Explore the NY hamlet where Bruce Springsteen recorded 'Born to Run'

Peter Carr and Camille Fine, USA TODAY NETWORK
A historical marker stands next to the building in Blauvelt, NY, that was the site of 914 Sound Recording Studios. Bruce Springsteen recorded his first two albums in the studio in the 1970's and also the song "Born to Run."
A historical marker stands next to the building in Blauvelt, NY, that was the site of 914 Sound Recording Studios. Bruce Springsteen recorded his first two albums in the studio in the 1970's and also the song "Born to Run."

BLAUVELT, N.Y. — Around 50 years ago in a community just 20 miles northwest of New York City, Bruce Springsteen began to work on his iconic "Born to Run" track in “a garage” that “was reborn as a refuge where rock-'n'-roll bands gave voice to a generation yearning for change,” according to a historical marker at the recording studio site.

In the community of Blauvelt, New York, Springsteen and several other musicians recorded at 914 Sound Recording Studios, a place that “allowed musicians the freedom to hone their craft away from the pressures of the big city,” the inscription in the The Historical Marker Database says. In addition to “Born to Run,” Springsteen recorded his first two studio albums at 914.

Brooks Arthur, who was already an established name in the recording field, partnered with famed producer Phil Ramone to open 914 Sound Studios in 1971, The Journal News, part of USA TODAY Network, reported. The studio was located on Route 303, next door to the Blauvelt Coach Diner and across from Erie Street.

Arthur also built a football field – with goalposts – out in back so performers could unwind while recording at 914.

"It's a delightful place to work because you're away from the rat race of the city," Mike Appel, Springsteen's former manager, told The Journal News. "You walk outside the studio and you hear the crickets. ... Blauvelt does have its charms and nobody was rushing us. You could take your time."

Since those days of late night recording sessions, the site has been home to a meat warehouse, dance studio and car wash — to name a few.

Here’s what this city getaway that helped shape some of rock’s most iconic tracks looks like today.

Jennifer Delia walks Jan. 7 with her dog, Bella, on the Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail in Blauvelt. The trail goes from Tappan to Blauvelt, where the old Erie Railroad ran.
Jennifer Delia walks Jan. 7 with her dog, Bella, on the Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail in Blauvelt. The trail goes from Tappan to Blauvelt, where the old Erie Railroad ran.
The Blauvelt Library has grown since it started as a small wooden building in 1752. The Dutch sandstone colonial at 541 Western Highway was renovated for use as the Blauvelt Free Library, inaugurated in 1964..
The Blauvelt Library has grown since it started as a small wooden building in 1752. The Dutch sandstone colonial at 541 Western Highway was renovated for use as the Blauvelt Free Library, inaugurated in 1964..
Waiter Daniel Mazariego, left, and chef/owner Oscar Romero during the last day of 12 years of business Jan. 7 at Oscar's Italian Restaurant in Blauvelt. Romero said the restaurant never fully recovered from the pandemic and he hopes to find a nearby location with lower rent..
Waiter Daniel Mazariego, left, and chef/owner Oscar Romero during the last day of 12 years of business Jan. 7 at Oscar's Italian Restaurant in Blauvelt. Romero said the restaurant never fully recovered from the pandemic and he hopes to find a nearby location with lower rent..
A mural fills an entire exterior wall at Tua Cocina Mexican restaurant in Blauvelt.
A mural fills an entire exterior wall at Tua Cocina Mexican restaurant in Blauvelt.
Madison Margiotta, left, and Omani Solomon show the project they worked on Jan. 9 at Cottage Lane Elementary in Blauvelt. Fourth-graders at the school worked on the projects as a cumulation of their Reading the Weather — Reading the World studies. Parents were invited in to view the group projects they made during publishing parties held in the school gymnasium.
A line dancing lesson Jan. 8 at the Rockland Irish-American Cultural Center in Blauvelt.
A line dancing lesson Jan. 8 at the Rockland Irish-American Cultural Center in Blauvelt.
Students take a beginner's class Jan. 8 at Triumph Tae Kwon Do in Blauvelt.
Students take a beginner's class Jan. 8 at Triumph Tae Kwon Do in Blauvelt.
Randy Johnson, owner of Randy's Convent Road Garage in Blauvelt, holds a photo Jan. 5 that he displays in his office. The photo shows his tow truck with the police car he towed to his shop in 1993. The car was damaged while pursuing bank robbers who fired multiple rounds at the police, including a chase through the grounds of Pearl River High School.
A boy fires one of his arsenal of snowballs from the safety of a snow fort Jan. 7 at South Orangetown Middle School in Blauvelt.
A boy fires one of his arsenal of snowballs from the safety of a snow fort Jan. 7 at South Orangetown Middle School in Blauvelt.

Contributing: The Journal News, USA TODAY Network

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Explore Blauvelt, NY, where Bruce Springsteen recorded 'Born to Run'

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