The Muscle Shoals All-Stars—Jimmy Johnson and David Hood of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (also known as the Swampers), the Muscle Shoals Horns, and a host of others—are the architects of some of the most iconic music this country has ever produced. Backing artists like Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, the Staple Singers, Paul Simon, Jimmy Cliff, and Percy Sledge, and “creating licks and riff that take no more than five notes to name” (Allmusic.com), this rhythm section developed a distinct Muscle Shoals sound. Making a rare trip together outside the studio, the Muscle Shoals All-Stars will perform the songs that helped propel them deep into the canon of American popular music.
Opening the evening will be lauded Alabama songwriter and session man Donnie Fritts alongside John Paul White, formerly of the Grammy-winning duo the Civil Wars, performing songs from their forthcoming Single Lock Records release.