Around these parts, these parts being North Alabama, we assume everyone knows the significance of Muscle Shoals to the music world. After all, long before there was an internet or cell phones, major musical stars like The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, Wilson Pickett, and others on a list too long to reproduce here were able to locate the spot on the map where what became known as the Muscle Shoals Sound was created. But you know what they say about assuming! So we thought we should spend a few words telling you what all the hub-bub about our Alabama premiere of the documentary “Muscle Shoals” is about.
Once upon a time, there was a Muscle Shoals recording studio, FAME, and a group of studio musicians who originated a funky sound that brought musicians from across the globe to record at that studio with that sound. And there is something about the Shoals itself that added magic to the music. As Mick Jagger says in the film’s trailer, "Being there does inspire you to do it slightly different. It was really funky; you know, that was the whole idea of it."
There is much more to the story, of course, and some pretty amazing people involved: Rick Hall; David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Spooner Oldham, the rest of the Swampers (yes, those Swampers, who’ve “been known to pick a song or two.”); the musicians who traveled to Muscle Shoals and found their funk. And the story is still being written, with the Shoals continuing to produce award winning musical talent like John Paul White of the Civil Wars, Jason Isbell, Patterson Hood, and another list too long to reproduce here. But you really need to see and hear the story for yourself. Jump over to our home page to find out how. In the meantime, click on the picture for a little tease of the film.
Once upon a time, there was a Muscle Shoals recording studio, FAME, and a group of studio musicians who originated a funky sound that brought musicians from across the globe to record at that studio with that sound. And there is something about the Shoals itself that added magic to the music. As Mick Jagger says in the film’s trailer, "Being there does inspire you to do it slightly different. It was really funky; you know, that was the whole idea of it."
There is much more to the story, of course, and some pretty amazing people involved: Rick Hall; David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Spooner Oldham, the rest of the Swampers (yes, those Swampers, who’ve “been known to pick a song or two.”); the musicians who traveled to Muscle Shoals and found their funk. And the story is still being written, with the Shoals continuing to produce award winning musical talent like John Paul White of the Civil Wars, Jason Isbell, Patterson Hood, and another list too long to reproduce here. But you really need to see and hear the story for yourself. Jump over to our home page to find out how. In the meantime, click on the picture for a little tease of the film.
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