The Hit Factory

Lore & Background

In 1969, songwriter Jerry Ragavoy opened a recording studio in New York City and named it The Hit Factory. On March 6, 1975, Edward Germano purchased The Hit Factory from Ragavoy. The studio moved to 237 West 54th Street in 1981. In 1987, Germano opened another location, The Hit Factory Times Square, at 130 West 42nd Street. In 1991, Ed Germano acquired a building at 421 West 54th Street, which opened in 1993 as the main headquarters. From 1989 to 1993, the company also operated The Hit Factory London. In 1998, Ed and Troy purchased Criteria Recording in Miami, reopening as The Hit Factory Criteria Miami. Edward Germano died in 2003 and The Hit Factory closed its main headquarters in 2005. In 2008, Troy Germano completed Germano Studios, which changed its name to The Hit Factory in 2023.

Reader's Guide

The Hit Factory has had multiple locations: 7th Avenue (1969–1972), 353 West 48th Street (1972–1981), 237 West 54th Street (1981–2002), 130 West 42nd Street (1987–1992), 31–37 Whitfield Street in London (1989–1993), 1755 NE 149th Street in Miami (1998–2012), 421 West 54th Street (1992–2005), and 676 Broadway in Noho (2008–present).

Did You Know?

• The 130 West 42nd Street location opened in 1987, not 1986.
• The Hit Factory has 27 RIAA Diamond Awards albums and songs recorded there.
• The Hit Factory has 10 wins and 33 nominations for Album of the Year Grammy Awards.