MUSCLE SHOALS RECORDING STUDIOS
We visited the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Sheffield, AL, on May 23, 2019. Several years earlier, we had seen Greg Camalier’s documentary “Muscle Shoals,” and were absolutely intrigued that such a small town brought forth so much talent. It starts with producer, song writer, and musician Rick Hall, who had a terrific eye and ear for talent. Through this FAME (FLORENCE ALABAMA MUSIC ENTERPRISES) studios in Muscle Shoals, he promoted country, R & B, and soul music, and helped to develop the careers of Otis Redding, Duane Allman, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and many others. His studio musicians were able to find the appropriate sound for whomever they had to accompany. Those who did not know better thought that these musicians were black, since they sounded so authentic. Hall became known as a white producer in the south, who could promote black music, which served him well.
Apparently, Rick Hall was not the easiest character to work with, and several times his session musicians would leave and strike out on their own. In 1969, he lost his rhythm section, called the Swampers,” when they decided to set up their own studio. Barry Beckett (keyboards), Roger Hawkins (drums), Jimmy Johnson (guitar), and David Hood (bass), opened their studio at 3614 Jackson Highway, in Sheffield, close to Muscle Shoals. For the next 10 years, they would work with such greats as Cher, Boz Scaggs, R.B. Greaves, Herbie Mann, The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Canned Heat, Rod Stewart, Art Garfunkel, Lynyrd Skynyrd, etc. The Swampers would help to write arrangements, play in many of the recordings, and produce the music.
In 1979 the studios moved to another address, after which the building was used for all kinds of other purposes, although some of the original equipment stayed with it. In 2006 it was listed on the National register of Historic Places, and in 2013 it was acquired by the Muscle Shoals Music Foundation, which managed to restore it into its original state. There is furniture that had been used back then, as well as musical instruments, recording equipment, scribbling on the walls, lots of photographs, you name it. There are daily tours which are absolutely fascinating, since the guide also plays clips of recordings that were produced in the studio, pointing out the musical contributions of “our guys,” The Swampers.
Time did not permit us to take a tour of the FAME studios, which are only 15 minutes away, although we managed to walk around that building and snap a few pictures.
Since copyright laws prohibit us to use fragments of some of the songs that were recorded in the Muscle Shoals studios, I added a track of royalty-free music from Bensound, called “Beyond the Line,” with sincere thanks for providing this great service to video producers!
Homeground Sounds: Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Catch the vibe with Southern Journeys as we boogie down to Muscle Shoals, Alabama. See where America's music was made at FAME Studios, Muscle Shoals Sounds Studio and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
Wilson Dam School, Sheffield, Alabama ca. 1940's
This is a great video of a progressive school in 1940s, Alabama at a very unique Village created by the United States Government during war years.
How Muscle Shoals Musicians Got Started
Enjoy this clip of Shoals Musicians talking about how they found their sound. Includes Russell Mefford, Will McFarlane, Bryan Farris, Red Mouth, Doc Daily, Daniel Crisler, David Hood, Dillon Hodges (Fire Kid), John Paul White, Timmy Ray.
UNA Drum Feature 2011
The University of North Alabama's drum feature at the North Alabama Day of Percussion on October 26, 2011
Sorry for the blur. The camera focused on that person's head... :(
HIndsight - Rick Hall, Members of the 'Swampers'
On April 8, legendary producer Rick Hall and members of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (also known as the Swampers) spoke at the Altamont School in Birmingham, Ala. about their rise to fame at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Muscle Shoals Sound Studios founder Jimmy Johnson dies
(6 Sep 2019) MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND STUDIOS FOUNDER JIMMY JOHNSON DIES
Jimmy Johnson, a founder of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and guitarist with the famed studio musicians The Swampers,'' has died. He was 76.
His family announced his death Thursday (05 SEPT. 2019) in a Facebook post.
As a studio musician, sound engineer and record producer, Johnson played a role in iconic hits by Percy Sledge, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd and others.
Bassist and business partner David Hood said Johnson was an inspiration to him and countless others in the music business.
Johnson was the sound engineer on Sledge's When a Man Loves a Woman.'' He later helped found the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, which became a recording destination for well-known artists.
Johnson's son, Jay Johnson, wrote on Facebook of his father's passing: Playing music with the angels now.''
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Jackson Highway return to Muscle Shoals 1080p.mov
Alabama Music Office.com goes to PJ's in Muscle Shoals, Alabama to attend the Asphalt Tour 2012 performance of Jackson Highway.
Jackson Highway was named by Muscle Shoals producer
Jimmy Johnson after the legendary address of the Muscle Shoals Sound Recording
Studio in Sheffield, Alabama....3614 Jackson Highway. With that name the band
certainly became a part of a special musical family.
The founding members of the band, brothers, Dennis and Russell Gulley, along with
friend, Tommy Patterson, migrated from Fort Payne, Alabama to the Shoals after
several years of working on the road with both regional and national acts, such as
Cross from Birmingham and Ruby Winters (Polydor Records recording artist). The
Gulley brothers came out of a background of Southern Gospel music, while Patterson
was a music student in college. All were searching for a future in music as artists
and /or songwriters.
Shortly after getting to Muscle Shoals Sound, the trio was joined by guitarist Britt
Meacham, and drummer, Ronnie Vance, a native of Florence, Alabama. Britt was a
native of Memphis, but had settled in Mobile, Alabama with his new wife, Cheryl.
Britt had previously worked with Bell Records recording act, Storm, a rock trio
produced by Barry Beckett at MSS (Muscle Shoals Sound).
Mike O'rear, the publishing administrator for MSS, was put in charge of demoing the
new arrivals for the publishing company and became instrumental in supporting the
band members by getting them a house band gig across the Ala.Tenn. state line at a
club called Johnny's Club. The band worked there from 1973 till about 1977, when
they released their first LP on the Muscle Shoals Sound label, simply titled ,
Jackson Highway.
With the release of their first recording, Jackson Highway began a hard journey that
kept them constantly touring throughout the South , colleges, clubs, concert dates,
where ever anyone would listen to them.
In 1980, their hard work finally paid off with a second LP, produced by the same
MSS team of Jimmy Johnson and David Hood. This time the LP was on the
MSS/Capitol label. To support the record, the band toured with Ted Nugent, UFO,
Triumph, and opened for groups, such as Blackfoot.
When Capitol, did not pick up the band's option, the group then moved to Nashville,
at the suggestion of hometown friends, the Country Supergroup, ALABAMA. This
time, keyboardist, Tommy Patterson chose to stay in Muscle Shoals to do sessions
and work for the recording studios.
In 1986, after some 13 years together, the band officially disbanded. Since then, the
various members have remained in touch, even performing with each other on
occasion, and each continues to maintain a musical career.
Dennis, lives in Nashville, manages a recording studio with partner, Johnny Neel,
formerly of The Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule, and performs at Nashville clubs.
He's also toured with ALABAMA and The Moffits.
Tommy Patterson is still in Muscle Shoals, works at the recording studios in
computer programming, piano tuning, and sessions, gigs locally as well as on the
road, with such stars as the legendary, Little Richard.
Britt Meacham, lives in Mobile and tours/records regularly with Malaco/Waldoxy
Records group, The Beat Daddys. Britt has also toured overseas with Blues Legend,
Little Milton. Of course Britt is also famous for supplying some famous guitar licks
on the giant rock and roll recording by Bob Seger, Old Time Rock and Roll.
Russell Gulley continues to perform and record. He,also is involved with the arts
community as a folklorist and community arts administrator. He serves on the board
of the Alabama Folklife Association, is active in arts in education programming, and
has served his hometown of Fort Payne, as one of the organizers of an annual
festival, The Boom Days Heritage Celebration.
Ronnie Vance, still resides in Florence, where he is a successful businessman and
entrepreneur.
Muscle Shoals Interviews Episode 1 - Holger Petersen with David Hood Jimmy Johnson
In July 2017, broadcaster, author and founder of Stony Plain Records, Holger Petersen was invited to the WC Handy festival in Florence, Alabama to do a book signing for his Talking Music 2: Blues and Roots Music Mavericks book and to interview members of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (The Swampers) and other successful musicians, producers and songwriters in the area.
This area of three small towns – Florence, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals - has long been regarded as one of the most notable regions in the United States for the creation of the brilliant music we have listened to for decades and still listen to today. The rich history was captured in the documentary Muscle Shoals.
The region has an annual event called the WC Handy Festival which celebrates the stories and song of the region.
Holger sits down with two of the members of the Muscle Shoals rhythm section, David Hood (bassist) and Jimmy Johnson (producer and guitarist). Both were key members of a group responsible for over 500 hits and 75 gold and platinum songs. In this wide ranging interview, David and Jimmy reveal some of the stories behind the music that shaped our lives.
Thanks to the Florida-Lauderdale Tourism and Visitor Center, the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and Nutthouse Recording Studio.
Special thanks to Andreas Werner for making this happen and to Natalie Jewell for her assistance.
Links:
The Shoals, Alabama.
Our wonderful community in the Shoals!
Behind the scenes at music legend Rick Hall's FAME Studios
As part of the series Notes from the USA, Northern-Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance takes us to a small town at the heart of the state’s musical reputation - Muscle Shoals - to discover the place where it all began… FAME Studios.…
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Top Ten Things to See in the Shoals Episode 5
In this episode of the Top Ten Things to see in the Shoals Mary Lord goes to Fame studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. There she interviews Bob Wray, as he brings a history of Fame, his time there and his story as a bass player for over 40 years. Join us as Bob shares his story playing with some of the best musicians in the world, many of them who recorded, right here in Muscle Shoals, AL.
Cold Sweat-The Midnighters at Triple H Barn, Skidmore Wedding
The Midnighters band plays Cold Sweat at a wedding on April 1st, 2017. Bob Wray is laying down some funky bass. Earnest Davis on lead vocals.
Muscle Shoals, AL: Watch where music history was made!
Exploring Muscle Shoals, Alabama: Tour top music attractions in this 2-minute video recap of the highlights. Did you know that famous songwriters & musicians like the Rolling Stones, Etta James, Bob Dylan and so many more recorded at FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio? Take a peek inside the Alabama Music History Hall of Fame -- A music lover's paradise trip!
©2017 RobynLevin Media, Inc.
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Southern Road Trips #1: Quad Cities - Northwest Alabama
Road trip to the Northwest corner of Alabama- known as the Quad Cities of Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Florence and Tuscumbia as well as the Shoals area.
Muscle Shoals Swampers at The Hub 30a
Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded Sweet Home Alabama with the lyrics In Muscle Shoals they got The Swampers, and they been known to pick a song or two. Lord they get me off so much, they pick me up when I'm feeling blue, now how 'bout you. They were singing about these legendary musicians playing @hub30a on @hey30a who were inducted into the Nashville Musician's Hall of Fame in 2008. Many think they were singing Swamplands ... now you know. Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded in Muscle Shoals from '70-'72 and recorded with the Swampers just like The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Boz Scaggs, Paul Simon, Glen Frey, Joe Cocker and many more. They were also the sound behind Bob Seger's Old Time Rock and Roll. We had a crowd from many states who made the trip to join the best backyard party around. These guys crushed it last night and we're sure they'll be back.
Jackson Highway Reunion Concert at PJ's Muscle Shoals 720p.mov
Alabama Music Office.com goes to PJ's in Muscle Shoals, Alabama to attend the Jackson Highway Reunion Concert.
Jackson Highway was named by Muscle Shoals producer
Jimmy Johnson after the legendary address of the Muscle Shoals Sound Recording
Studio in Sheffield, Alabama....3614 Jackson Highway. With that name the band
certainly became a part of a special musical family.
The founding members of the band, brothers, Dennis and Russell Gulley, along with
friend, Tommy Patterson, migrated from Fort Payne, Alabama to the Shoals after
several years of working on the road with both regional and national acts, such as
Cross from Birmingham and Ruby Winters (Polydor Records recording artist). The
Gulley brothers came out of a background of Southern Gospel music, while Patterson
was a music student in college. All were searching for a future in music as artists
and /or songwriters.
Shortly after getting to Muscle Shoals Sound, the trio was joined by guitarist Britt
Meacham, and drummer, Ronnie Vance, a native of Florence, Alabama. Britt was a
native of Memphis, but had settled in Mobile, Alabama with his new wife, Cheryl.
Britt had previously worked with Bell Records recording act, Storm, a rock trio
produced by Barry Beckett at MSS (Muscle Shoals Sound).
Mike O'rear, the publishing administrator for MSS, was put in charge of demoing the
new arrivals for the publishing company and became instrumental in supporting the
band members by getting them a house band gig across the Ala.Tenn. state line at a
club called Johnny's Club. The band worked there from 1973 till about 1977, when
they released their first LP on the Muscle Shoals Sound label, simply titled ,
Jackson Highway.
With the release of their first recording, Jackson Highway began a hard journey that
kept them constantly touring throughout the South , colleges, clubs, concert dates,
where ever anyone would listen to them.
In 1980, their hard work finally paid off with a second LP, produced by the same
MSS team of Jimmy Johnson and David Hood. This time the LP was on the
MSS/Capitol label. To support the record, the band toured with Ted Nugent, UFO,
Triumph, and opened for groups, such as Blackfoot.
When Capitol, did not pick up the band's option, the group then moved to Nashville,
at the suggestion of hometown friends, the Country Supergroup, ALABAMA. This
time, keyboardist, Tommy Patterson chose to stay in Muscle Shoals to do sessions
and work for the recording studios.
In 1986, after some 13 years together, the band officially disbanded. Since then, the
various members have remained in touch, even performing with each other on
occasion, and each continues to maintain a musical career.
Dennis, lives in Nashville, manages a recording studio with partner, Johnny Neel,
formerly of The Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule, and performs at Nashville clubs.
He's also toured with ALABAMA and The Moffits.
Tommy Patterson is still in Muscle Shoals, works at the recording studios in
computer programming, piano tuning, and sessions, gigs locally as well as on the
road, with such stars as the legendary, Little Richard.
Britt Meacham, lives in Mobile and tours/records regularly with Malaco/Waldoxy
Records group, The Beat Daddys. Britt has also toured overseas with Blues Legend,
Little Milton. Of course Britt is also famous for supplying some famous guitar licks
on the giant rock and roll recording by Bob Seger, Old Time Rock and Roll.
Russell Gulley continues to perform and record. He,also is involved with the arts
community as a folklorist and community arts administrator. He serves on the board
of the Alabama Folklife Association, is active in arts in education programming, and
has served his hometown of Fort Payne, as one of the organizers of an annual
festival, The Boom Days Heritage Celebration.
Ronnie Vance, still resides in Florence, where he is a successful businessman and
entrepreneur.
Studios of Sheffield, AL
Recording Studios of Sheffield, AL
Shot in 2011 for a University of North Alabama COM243 Project
Video by Will Corey and Sheenan Cole
Alicia Keys at Muscle Shoals
Alicia Keys at Muscle Shoals Recording Studio is looked at in the new documentary about the legendary Alabama studio, Muscle Shoals, with director Freddy Camalier, along with the impact that the new appreciation of the recording mecca in the local community. As Muscle Shoals has become recognized as one of the landmark rooms in American music, the impact of the film and future of the studio is looked at in this BYOD interview clip.
Watch the Full Episode:
BYOD Short Clips Playlist:
BYOD Full Episodes Playlist:
JFK'S SPEECH IN MUSCLE SHOALS, ALABAMA (MAY 18, 1963)