Spanning the state’s 16 northernmost counties North Alabama’s history and culture are a part of the region’s current identity in a multitude of ways. Its world-class bass fishing and award-winning barbecue are just two examples. These successes have grown from an ongoing respect and willingness to share generations-old traditions. The stories of its people live on, too. Places like Ivy Green, the Helen Keller Birthplace (300 North Commons West, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-383-4066) and the Jesse Owens Museum (7019 County Road 203, Danville, Alabama 35619; 256-974-3636) tell those stories of perseverance and inspiration.
Perhaps none of the stories here is more pervasive and enduring than that of music. The first of those intertwined music and the Tennessee River, which winds its way across this region. While it provides the foundation for much of the recreational and economic activity here, it is also known as an inspirational force. Legend suggests that the Native American Yuchie Tribe in the region called the Tennessee River “the singing river” because the flowing waters sounded like a woman singing. The story grew to claim that a woman lived in the river and sang songs that protected her people. In the late 1830s, a young teenage Yuchi girl named Te-lah-nay was living near the river and was one of many Native Americans removed from the region. After being forced to walk to Oklahoma, she listened and heard no singing in the waters there. Convinced she would die if she stayed, she escaped and spent five years walking back to Alabama. Her story is immortalized by Tom’s Wall (13890 Lauderdale County 8, Florence, Alabama 35633; 256-764-3617), built by her great, great grandson Tom Hendrix. It consists of 8,000 pounds of stone, is the largest un-mortared rock wall in the United States and the largest memorial to a Native American woman. Each stone represents one step of her journey.
Perhaps it is the enduring spirit of Te-lah-nay that inspired the music that followed here and continues to be such a vital part of the region’s legacy today.
In 1959, FAME Recording Studio (603 Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661; 256-381-0801) was established and became the first successful, professional recording studio in Alabama. When Arthur Alexander’s 1961 hit, “You Better Move On,” was recorded, it launched the famous Muscle Shoals sound. That sound was a result of the collaborations of local studio musicians who became known as The Swampers, who were later immortalized in the Lynyrd Skynyrd hit, “Sweet Home Alabama.” Those musicians opened a studio of their own, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (3614 Jackson Highway Sheffield, Alabama 35660; 256-978-5151), where even more hits where recorded. Famously, Cher’s album, 3614 Jackson Highway, depicted the studio on its cover.
Famous bands and singers, including Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, the Osmonds, Mac Davis, Duane Allman, Rolling Stones, Bob Segar, Paul Simon and many, many more, came to Muscle Shoals to record hit songs at these studios. As a result, Muscle Shoals became known as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.” Both continue to operate as working studios, as well as being popular tourist attractions, offering tours of the restored facilities.
The internationally acclaimed documentary, Muscle Shoals, was released in 2013, told the story of FAME and its founder, Rick Hall, and featured segments with many local musicians and internationally recognized recording artists. The film’s success spurred an interest in the music history of the region among a new generation of music lovers.
North Alabama music attractions
Alabama Music Hall of Fame (617 Highway 72 West Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-381-4417) chronicles the outstanding achievements and the music of Alabamians. “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy, “Father of Rock and Roll” Sam Phillips, Jason Isbell and Percy Sledge (“When a Man Loves a Woman”), all Shoals natives, are among the prestigious inductees. The vast collection of memorabilia from the lives and careers of more than 1,000 stars, representing all styles of America’s music, is on display.
W. C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library (620 West College Street, Florence, Alabama 35630; 256-275-3128) contains the most complete collection in the world of the personal papers and artifacts of the “Father of the Blues.” Handy was born in the simple log cabin in 1873 and the hand-hewn logs seen today are original to the structure.
Unique live music venues
Live music is still a big part of life throughout the Shoals area and can be found nearly every night of the week in area venues. Some of the unique venues throughout North Alabama include:
Shoals Gold Record Room (201 S. Court Street, Florence, Alabama 35630; 256-767-0740, ext. 221) is a salute to the Muscle Shoals music scene and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The room features 60 gold records and a baby grand player piano loaded with Muscle Shoals tunes. Displays of guitars and vintage records contrast the venue’s state-of-the-art sound system.
Cypress Moon Studios (1000 Alabama Avenue, Sheffield, Alabama 35660; 256-335-6961) was the home of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio from 1978-2005, then became Cypress Moon. Concerts are held periodically in the historic studios where many music icons once recorded their hits.
Rattlesnake Saloon (1292 Mt. Mills Road, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-370-7220) This old-fashioned saloon is built into the shelf of a rock outcropping. With swinging doors and a large porch, the unique venue hosts live music on weekends and serves sandwiches, wings and more.
The 8,000-seat Orion Amphitheater (701 Amphitheater Drive NW, Huntsville, Alabama 35806; 256- 964-9556) is an exceptional regional entertainment venue and was featured on Billboard’s global Top Music Venues 2024 list.
