The Fan Girl In Me When Touring Alabama's Music City

Last Updated 3/20/2024 • Posted in The Shoals (Colbert County), Stories, AL North, Music

The Fan Girl Inside of Me

For as much as I love music, I hate to admit I had never ventured to Muscles Shoals until earlier this year. I always knew some of the greats had recorded some magic in the Shoals, but that was about the extent of it.

However, when given the opportunity to experience Muscle Shoals, I jumped at it. To the point, it really felt like I was going to see Santa Claus this February and was counting down the days just like I used to do when the Big Man in Red would come to visit.

The visit consisted of more than music and we will get to that as well… but, the music is what got me on the road, and it's the music that will continue to “take me there.” First things first, though. You have to understand “The Shoals” consists of four cities Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, and Florence. Also known collectively as the “Quad Cities” it may be a little confusing as to which town you’re in at any given moment.

The three attractions for music lovers in Colbert County a as follows: FAME Studios (Muscle Shoals), Muscle Shoals Sound (Sheffield), and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame (Tuscumbia). Before you make your trip to Alabama’s Music Cities, treat yourself to the documentary “Muscle Shoals.” You can get it on several streaming platforms and it will definitely prepare you for what’s next.

The film, released nearly a decade ago, is a documentary about FAME Studios and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. It is virtually a who’s who of musicians including Mick Jagger, Bono, Alicia Keys, and Aretha Franklin in what would be her last film appearance.