FAME (Florence Alabama Musical Enterprises, Muscle Shoals, Alabama)
Started by musician turned producer Rick Hall , FAME cut some of the best albums of the 1960s and 70s. At first Hall envisioned recording country songs and blues, but his first band cut out to Nashville, and he headed in another direction. Hiring Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, and Chip Moman, they turned out plenty of hits and gained world wide recognition. The first session to put FAME on the map was Wilson Pickett's "Land of 1000 Dances," when he was brought down by Atlantic Jerry Wexler. I intend this to be somewhat of a tribute post, please contribute any knowledge you have and some of your favourite recordings, as I know I have left a lot out and that there are people on this board who know infinetly more than me about this historic place. Two of my favourite albums from this studio:Arthur Conley "Sweet Soul Music" The title track of this album was big hit for the Otis Redding protoge Conley. The whole album is really great, a standout being "I Can't Stop." Etta James "Tell Mama" Recorded with most fo the band from "Why Not Tonight" Etta came from Chi-town soon after Aretha cut "I Nevber Loved a Man". Even though Etta recorded this while on a constant nod, she sings from the gut and you can hear it.I left this pretty open, please contribute.
