Alabama’s Impact on Music Begins in the Quad-cities.
April 2022
Visitors to Alabama can explore the history of the state by taking road trips through the back roads to tour the small towns filled with local restaurants, shops and attractions. This time of the year is a great time to travel to areas that have greatly impacted the history of the state or even the country. One area that is rich in music history is the Quad-cities in the Northwest corner of the state: Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. Legend has it that the largest spiritual influence in the area is the Tennessee River, which locals call the “Singing River,” and that is why the area is rich in musical talent.
Many musicians found their way to the area during rock-n-roll's golden era to record some of the age’s transcending music. This music not only solidified its rightful place in shaping the history of a generation, but it also is still relevant to the music industry. The Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin are among the many well-known musicians who wanted to record with the “Muscle Shoals sound” as back-up. The “Swampers” are the Quad-city’s session musicians who backed up these famous recording artists and who were in high demand. The area also is the birthplace of the Father of the Blues, W.C. Handy. His life and contributions to the music industry are celebrated every summer during a music festival named in his honor.
When traveling to the area, visitors can visit the recording studios and other areas where legends were made.
Our must-see places
FAME Recording Studio - Muscle Shoals
This active recording studio is where founder Rick Hall recorded hundreds of hits, including records by Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Etta James, Gregg Allman, the group Alabama, Steven Tyler, Keb Mo and many others. Tours of the studio take visitors back in time to what it was like to record during this time in history. The studio is open for tours Monday through Saturday.
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio - Sheffield
Known as the famous 3614 Jackson Highway Studio, this recording studio is known as the mecca for music lovers. Passionate music lovers want to see and feel why Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones referred to Muscle Shoals and 3614 as "Rock and Roll Heaven.” The documentary, "Muscle Shoals”, was released in 2013 and revived the interest in the studio by music lovers of the music industry. Fully restored to its 1970's look, feel and function through a grant from Beats Electronics, the studio is alive once again and is an active recording studio.
Alabama Music Hall of Fame - Tuscumbia
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame is a 12,500 square foot exhibit hall that honors Alabama musical legends who have contributed to the legacy of the music industry. Memorabilia from Tammy Wynette, The Commodores, Nat King Cole, W.C. Handy, Lionel Richie, the group Alabama and Hank Williams are on display at the museum.
W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum and Library - Florence
W.C. Handy The Father of the Blues, William Christopher Handy, was born in Florence in 1873 in a simple cabin that today houses a large collection of his personal papers, memorabilia and artifacts. Born with a natural musical bent-as a boy he visualized bird calls as notes on a scale- Handy went on to compose such well-known blues jewels as St. Louis Blues, Beale Street Blues, and Memphis Blues. The W.C. Handy Music Festival is held every summer featuring live music at a number of venues in the Quad-cities area.
Places to Eat
George’s Steak Pit - Sheffield
Touted as the “Best Steak in the South,” George’s Steak Pit has served patrons for over 30 years. The secret to their success is the open fire pit where they cook the freshly cut steaks, chicken and fish over hickory logs. The restaurant’s menu also has an extensive wine list and they serve handmade desserts. The steak is one of Alabama’s 100 Dishes you must try.
Trowbridge’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop - Florence
In 1917, Paul Trowbridge stopped in Florence on his way to a dairy convention in North Carolina. He liked the area so much that he returned to Texas, packed his possessions and moved his family to Florence. He opened the Trowbridge Creamery in 1918 and developed the recipe for orange pineapple ice cream which is on Alabama’s 100 Dishes list.
We’ve just scratched the surface of things to see and do in the Quad-cities area. There also is Helen Keller’s Birthplace and Home, Tom Hendrix's Wall and fashion-icon Billy Reid’s shop in the area. On any given weekend, there is always live music featuring that Muscle Shoals sound.
