ROCK 'N ROLL HEAVEN

The area known for the Muscle Shoals Sound includes the interconnected towns of Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals, either side of the Tennessee River.

The Muscle Shoals Sound could be defined by a handful of songs recorded in the mid 60's. 

"When A Man Loves A Woman"

"I'll Take You There"

"I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)

Muscle Shoals, AL

Not the original building in Florence, AL
but now located in Muscle Shoals, AL

 This is where Rick Hall's (known as "the Father of the Muscle Shoals Sound") FAME Studios (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) and the rival Muscle Shoals Sound Studios Aretha Franklin (who became the Queen of Soul when she recorded "I Never Loved a Man"), found her groove, Paul Simon developed "Kodachrome", and Wilson Pickett cranked up "Mustang Sally".  

A few others who cut iconic hits were Mick Jagger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steve Winwood, Otis Redding, Duane Allman, Paul Anka, the Osmonds, Percy Sledge and Etta James.  There were also songs cut by Tina Turner, the Beatles, Jet, Elton John, B. B. King, Tim McGraw, the Dixie Chicks, Leann Rimes and numerous others. 

Keith Richards stated his opinion about Muscle Shoals simply:  "It's rock 'n roll heaven."

North Alabama Recording Studio (NOALA)
Producer and Disc Jockey in Sheffield

Hospital orderly Percy Sledge recorded in 1960
Sheffield, AL

No one can explain the magic.  Some explain it could have been the Tennessee River, known to Native Americans as "The Singing River" in folklore over several hundred years ago.

The Tennessee River looking
toward Muscle Shoals, AL

We've been to this area many times and noticed many large iconic aluminum sculptures throughout the Shoals area which were created to commemorate the Shoals musical heritage.  A local Sheffield company, Wise Alloys, donated the aluminum for the project located in downtown Sheffield.

"The Singing River"
Sheffield, AL

This 18' tall sculpture is one of several throughout the area.  The sculptures are known to represent "The Singing River" and not any musician in particular.

A 25' tall aluminum sculpture is located in Muscle Shoals, AL near the library and the local high school.

A Bass Player as part of "The Singing River"

If you're a baby boomer like us you feel you've been a part of this history.   We could sing just about everyone of the songs I've mentioned above....maybe even dance just the way we did back then!  Tomorrow is a travel day and we'll be heading northward and perhaps you'll hear us going down the road singing at the top of our lungs "On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, or "I've Been Everywhere", by Johnny Cash.

WE DID THE TENNESSEE WALTZ IN ALABAMA

Scenic Alabama US Highway 24 

McFarland Park - on the Tennessee River
Florence AL

Like so many of our RV friends, we have our favorite places, favorite cities, and favorite foods at favorite places.  In many instances we go out of our way to try new experiences, sample new foods, and attend annual regional cultural events.

Scenic Drive into McFarland Park
Florence, AL

That's why every year we look forward to spending time in northwest Alabama and parts of Mississippi, not only because of the friendly and hospitable people, but we choose to have our annual RV maintenance service done on our motorhome in Red Bay, AL.

Entrance - McFarland Park
Florence, AL

Picnic Tables and Shelters located throughout
McFarland Park

Fishing Pier at McFarland Park
Tennessee River

One of our favorites is in beautiful Florence, Alabama - on the Tennessee River, across from Muscle Shoals, AL.  There's nothing better than a couple of weeks of downtime at McFarland Park and Marina after we leave Red Bay.  McFarland Park, a full service campground with 60 sites, is conveniently located to downtown shopping and restaurants, and if we have an opportunity we enjoy going to the University of North Alabama to visit with their live lion mascots, Leo and Una, in their beautiful natural habitat.

Leo and Una - Mascots
University of North Alabama

The University of Northern Alabama has been a well-respected State university since 1830.

Campus of University of North Alabama
Florence, AL

In the past we enjoyed the character of the McFarland Park teepees along the edge of the Tennessee River,  but in the last couple of years these had to be removed after several storms and hard rains made them uninhabitable....yes, people rented these fun places!  While I never had the opportunity to sleep in one, it was on my bucket list.

McFarland Park Teepees - Florence, AL

McFarland Park - Florence AL

Unfortunately, maintenance on the bridge from Muscle Shoals to Florence made it extremely difficult for us to visit the McFarland Park for over a year.

View from Muscle Shoals, AL to
Bridge over Tennessee River at Marina at
McFarland Park - Florence, AL

 Recently we enjoyed returning to McFarland Park to do what we call a "reconnaissance visit".   A short visit told us the park was still a nice place to visit and enjoy the campground facilities, and locals and travelers like ourselves still enjoy the well kept and secure natural park setting as well as beautiful sunsets on the river.   It is also commonplace to see huge barges that continue on down the Tennessee River to other river destinations.

Barge on Tennessee River - Florence, AL

We enjoy the fact that there is so much history in this area since the area was originally occupied by Native American Indians for hundreds of years, and they left historical artifacts before they were forced on The Trail Of Tears to be forcefully re-settled in Oklahoma.  Also of note is that Florence is the home of  the recognized founder of blues, W.C. Handy.

Florence is the home of the world famous FAME Recording Studios.  Such recording artists as The Tams, Joe Tex, Etta James, Clarence Carter, Wilson Pickett, Paul Anka, Jerry Reed, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Pam Tillis, Aretha Franklin, Mac Davis and Otis Redding were just a few of the famous performers and singers with FAME Publishing.