Alabama Music Hall of Fame

05/21/2026

Jimmy Hughes, one of the pioneers of the Muscle Shoals Sound whose 1964 hit song "Steal Away" was among the early hits to come out of FAME Studios, has passed away. We send our deepest condolences.

05/21/2026

Today we remember Roger Hawkins, who passed away 5 years ago today.

One of the greatest drummers to ever sit behind a kit, Roger was the groove behind countless soul, R&B, and rock classics. As a key member of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and co-founder of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, he helped shape the sound of American music, laying down the beat on tracks by The Staples Singers, Paul Simon, Percy Sledge, and so many others. His playing was subtle but powerful, and always in service of the song.

Grateful for the music he gave us. Rest easy, Roger.🥁🖤

05/14/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Clarence Carter's passing.

Clarence Carter was a singer, guitarist, and songwriter known for blending deep blues, country-soul, gospel intensity, and down-to-earth humor. The typical Clarence Carter record features his mammoth vocal and twanging Jazzmaster guitar figures over a solid Muscle Shoals soul groove, accented by a sonorous Memphis-style horn chart. Born January 14, 1936 in Montgomery, Alabama, he was blind from birth and later attended Alabama State University, where he earned a degree in music.

He began recording with Calvin Scott as part of Clarence & Calvin and the C&C Boys before establishing himself at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals. There, his warm baritone voice and blues-driven guitar style helped define the Southern soul sound. His breakthrough as a solo artist came with “Slip Away,” a million-selling hit in 1968, followed by the gold-certified single “Too Weak to Fight.”

Carter reached his peak on the pop charts in 1970 with “Patches,” a powerful narrative about a young man forced to take on adult responsibilities, which became his third gold record and a major success on both pop and R&B charts.

Clarence Carter was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 2003. Attached is a video of Clarence at our 2008 Induction Banquet.

Clarence Carter's performance at the 2008 Alabama Music Hall of Fam...

05/08/2026

We love all of our field trips! 🫶🏼
It’s been a great spring season & we’re still going! If you have a school group/class/club/etc., we still have some availability for May & June.
Each field trip includes a scavenger hunt or music trivia and a recording session. 🎶

Thank y’all! 🤩

05/08/2026

So excited to be a part of Visit North Alabama's new Music Trail! 🪇
This brand new trail follows the rhythms of a region where legendary sounds were born and new voices continue to rise. This is a perfect opportunity to check out new places or revisit old favorites.

We are extremely grateful for everything that Visit North Alabama does for our state!

05/05/2026

Known as the Solid Gold Country Music Car, this 1961
Pontiac convertible belonged first to Webb Pierce and then to Happy Hal Burns.

Webb Pierce commissioned Nudie to fully customize the interior. This ‘61 Pontiac’s interior is hand-tooled leather with a saddle in between the front seats and over 10 guns. This car sure is an eye-catcher! 👀

Burns launched Birmingham’s first local prime-time television show for WBRC. In addition to working as a manager and promoter, Burns was also a songwriter - writing over 100 songs, one of which he co-wrote with Tex Ritter and was recorded by George Strait (“Cow Town”). 🎶

04/28/2026

Happy birthday, Chuck!! 🎂

Happy 74th birthday to Chuck Leavell, who remains a very good friend of the studio. Thank you for all your support in revitalizing Capricorn Sound Studios! Photo: Herb Kossover/© Retro Photo Archive

04/24/2026

Join us at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame for the 5th Annual Arc of the Shoals Car Show this Sunday, April 26th from 12-4 PM! 🚗 You can expect an afternoon of family fun with live music, food trucks, door prizes, and an impressive lineup of cars. 🎶🍲

🎟️ $20 entry
📍 617 US-72 W, Tuscumbia, AL 35674