Deluxe: Meanwhile In North Alabama - The Muscle Shoals Sound

In this episode of Salvation South Deluxe, discover how Muscle Shoals, Ala., became the unlikely birthplace of legendary hits by Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, the Rolling Stones, and more. Host Chuck Reece and Grammy-winning historian Rob Bowman explore the origins, sounds, and secrets of the Shoals, where Black and white musicians joined forces to create a revolutionary hybrid of soul, pop, country and rock. Hear stories from Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers, tales of Rick Hall’s iron will, and first-hand accounts of legendary studio sessions that shaped American music history. Dive deep into the music, the culture, and the hidden stories behind the “land of a thousand dances”—where the Swampers and their collaborators changed the world, one song at a time.

Key artists: Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Tim McGraw, Bob Seger, Mavis Staples

Historic themes: Racial collaboration, Southern cultural identity, musical innovation

Special guests: Rob Bowman, Patterson Hood

To experience the full story and more Southern musical magic, listen now and visit SalvationSouth.com.

Salvation South editor Chuck Reece comments on Southern culture and values in a weekly segment that airs Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on GPB Radio. Salvation South Deluxe is a series of longer Salvation South episodes which tell deeper stories of the Southern experience through the unique voices that live it. You can also find them here at GPB.org/Salvation-South and wherever you get your podcasts.