Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals in Alabama was a legendary musical hotbed in the 1960s and 1970s, shaping hits by artists such as Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon. Christopher M. Reali's book "Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals" explores the region's history, impact on country music, and transformation into a tourism destination.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Muscle Shoals, a musical hotbed in the 1960s and 1970s, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, shaping hits by iconic artists such as Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon. In his comprehensive book, Christopher M. Reali delves into the events and factors that propelled the Muscle Shoals sound to cultural prominence. Artists from all over the world traveled to FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound in search of the authentic southern Black music, often surprised to find predominantly white studio musicians ready to play it for them. Some sought to emulate the hitmaking production process that defined the scene, while others aimed to tap into the region's rich history of country music.

Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals goes beyond the surface, shedding light on the people, place, and events that shaped this legendary recording scene. Reali explores the overlooked history of Muscle Shoals' impact on country music, highlighting the contributions of local musicians and producers. He also documents the region's recent transformation into a tourism destination, attracting music enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

With its rich narrative, detailed research, and stunning photographs, Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals is a must-read for anyone interested in music, culture, and the power of place. It serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Muscle Shoals and its profound influence on the world of music.

Muscle Shoals, a musical hotbed in the 1960s and 1970s, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, shaping hits by iconic artists such as Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon. In his comprehensive book, Christopher M. Reali delves into the events and factors that propelled the Muscle Shoals sound to cultural prominence. Artists from all over the world traveled to FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound in search of the authentic southern Black music, often surprised to find predominantly white studio musicians ready to play it for them. Some sought to emulate the hitmaking production process that defined the scene, while others aimed to tap into the region's rich history of country music.

Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals goes beyond the surface, shedding light on the people, place, and events that shaped this legendary recording scene. Reali explores the overlooked history of Muscle Shoals' impact on country music, highlighting the contributions of local musicians and producers. He also documents the region's recent transformation into a tourism destination, attracting music enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

With its rich narrative, detailed research, and stunning photographs, Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals is a must-read for anyone interested in music, culture, and the power of place. It serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Muscle Shoals and its profound influence on the world of music.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252044519