NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A will see a change of leadership this Spring as Ben Folds hands over the keys to the landmark studio to producer Dave Cobb.

Folds has had a 14-year affiliation with the studio that began when he leased the space for his personal recording in 2002.

In 2009, he opened the studio to other artists after making investments in the equipment as well as other upgrades.

Most recently, Studio A served as the go-to for Chris Stapleton, last year’s winner for Best Male Vocalist, New Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year at the CMA Awards.

David Cobb served as the producer of that album, titled “Traveller.”

“Ben Folds played a key role in reopening one of the world’s most important recording studios,” said Aubrey Preston, who in 2014 joined fellow entrepreneurs Mike Curb and Chuck Elcan in purchasing the complex to save it from the wrecking ball. “Mike, Chuck and I wish Ben the very best in the future.”

Fold says the reason he’s stepping back from Studio A is due to an “increasingly demanding touring schedule and growing plate of projects around the globe.”

“I know the studio will be in good hands with Dave Cobb,” Folds said. “Dave is familiar with the history and inner workings of Studio A and he represents a bright future for Music Row.”

Folds said he plans to record in the space in the future and will stay involved in the community, including serving on the board of the Nashville Symphony.

Cobb, said he’s looking forward to being the producer-in-residence at Studio A and making the space available on a limited basis to other producers and artists.

“I’m proud to be entrusted with the keys to one of the best-sounding rooms in the world,” Cobb said. “My plan is simple: Honor the history of Studio A while making sure its unique sound carries forward onto new songs and albums with new artists.”