Experience the Musical Sounds of Alabama
September 2022
There’s a lot going on in the music industry in Alabama, both historically and in the present day. In fact, Alabama is known for its rich musical history. W.C. Handy, the Father of the Blues, was born in the area, and his contributions reverberated and are still heard in today’s sounds. Dinah Washington, “The Queen of the Blues” also was born in Alabama as was country music legend Hank Williams. Muscle Sound Studio (3614 Jackson Highway) and FAME Recording studios saw international stars Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Otis Redding and Lynyrd Skynyrd record hit records. Alabama native Sam Phillips also lived in the Northwest Alabama area, discovered Elvis, and is credited with recording the first rock-n-roll song. Jimmy Buffett also grew up in Alabama and is known for creating his own “beach” sound. To this day Alabama’s musical sound and influence can be heard in songs and musical arrangements all over the United States. Alabama’s Music Trail offers visitors a perspective on the importance of the state of the industry. Below is an itinerary that touches on the sites and sounds of Alabama’s contributions to music.
THE SHOALS AREA
Your journey begins in the northwest Alabama towns of Florence, Tuscumbia, Sheffield and Muscles Shoals, located just two hours southeast of Elvis’s Graceland home in Memphis. The “Father of the Blues,” W.C. Handy was born in Florence where the annual Handy Music Festival is held each summer. Sam Phillips, another native son, discovered Elvis. The Elvis contract between Sam Phillips and RCA is located in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in nearby Tuscumbia. FAME Studios is just one of the recording studios located in these small Alabama cities where international superstars like Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Otis Redding and the Rolling Stones came to record in the 60s at music venues in The Shoals Area.
The Smokehouse
Florence
This venue is a historic Florence eatery and poolroom where bands play live music each weekend from a balcony overlooking the restaurant and lounge.
Rattlesnake Saloon at Seven Springs Lodge
Tuscumbia
Built under an ancient Indian bluff shelter, the outdoor stage features live country music Thursday through Saturday.
MONTGOMERY
Continue your trip southward to Alabama’s capital city of Montgomery, the central point in the Hank Williams legend. Hank was country music’s first superstar, selling 10 million records from 1947 to 1953. Hank’s final resting spot is located a mile from the Hank Williams Museum which houses Hank’s artifacts including the powder-blue Cadillac he was riding in when he died.
1048 Jazz and Blues
Montgomery
This cozy jazz and blues bar offers live music nightly and a small area for dancing. Most who go there say it has a “great vibe.”
Capitol Oyster Bar
Montgomery
Known as the area’s best-kept secret overlooking the Alabama River, this restaurant has the best seafood in the Montgomery area. It also has some of the best live music.
GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH
A few miles from Mobile, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are resort towns with 32 miles of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Live bands perform at entertainment establishments including the Florabama, the famous roadhouse beach bar right on the Alabama/Florida state line.
LuLu’s
Gulf Shores
LuLu’s in Gulf Shores has live music nightly and the restaurant is owned by Jimmy Buffet’s sister.
Flora-Bama
Orange Beach
Flora-Bama in Orange Beach is a roadside dive bar known for its famous Bushwacker drink and live music. The venue has multiple stages with bands playing nightly.
