The Shoals

One of the pieces of advice we received at the Fall Rendezvous was to slow down and enjoy the Loop rather than rush through it. We gave that a try, decided to stay an extra night in Florence Harbor and ended up having one our most enjoyable days on the trip. 

This area consists of Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals, AL, but is simply known as The Shoals.  On Saturday morning, we went for a walk, then joined Pat & Gary from Nauti-Dog to drive across the river to the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, a small, unassuming building that is a monumental piece of musical history. Opened in 1969 by four local musicians, the studio attracted artists such as The Rolling Stones, Cher, Aretha Franklin, Duane Allman, Linda Ronstadt, George Michael, Wilson Pickett, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, Helen Reddy, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Joe Cocker, Lynyrd Skynrd, Willie Nelson and more. The official name of the four musicians was the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, but they soon acquired the nickname “The Swampers” and became music legends. Bonus question: What 1974 hit song has an entire verse about The Swampers? (Answer at end of post). We had an excellent guided tour through the modest facility—which has begun recording music again—and definitely could feel the energy and magic that happened in this unique little building.

That afternoon, we paid another call on Steve & Darci aboard Balclutha Too, this time with our musical instruments. Their friends Andrew & Susan were visiting from St. Louis, and planned a dinner and jam session for the evening. Darci made us an amazing meal, and we sang, played and listened to music, including Susan’s own compositions. While not new for Kathleen, this was my first jam session, and it was a blast!

Bonus Question Answer: Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd. “Now Muscle Shoals has got The Swampers…”