Muscle Shoals, Alabama
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Muscle Shoals is a city located in Colbert County, Alabama, USA. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city is 11,924, and is included in The Shoals MSA.
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Geography
Image:ALMap-doton-MuscleShoals.PNG Muscle Shoals is located at 34°45'3" North, 87°39'1" West (34.750788, -87.650278)Template:GR.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 31.5 km² (12.2 mi²). 31.5 km² (12.2 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 11,924 people, 4,710 households, and 3,452 families residing in the city. The population density was 378.3/km² (979.7/mi²). There were 5,010 housing units at an average density of 158.9/km² (411.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.88% White, 14.16% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. 1.16% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 4,710 households out of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $40,216, and the median income for a family was $48,113. Males had a median income of $38,063 versus $21,933 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,113. 7.3% of the population and 5.4% of families were below the poverty line. 8.1% of those under the age of 18 and 7.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Music
The city is one of four cities known as the Quad Cities, the others being Florence, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. Muscle Shoals is known for recording many hit songs in the 1960s and 70s by artists such as James & Bobby Purify, Arthur Alexander, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, The Osmonds, Alvin and the Chipmunks, 2 Live Crew, Etta James, Clarence Carter, Otis Redding, Duane Allman, Mac Davis, Paul Anka, Ronnie Milsap, Jerry Reed, John Michael Montgomery, Reba McEntire, Blackhawk, and Shenandoah. Bo Bice, of American Idol fame, even recorded there before his fame on the popular television show. Although Muscle Shoals has receded somewhat from its 1960s and 1970s status as "Hit Recording Capital of the World," as a sign near the airport said, it remains an important and enduring landmark location for the American recording industry. With careful city planning, however, it should have no trouble in maintaining the deserved title of "Metal Building Capital of the World".
Image:Muscle Shoals AGM-19.jpg In the song "Sweet Home Alabama," by Lynyrd Skynyrd a verse states that "Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers." The "Swampers" were studio musicians who were available if backup was needed. They were given this name by Leon Russell, and several of their gold and platinum records read "To The Swampers." Lynyrd Skynyrd saw these awards when they recorded there, and later included it in the song as a tribute. By definition, a "Swamper" is a helper, such as a waitress or truck drivers assistant. The musicians were "hired guns," hence the nickname.
The "Swampers", also known as the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, were recently inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. To celebrate their success, MSRS released a limited-edition compilation CD, sold through the Hall of Fame, containing ten instrumental tracks. The tracks include "Swampers", "Muscle Shoals", "3614 Jam", and "Inner Tube". The CD came with a special insert full of information about the members of MSRS.
The members of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section were Donny Short (lead guitar), Jimmy Johnson (guitar), Roger Hawkins (drums), David Hood (bass), and Barry Beckett (keyboards).
More recently, Florence native, Patterson Hood, son of "Swamper", David Hood, has risen to fame in his own right as a member of the alternative rock group, Drive-By Truckers.
"Original Swamper" Jimmy Johnson recently recorded tracks for the debut album of up & coming Rock group KING KARMA at the legendary studio at 3614 Jackson Hwy, recently restored by Noel Webster.
The second Muscle Shoals Sound Studios located at 1000 Alabama Avenue in Sheffield, closed its doors in January 2005 and has been purchased by Cypress Moon Productions, a film production company. The equally famous FAME Recording Studios continue to operate out of Muscle Shoals, however.
External links
Template:Mapit-US-cityscalede:Muscle Shoals (Alabama) io:Muscle Shoals, Alabama