Just north of Hollywood and Vine, the Capitol Records Building rises like a stack of vinyl records against the Los Angeles skyline. Completed in April 1956, the 13-story tower was the world’s first circular office building, designed by architect Welton Becket, whose other works include the Music Center and the Cinerama Dome. Today, it remains one of Hollywood’s most recognizable landmarks, celebrated not only for its architectural innovation but also for its deep ties to music history.
A Host To Some Of The Greatest Names In Music
Inside the building lies Capitol Studios, a recording space that has hosted some of the greatest names in music. Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, The Beach Boys, and Sir Paul McCartney all recorded here, with Sinatra’s Tone Poems of Color being the first album produced in the studio. The facility is famous for its subterranean echo chambers, designed by guitar legend Les Paul, which can produce reverb lasting up to five seconds. This unique sound effect is immortalized in The Beach Boys’ classic Good Vibrations.
The building’s rooftop spire, resembling a phonograph needle, adds another layer of symbolism. At its tip, a red light blinks “Hollywood” in Morse code, a tradition that began when the building opened in 1956. Leila Morse, granddaughter of Samuel Morse, threw the switch herself. In 1992, the message briefly changed to “Capitol 50” to mark the label’s anniversary before returning to its original signal.
A Cultural Touchstone For Cannabis Tourists
For cannabis travelers, the Capitol Records Building offers a unique intersection of culture, history, and lifestyle. Los Angeles has become one of the premier cannabis tourism destinations in the United States since California legalized recreational cannabis in 2016. Cannabis tours such as the Hollyweed Tour combine visits to dispensaries and lounges with stops at Hollywood landmarks, including the Capitol Records Buildingthehollyweedtour.com+1. This makes the tower not just a site for music lovers, but also a cultural touchstone for cannabis tourists seeking to experience the city’s creative spirit.
Cannabis tourism thrives on experiences that blend art, history, and relaxation. The Capitol Records Building embodies this perfectly. Visitors can explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside its doors, where The Beatles and individual members have been honored with stars. Pairing such a visit with LA’s cannabis-friendly lounges and dispensaries allows travelers to immerse themselves in the city’s dual legacies: its role as the entertainment capital of the world and its pioneering embrace of cannabis culture.
For cannabis tourists, the appeal lies in the synergy between cannabis and creativity. The building’s history of producing groundbreaking music resonates with the modern cannabis traveler, who often seeks inspiration, artistry, and cultural depth in their journeys. Standing beneath the blinking Morse code beacon, visitors can reflect on Hollywood’s past while enjoying the freedoms of California’s cannabis present.
Why Beard Bros Travel Features Capitol Records Building
At Beard Bros Travel, we believe cannabis culture extends to travel and tourism. These spotlights invite our readers—especially cannabis enthusiasts —to think differently about travel. Whether you’re blazing new trails or just looking for places that spark conversation and wonder, Capitol Records Building is a trip worth taking.
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