You could argue that Cosimo Matassa’s J&M Recording Studio located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, became the New Orleans equivalent of the historic Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.

Opening in 1945 , the studio located at Rampart Street offered recording direct to disc, before the advent of tape in the 1950’s.

(Pictured : Cosimo Matassa)

In 1947, singer Roy Brown recorded the influential "Good Rockin' Tonight," the song credited with popularizing the term "rockin,'" at J&M.

Moving to a larger facility in 1955 would prove crucial in developing rock’n’roll and soul.

Working with producer Dave Bartholomew (and later Allen Toussaint) - Matassa recorded hits for Fats Domino, Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti”, the hugely influential Professor Longhair "Tipitina" and "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" - and many others.

(Pictured L to R : Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew)

He was responsible for developing what became known as the “New Orleans Sound”, with strong drums, heavy guitar and bass, heavy piano, light horn sound and a strong vocal lead.

Matassa modestly described his technique and approach as follows:

"I wanted to be a just conduit of what that performance was – a performance frozen in time, if you will.  

So if you didn't know I was there, I did my job.

All the great musicians made me look good.

I couldn't have done any of those records if the guys sitting in the chairs didn't do them. So first and foremost, credit to them. I tried my damnedest to make them sound good.”

Sometimes recording limitations can make magic happen for a raw live sound -as the energy in the room is captured with mics capturing spill from other instruments, to make a more honest record.

Consequently, the process is more about mic placement and getting the best live take, without the luxury of editing!

Those early 1950’s recordings - (just like at Sun in Memphis) - capture that energy and is a document of the unique sound and style of those New Orleans artists.

Matassa was not a skilled musician - but like Sam Phillips at Sun, he had keen instinct and intuition of what sounded good.

Those recordings would influence the world - including the Beatles who listened to those Fats Domino and Little Richard singles and consequently ,discovered their own inspiration!

Check out more on the musical legacy of New Orleans rhythm and blues - here:

https://www.amazon.com/Soul-New-Orleans-Legacy-Rhythm/dp/0961424583/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8