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Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: Where Legends Recorded

Step into music history at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where legends created the iconic 'Muscle Shoals sound' in Sheffield, Alabama.

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Experience the magic of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where iconic artists like the Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin laid down tracks that defined a generation. Tour this meticulously restored studio and immerse yourself in the history of the 'Muscle Shoals sound'.

A brief summary to Muscle Shoals Sound Studios

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
  • Check the studio's website for any schedule changes due to recording sessions or special events.
  • Consider visiting other nearby music landmarks like FAME Recording Studios and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame for a complete 'Muscle Shoals sound' experience.
  • Take advantage of the ample parking available, including options for RVs and buses.
  • Check out the gift shop for unique souvenirs and memorabilia to remember your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Sheffield, head north on Jackson Highway (Highway 43). The studio is located at 3614 N Jackson Highway, a short drive from the city center. Parking is available in the gravel lot directly beside the studio. Additional parking for RVs and buses is located behind the studio on Tennessee Street. Paved parking is available across the street.

  • Public Transport

    The Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG) offers a Dial-a-Ride service in the Shoals area. Contact them to schedule a ride to the studio. Fees vary depending on the distance.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and taxis are available in Sheffield. Request a ride to 3614 N Jackson Highway. Expect to pay around $12-$17 for a short trip within Sheffield.

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Discover more about Muscle Shoals Sound Studios

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, located at 3614 N Jackson Highway in Sheffield, Alabama, is a hallowed ground for music enthusiasts. Founded in 1969 by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, also known as 'The Swampers' – David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Roger Hawkins, and Barry Beckett – the studio quickly became a haven for artists seeking its unique soulful sound. Originally a coffin showroom built in 1946, the unassuming concrete building transformed into a legendary recording space. Cher's 1969 album, '3614 Jackson Highway,' inadvertently gave the studio its informal name. The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Paul Simon, and countless others flocked here, drawn by the Swampers' tight rhythm section and the studio's laid-back atmosphere. Hits like the Rolling Stones' 'Brown Sugar' and 'Wild Horses' were born within these walls. The studio operated at this location until 1979, later moving to a larger facility. After falling into disrepair, the Muscle Shoals Music Foundation purchased the studio in 2013 and meticulously restored it to its 1970s glory, thanks to a grant from Beats Electronics. Today, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is open for tours, offering visitors a chance to stand in the very spot where music history was made. Explore the studio, control room, and basement, and learn about the stories behind the legendary recordings. The studio also functions as a recording facility, ensuring the legacy of the Muscle Shoals sound continues to inspire future generations.

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