changing musical landscape, adapting to the shift from monaural to stereophonic recording in the early '60s. The Huffman brothers, alongside key figures like Don Dudley, demonstrated ingenuity in overcoming technical challenges, drawing inspiration from the work of legends like Les Paul.
As Mark V Studios expanded, so did its impact on the southern gospel sound. The studio's house band, featuring gifted musicians like Buster Phillips, Pee Wee Melton, and the Huffman brothers themselves, became synonymous with quality and innovation. They collaborated with gospel quartets, contributing to the evolution of the genre by introducing elements of country twang and embracing new sounds.
The pivotal moment came when Mark V Studios collaborated with Lefevre Sound in Atlanta, forming a bridge from traditional gospel to the innovative sounds of the '60s. This partnership not only fueled artistic growth but also solidified lasting friendships between the musicians involved.
However, the journey was not without challenges. A fire in 1969 devastated Mark V Studios, but the loyalty and support of the studio's staff, coupled with assistance from unexpected quarters like Maurice Lefevre and the Goss brothers, facilitated a remarkable recovery. The studio rose from the ashes, a testament to the resilience and camaraderie that defined the Mark V Studios family.
Today,
Mark V Studios stands as a quiet giant in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the Southern gospel sound and contributing to the broader musical landscape. The Huffman brothers, driven by a love for music and an unwavering commitment to quality, created more than just a recording studio; they forged a legacy that resonates in the hearts of musicians and fans alike.
The spirit of Mark V Studios lives on at PKL Park, a vibrant development that pays homage to the historic building's musical legacy. PKL Park stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Mark V Studios, fostering a community where creativity, innovation, and the love of music continue to thrive.