Love the Swampers: Celebrating 55 years of that Muscle Shoals sound

SHEFFIELD — “Swampaversary” is back, this time in honor of the 55th anniversary of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.

Join the Shoals community Friday at the legendary studio at 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield. 

The Swampers – Jimmy Johnson, David Hood, Roger Hawkins, and Barry Beckett – began operations at the studio in April 1969 with Cher as their first artist recording at the studio. The rest is history. (Hood is the only remaining living member.)

Food trucks, various vendors, and other merchandise will be available throughout the evening. This event is part of the initiative to keep the studio running for another 55 years at least. 

Also Friday, the studio will host the Colbert County Animal Shelter for a pet adoption day sponsored by Pedigree. Come and out and find a “furever” friend for a discounted cost.

A songwriter showcase featuring Mark Naramore will open the evening. As the sun goes down, Nashville rockers Hippies and Cowboys will headline the concert on the grounds of the iconic studio.

Others who have played at Muscle Shoals Sound? The Rolling Stones, Aretha, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, Duane Allman, The Staples Singers, Rod Stewart, and Willie Nelson are just a few who recorded there.

Muscle Shoals Music Foundation’s mission, rooted in preserving the legacy of the iconic studio, encompasses not only musical heritage but the possibilities of what future generations of musicians will accomplish. The Muscle Shoals Music Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, owns and operates the studio. 

One of the Foundation’s key initiatives is fostering education in collaboration with local schools and audio engineering programs. Through internships, mentorship, and access to the historic facilities, it provides students with hands-on experiences in music production. 

Tickets for “Swampaversary” are $55 general admission and can be purchased at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, call 256-978-5151. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Hippies and Cowboys will be performing some classics recorded at the studio along with
original music. Check them out at www.hippiesandcowboysband.com.

Additionally, the studio is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours take place every hour on the half-hour, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The last tour of the day begins at 3:30 p.m.

Tour tickets are $20 per person, $15 senior/military, $12 student, and free for kids 5 and under. For more information, visit the website Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.