New Shoals Music Archive launches on UNA’s campus

Muscle Shoals may be a small Alabama town, but it’s also a music powerhouse, known for recording studios like FAME bringing in talent from across the world.

To create a new way to interact with the region’s rich music heritage, organizers launched the Shoals Music Archive at the University of North Alabama (UNA).

Shoals Music Archive

According to a press release from UNA, Shoals Music Archive (SMA) will be a collection of artifacts and memorabilia that capture the dynamic and diverse musical history of North Alabama from the 19th century to the present.

“The University of North Alabama’s new Shoals Music Archive serves as a vital bridge connecting the rich musical heritage of Muscle Shoals with future generation.”

By preserving and showcasing the region’s storied past – from Sam Phillips and the groundbreaking recordings of the Muscle Shoals’ studios – the Archive ensures that the legacy of the Shoals musical legends continues to inspire and resonate within the community.”

Rodney Hall ’89 UNA graduate, owner and operator, FAME Recording Studios

Expected to fill SMA is artifacts like:

• Photography from local legend Dick Cooper
• Interviews + research notes from Chris Reali, author of Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals: The sound that built the Hit Recording Capital of the World
• Memorabilia from GRAMMY-winner John Paul White

Music history of The Shoals

Shoals Music Archive adds to the extensive music history surrounding North Alabama, specifically The Shoals.

FAME studios has hosted countless famous artists and cut dozens of hit songs. Many artists were drawn to the studio not only because of their success and musicals talents, but because of its location in a small southern town.

Artists such as Wilson Pickett and Duane Allman were drawn to the studio because it was away from all the big city constraints. Artists saw the studio as a place they could experiment and take risks.

Some notable artists to record at FAME studios include:

“The Shoals has an unparalleled history in the entertainment industry. Songwriters, artists, musicians, producers, engineers, and label heads have all called it home. An archiving like this will be an incredibly valuable asset to the community.

Every day, I learn something new about our rich, diverse story. I look forward to seeing it all compiled into one place for the Shoals – and the world—to grasp the weight of influence here fully.”

Michael Burns, concert promoter

What do you think of the Shoals Music Archive? Tag us @thebamabuzz to let us know!