“Now, Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers
And they’ve been known to pick a song or two
Lord, they get me off so much
They pick me up when I’m feeling blue
Now, how ’bout you?“
Sweet Home Alabama / Lynyrd Skynyrd
Los Angeles had The Wrecking Crew of session musicians. Nashville had The A Team. Detroit had The Funk Brothers. And in Alabama, there was a group of studio musicians who more than held their own.
The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, also known as The Swampers, thanks to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s tribute, consisted of four men you’ve definitely heard – but likely never heard of. Session musicians David Hood on bass, Jimmy Johnson on rhythm guitar, Roger Hawkins on drums, and Barry Beckett on keyboards (later replaced by Spooner Oldham), played on scores of hit records in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s
From 1969 to 1978 alone, The Swampers played on more than 200 albums and had hundreds of hit songs with artists including Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, the Staples Sisters, Willie Nelson, and Cat Stevens, just to name a few. More than 75 RIAA Gold and Platinum records came out of their studio.
The Swampers honed their craft at FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama by playing with musicians like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Wilson Pickett. To FAME owner Rick Hall’s surprise, shortly after the Aretha Franklin sessions, The Swampers left FAME to start their own recording studio.
Jerry Wexler, the vice president of Atlantic Records, had offered the men a $19,000 loan to start their own studio and offered them financial support for the first 18 months. The Swampers took it and opened the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio at 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield, Alabama, which is within the “Shoals” jurisdiction.
More than a few musicians were surprised to see how small the studio was and even more surprised to learn that the musicians backing many notable black artists were white guys.
“When Paul Simon wanted to come here to record,” said Jimmy Johnson, “he phoned Al Bell at Stax Records, who had put out some of our recordings, and said he wanted the same black band that had played on those records. Bell said, ‘Well I can book you the same band but for black guys you’re going to find them awfully pale.'”
Black, white or green, The Swampers left a legacy of timeless music. The medley below is a very small sample. And yes, they do “pick me up when I’m feeling blue. Now, how ’bout you?“
Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
The Swampers Medley
Percy Sledge – Aretha Franklin
Staple Singers – R.B. Greaves
Paul Simon – Wilson Pickett
Simon & Garfunkel – Bob Seger
Such a great story of these legendary musicians followed by an incredible medley of some of their smooth and sultry hit tunes. Simply wonderful! Music is the best tool for getting through this crazy thing called life, in my opinion. I’ve been making a point to ask my students about their favorite music. More and more, when they come for a break, they ask to listen to a song. Thank you for instilling in me the value and necessity of having music in our lives. 🙂 XOXOXOXO 🙂
Thank you, Wendyl, for a very thoughtful commentary. I love the fact you are teaching your students the importance of music. That kind of knowledge will be so beneficial to them.
My hope for today is that you will get home after school and realize that every day, in every way, you are making such an important difference in their lives.
❤️XOXOXOXO❤️
Good Morning Ray… my 1st thoughts about todays medley was Wow. I told Ted that I should leave a comment & asked what he’d say & his reply was “Thanks for the history lesson & the great music.” I think that covers it well so all I’m going to add is “ditto” & thank you.
Lee (and Ted) … Thank you both! ❤️
What a nice tribute to the people behind the scenes who make things happen. First and foremost your very own Wendy who gets in front of a class everyday and helps her students navigate the educational system. By sharing her love of music she opens up to her students and they can see another side of her. This added dimension draws students in and enhances the process. Bravo Wendy! The Swampers did the same thing, they drew us into the music. Most people focus on the lead singer, but without the people behind him or her, it would be a hallow experience. So thank you Wendy and thank you Swampers for enriching our lives.
Don, how can I put into words my appreciation for your lovely comments about Wendy? The simple truth is I can’t. It was truly beautiful, my friend.
My Wendy comments are heartfelt and so very true. I taught for 35.5 years and mentored for another 5, I get what a contribution she makes everyday. People don’t say thank you enough to the ones who really matter. It is such an easy thing to say but it can’t be said enough. Again, Thank you, Wendy.
Wow I sure have learned a lot today! In addition to the joys of music and bands that played for those vocalists out there, I am enlightened! I love it when it’s educational as well as pleasurable to listen to. I loved all of these songs I had no idea about the swampers. This was great thanks so much Ray for all of your research and the presentation. You’re the best!
Thank you, Sandy. 🙂
It was a lot of fun putting this one together!
So worth the wait… loved it all. 🙂 THANKS
Rose, I am so very glad you enjoyed it! 🥰
Another great medley! My cousin who recently passed away had moved to Alabama a few years back and was always sharing posts of the Swampers and Muscle Shoals, AL. Those of us who are true music lovers know the music behind the vocals is just as important as the singers who sing the songs. Many, such as these songs are a testament to that!
Thank you and ROCK ON!
Thanks, Penny 🙂
I really did LOVE the music those four men made and I thought people who weren’t aware of them should know how good and how prolific they were. Count on a Part 2 sometime soon!
ROCK ON!
Thanks for the excellent music history lesson
As I’ve noted before studio/session musicians/bands are the unsung that have made all these great songs what they became…hits, history cherished favorites.
Great choices, but after noting Lynyrd Skynyrd’s tribute to these four men why no choice by them or did they not back up?
Really enjoyed the music and all that came with it!
Thanks, Mary Helen. 🙂
The closest Lynyrd came to working with the Swampers was having an album produced by Swampers’ guitarist Jimmy Johnson. I actually did consider putting Sweet Home Alabama in the mix as a bonus tribute but I always worry about making the medleys too long.
Ray Wendy is a special person and was put on this earth to do what she is..a FANTASTIC TEACHER!! She will leave her mark on this planet!! Thank you for having the time and the things you do!! Music can bring smiles, tears and deep emotions!! I believe you and I have talked before about the musicians in the background!! All of these are great performers but without the people behind them would not have sounded so good!! Today I am just listening to the backgound music!! So not only did you play some great tunes but gave us all a little history lesson!! The Swampers should all be in the the Hall Of Fame!! Did they all make it or just Spooner Oldham?? Ray give Wendy a hug and tell her it’s from me!! Stay warm love ya!!
Thank you, Fred, for your very beautiful words about Wendy. 🥰
Oddly (and outrageously), only Spooner is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a sideman. All of The Swampers were inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
That’s not right in my opinion!! How are you doing? I hope you are well!! Man you spend so much time on these medleys I sure do enjoy what you put together for us!!!
Fred, thanks for the kind words. I am doing fine and I pray you are, too. 🥰
Awww, Fred…thank you! Your kind words filled my heart! I hope someday we can share a real hug, too!
Song writers don’t get enough press! Great songs! Thanks