Capitol Records Tower is an iconic LA landmark and the home of the Capitol Records record label and recording studios. This is where treasured music albums, including the Beach Boys’ Surfin’ U.S.A. and Frank Sinatra’s Come Fly With Me, have been produced. Visit the Capitol Records Tower to admire the distinctive design of the building, peruse a mural dedicated to jazz stars and stroll a section of the Walk of Fame.
Opened in 1956, the 13-story and earthquake-resistant tower was one of the world’s first cylindrical-shaped office buildings. Note how each of the circular levels creates the appearance of a stack of records set on a turntable. The flashing light of the spire signals the word Hollywood in Morse code and was inaugurated by the granddaughter of code inventor Samuel Morse.
Inside the tower are four recording studios and eight underground echo chambers, designed by jazz guitarist and engineer Les Paul.
Decorating the wall of a car park on the south side of the tower is Richard Wyatt’s Hollywood Jazz: 1945-1972. This mural features oversized images of 11 legendary jazz singers and musicians. Spot Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald, among others. Look closely to see the names of many other jazz luminaries etched into the mural’s ceramic tiles.
The stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame extend from Hollywood Boulevard and decorate the section of Vine Street in front of the tower. Spot the stars of recording artists such as Garth Brooks, Sarah Vaughan and Tina Turner in addition to each member of the Beatles. There are also dedications to film, radio and television personalities.
Find Capital Records Tower in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood/Vine subway station. Travel here by car and park for a fee on the street or in the adjacent car park. Explore the area to find the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, the Fonda Theatre and the Museum of Death.
