The 20 best songs ever recorded in Muscle Shoals

"On January 2, 2018, American record producer, songwriter, music publisher, and musician Rick Hall best known as the owner of Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama died aged 85. Hall almost single-handedly established the town of Muscle Shoals as a crucible of some of the greatest soul music to be produced in America in the Sixties and Seventies. Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Etta James and Clarence Carter were just a few of the rhythm and blues artists who recorded under Hall’s supervision, using the superlative group of session musicians who formed the basis of what became known as the 'Muscle Shoals sound.'" The author's choice of the top 20 is interesting. Click the link to find the ranking. From the article:

"The 20 best songs ever recorded in Muscle Shoals

It happened more than once: A rock-star comes to Muscle Shoals looking to tap into the chicken-fried sounds of records made there, expecting to work with black session musicians, only to find out the dudes who played on their favorite Staple Singers and Wilson Pickett hits were unglamorous Caucasians. Such is the Shoals' country-funk mystique. And deceptively simple sonic sorcery. The 2013 documentary film "Muscle Shoals" cast a bright light on the North Alabama area's rich recording legacy, particularly from the mid-60s to late-70s. Why were so many people able to make great records there? Besides access to ace session players like Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, aka The Swampers, and sharp producers like Rick Hall, the area was virtually distraction free, particularly compared to New York or Los Angeles. Fewer hangers-on, groupies, nightclubs and dealers equaled a greater focus on making music. Picking the 20 best songs ever recorded in the Muscle Shoals area, at now-iconic studios such as Fame and Muscle Shoals Sound, is a daunting task. There's been so much amazing music made there. But here goes. By Matt Wake."