Muscle Shoals Has Got The Swampers

A package arrived in the mail a couple of days ago.  The return address indicated the sender was my pal The First Mate.  Handling the envelope suggested an article of clothing inside – my guess was a shirt. 

That was an easy deduction as I already knew were the mate had been from a recent email.  He had made - and completed - his pilgrimage before me.  Inside the package was a T-shirt - and a note which read as follows:         

Tom,     

The enclosed shirt is not just your run of the mill souvenir T-shirt.  It is one of two designs that were actually done by members of the Swampers (I have the other).  Yours was created by David Hood, the bassist, and the one I have was created by Jimmy Johnson, the guitarist (may he rest in peace).    

Wear it with pride Brother Swill,  

Pat       

click on the shirt for a closer look

If you are unaware of the history - The Swampers happen to be a group of session musicians from the northern Alabama town of Muscle Shoals.  Originally known as the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section - this collection of musicians affectionately called The Swampers have left an indelible mark on the American music scene from the 1960s thru the 1980s.  They have been associated with more than 500 recordings - including 75 gold and platinum hits.

The Swampers' mastery of R+B, soul and country music often led to disbelief that these studio musicians were white guys frequently providing back-up for recording black artists.

In 1969 the Swampers parted-company with Rick Hall and FAME Studios and founded their own competing business, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. They also copyrighted the name The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. 

If you have an opportunity watch the documentary - the short trailer serves to provide additional historic reference....

 

Muscle Shoals has got The Swampers.

 

- Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama, 1974.