Music & Heritage Tour with The Shoals
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, no strenuous activity involved
Overview
Step into the heart of Alabama’s musical history with The Shoals Studio Tour. Discover legendary studios and the stories behind timeless hits in this immersive experience.
THE SHOALS STUDIO TOUR
Visit The Places that Created the Soundtrack of your Life!!
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About This Adventure
Embark on The Shoals Studio Tour and immerse yourself in music history! Visit iconic studios where legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Aretha Franklin recorded timeless hits. With a professional guide and engaging audio, explore the birthplace of your favorite songs in just 2.5 hours. Experience the magic of music creation firsthand!
Let's Adventure!
Duration
2.5 hours
Sit at the piano where Lynyrd Skynyrd created Free Bird. Feel the vibe of where Mick and the boys recorded Brown Sugar. Stand in the room where Aretha found her voice. Or, walk through the room where Dylan recorded, You Gotta Serve Somebody. Experience it all on The Shoals Studio Tour!
What to Expect!
Rick Hall was forced out of SPAR Studio, and turned an old tobacco warehouse into the first valid recording studio in the Shoals area, where he recorded Arthur Alexander's “You Better Move On.” With those royalties, he moved to FAME’s current location.
Several hits later, and after losing his first rhythm section to Nashville, his second rhythm section (Barry Beckett, Roger Hawkins, David Hood and Jimmy Johnson - later dubbed “The Swampers”) left to start their own recording studio across town – converting a small building (which at the time was storing casket vaults) into Muscle Shoals Sound.
You know the story! You’ve seen the movie! Now, come see where the soundtrack to your life was recorded! The studios of Rick Hall and the Swampers!! FAME, Muscle Shoals Sound and Cypress Moon!
This tour stops at FAME Recording Studios, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and Cypress Moon Studios (formerly Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Alabama Avenue facility.). Each tour stop is approximately 30 minutes
What's Included?
- Professional guide
- Bus driver
- Headphones to experience a clear and uninterrupted presentation during the tour
What to Bring?
- Comfortable attire
- Water bottles are permitted but No Food or Beverages are permitted.
Important Information
- Unfortunately, the bus is NOT handicap accessible. Seats closest to the side-sliding door will be made available for patrons who have limited mobility.
- No animals are permitted on the bus
Adventure Tips
Book in advance
Secure your spot early, as tours tend to fill up quickly due to high demand.
Bring comfortable shoes
Tours involve walking and standing inside historic studios, so wear comfortable footwear.
Listen actively
Pay close attention to audio guides for the full story behind each recording session.
Check weather forecast
If the tour is outdoor or includes walking, prepare for weather conditions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagles
- Blue herons
History
The Shoals area became a recording epicenter in the 1960s when local studios gained national prominence, influencing the sound of Southern rock and soul.
Conservation
The region promotes sustainable tourism by supporting local artists and maintaining historic studios while minimizing environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Huntsville
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking and standing inside studios and on tour routes.
Notebook or camera
Capture memories or take notes during the informative stops.
Portable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the tour.
Sun protection
Use sunscreen or hats if touring outdoors on sunny days.
summer specific