Magical Music at Muscle Shoals and Florence Marina (#64)

We went into Muscle Shoals Sound Studio with no idea of what this place was. We were pleased when they welcomed us into the doors to explain what the place was and the history of recordings in the building. None of us also realized that there was a group called the Swampers who were four backup musicians which literally helped artist craft music in their hometown. These artists loved their homes, didn't want to travel, and loved playing music. They didn't need the fame or fortune - just the opportunity to play.

This place had a magical vibe that is hard to explain.

One thing we learned that recording studio bands were instrumental in sometimes writing the infamous parts of the music that we love so much in our songs.

There is a great story about the writing of Old Time Rock and Roll. We were all so moved by this experience, we decided to have our picture taken.

And then Muscle Schoals is a place where african and country sounds intertwined into beautiful music where the color of the artists skins were uncertain in a time of racial unrest. As we sit in another pivotal time in American history as our nation battles for decency, the rule of law and our moral compass, we can remember all those that have come before us...

We later went to the second studio, which is now Cypress Moon Studios.

We also went to the FAME studio where Muscle Shoals Sound Studio broke off from originally. Out of all of them, the first Muscle Schoals is the one that we all felt a special sense of magic when we were there.

And this is us.

And this is some of the original sound equipment they still use. Both FAME and Muscle Shoals have the ability to still record to tape.

Fascinating to see this equipment used to record so many great hits of the 70's.

We also went to Hellen Keller's home and saw where she and her "teacher" lived. Helen's first word that she learned was water. And the Mississippi was know as the singing river because when the water ran over the muscles it made a musical sound. So many connections to sound and water in this one magical place. Florence itself looks unremarkable, but has a wonderful feeling. We recommend Florence as a place to visit.

Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House

We were able to get a quick tour of the Rosenbuam House included in our Florence Ticket package.

This house was et up for six people and later they added on a whole other more functional eating and living area. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the addition and the wife/mother lived here until she died.