As a young studio owner, Fry was fortunate to get the overflow work from Stax Records. Walking through the Ardent doors came Isaac Hayes, Booker T. and the MGs, The Bar-Kays, Johnny Taylor, Rufus Thomas, and Albert King, as well as Leon Russell and artists on his Shelter label. "It was great to have the chance to work with all these great artists and producers," Fry said, "We were amazed that they would take a chance on a bunch of young kids." Top artists came back, and brought their friends.

Ardent became home to young producers and engineers such as Jim Dickinson, Terry Manning, Joe Hardy, John Hampton, Paul Ebersold, and later, many other successful figures who are part of the Ardent family circle, which includes Skidd Mills, Jeff Powell, Jason Latshaw, and Pete Matthews.

In 1971, Ardent Studios moved to its present location on Madison Avenue, followed by the acquisition of 24-track recorders, bigger consoles and more gear. Today Ardent has three studios equipped with large format Neve and SSL desks alongside hi-resolution Pro Tools rigs, and is managed by Jody Stephens, who also does double duty as the drummer for Big Star--an early Ardent group which continues to perform today. Their first two albums appeared on the Stax-distributed Ardent Records label in the early 70s, and the catalog has continued to win new fans for more than three decades.

The more recent incarnation of Ardent Records, a contemporary Christian Music label, was launched with Big Tent Revival in 1995 and has released 36 albums to date, with a string of Grammy-nominated albums in the Rock Gospel category.

John Fry cites several reasons for his continued success in a business which has few survivors from the early days. "We're flexible and we've always strived to adapt to the changes in the recording industry. We've also been fortunate to have so much talent on our staff, and long-term relationships with successful artists and producers. Also, having a production company, a record label, and a publishing business has allowed us to be one of our own best clients."

John Fry receiving a joint proclamation from the City of Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, proclaiming Monday, October 30th, 2006 as "Ardent Studios' 40th Anniversary" from Shelby County Mayor A. C. Wharton.

Memphis' Beale Street management presented a Beale Street Brass Note, honoring Ardent Studios, which will be embedded in the sidewalk along with historic Notes which honor distinguished artists and music industry figures and organizations. The Note was sponsored by The Memphis Film Commission, Craig Brewer (director of "Hustle and Flow" and "Black Snake Moan"), and Ira Sachs, director of "40 Shades of Blue." Pictured L-R are Herbie O'Mell, Chairman, Memphis Film Commission; Craig Brewer, film director; Jody Stephens, Ardent manager; John Fry, Ardent founder, holding Beale Street Brass Note; Toni Turner, Performa Entertainment; Cato Walker, Beale Street Management; Darren Fant, Performa Entertainment.

Pictured L-R onstage at the Ardent 40th Anniversary are members of the extended Ardent family, Emily Olson, Elizabeth Montgomery, Pete Matthews, Betty Fry, John Fry, Chris Jackson, Jody Stephens (with microphone), Jason Gillespie, Dan Russo, Alan Burcham, Adam Hill, Mike Wilson, Aislynn Rappe, Jason Latshaw, and Lucas Peterson.

John Fry addresses the crowd gathered for the Ardent 40th Anniversary. Pictured L-R are studio staff, past and present, Elizabeth Montgomery, Betty Fry, producer/engineer Terry Manning, John Fry (with microphone), Chris Jackson, Dan Russo, Jason Gillespie, and Adam Hill.