Muscle Shoals Dispatch Archives
...Anticipation for Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight...
...Anticipation for Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight... I just re-watched Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. It's been three years since Tarantino released a movie. I needed a break from revising stories, and decided to delve into his last read more...
The Magic of the Shoals: The Lindsey Film Fest Screening of "Muscle Shoals"
Not since the sold out Drive-By Truckers/ Decoys concert during the 2011
"A Heaping Helping: Songs for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of AL" by Scott Ward
This week I had the pleasure of chatting via Facebook with Alabama musician Scott Ward, producer and director at Lucky Dog Records. Ward has just produced a digital CD designed to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. The CD which features 23 tracks by read more...
Swinging With The Duke at the 2012 W. C. Handy Festival
The Righteous Brothers may sing about a "rock and roll heaven," but when I die I want to go to jazz heaven. And if there is such a thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as a jazz vocalist. I was in jazz heaven for two hours Tuesday read more...
Mayberry is Alive and Well in Rogersville, Alabama
Henry David Thoreau went to the woods because he wanted to "live deliberately." I go to Rogersville, Alabama. Rogersville is a progressive little town that has managed to keep the flavor of a time gone by. read more...
View the BBC's Southern Rock Documentary on Swampland
Swampland has added the BBC's new Southern Rock Documentary to it front page. Go here to view it - Swampland Front Page
Swampland Guest Patsy Glenn Writes about Brandon Sparkman and "Called to Jackson"
My long-time friend Patsy Glenn is a freelance writer residing in Florence, Alabama. Glenn joins Swampland to talk about a local hero, Brandon Sparkman, and his recently published book Called to Jackson, Mississippi: The Last Bastion of Segregation (iuniverse
Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires Release New Song, Album Coming Soon
Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires have been bubbling under the Birmingham scene since Bains cut his teeth playing with Dexateens. With the Dexateens now in a state of read more...
A Conversation with Jerry Masters: "Hanging From A Tree By My Knees"
Jerry Masters, musician and sound engineer for nearly every hit record cut in the Shoals from the late 60s through the early 70s, and I met for breakfast at Cafe Savanna in Rogersville, Alabama, this past August. I had heard by way of Facebook that Masters
Duane Allman: 40 Years Later
Duane Allman: 40 Years Later 40 years ago today Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 24 in Macon, Georgia. One of the greatest slide players to ever touch a guitar, Allman played with Aretha Franklin,
Coming Soon from History Press: "Rocket City Rock and Soul" by Jane DeNeefe
The History Press will release Rocket City Rock and Soul: Huntsville Musicians Remember the 1960s by Huntsville read more...
Documentary About the Life of Rick Bragg "Out of the Dirt" to Premiere In Alabama
The world premiere of Out of the Dirt, a documentary film about the life of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Rick Bragg, will be held at the IMAX Theare in the McWane Science read more...
Drive By Truckers, Bob Dylan & Leon Russell Share A Stage Tonight
Dylan, The Truckers & Leon In Maryland Tonight Tonight in Columbia, Maryland, at The Merriweather Post Pavilion, The Drive By Truckers share a billing with read more...
Wes Freed's Artwork for Drive By Truckers Georgia Theatre Shows
Wes Freed's Drive By Truckers Artwork On August 12th and 13th, The Drive By Truckers will perform for the
The Secret To a Happy Ending: The Decoys, DBT, and a Sunday Jam at Dick Cooper's
According to The Drive-By Truckers, the secret to a happy ending is knowing when to run the credits. This week in the Shoals the secret to a read more...
Handy Festival 2011: Rocking the Shoals with Ken Watters and Microwave Dave
This week is Handy Fest 2011, and I was in the Shoals on Monday night, sitting in the Zodiac Theatre in downtown Florence, Alabama, with Randy, my sister Peggy, and a friend
Swampland's Daily Duo of Reviews For 7/25/11: Ronnie Milsap and Hope Waits
For Monday, we present two Southern artists whose travels around their native region helped to define their diverse and eclectic sensibilities. Ronnie Milsap went from the mountains of North Carolina to Nashville with stops at Atlanta and Memphis in between while Hope Waits read more...
Bob Dylan: The Drawn Blank Series
Bob Dylan: The Drawn Blank Series "Oh, the streets are Rome are filled with rubble Ancient footprints are everywhere..."
Athens Photographer Jason Thrasher Discusses Filming The Drive By Truckers Go-Go Boots Episodes
Jason Thrasher Discusses Go-Go Boots Episodes Alabama native Jason Thrasher filmed episodes revolving around
Next Stop: Wes Freed & The Drive By Truckers
Next Stop: Wes Freed & The Drive By Truckers Here's a quick dispatch this morning in between projects...Later this afternoon I'll interview The Drive By read more...
Drive-By Truckers To Headline 2011 W.C. Handy Festival in Florence, AL
A concert by the Drive-By Truckers with special guests The Decoys, along with music icons Donnie Fritts and Spooner Oldham, will read more...
Official Duane Allman website debuts
Galadrielle Allman, the daughter of late Duane Allman, has helped create a website in tribute to her father - duaneallman.com. Clearly a labor of love, the website provides a home for Duane's legacy as it contains discographies, stories about Duane's life, and a forum for read more...
Drive By Truckers Play Georgia Theatre Grand Opening August 12 & 13
Drive By Truckers Play Georgia Theatre Grand Opening The Drive By Truckers will play two shows for the Grand Opening of the venerable Athens, Georgia, venue--
Billy Reid Shindig in Florence, AL, June 3-4, 2011
Next weekend (June 3-4) will mark the third anniversary of the annual Billy Reid Shindig in Florence, Alabama.
The Civil Wars Play Tornado Benefit at Historic Shoals Theatre in Florence, AL
Once again the marvelously magical duo, The Civil Wars (Joy Williams and John Paul White), took the stage in front of a sold-out house and a wildly enthusiastic audience. This time they were read more...
A Memorial Day Tribute: An Early Salute
A Salute To All The Veterans An early salute for the upcoming weekend... In honor of Memorial Day, and all the read more...
Never A Pal Like Mother
Happy Mother's Day 2011 Happy Mother's Day to Everyone! Since it's Mother's Day weekend, I thought I write a dispatch around the great Atlanta label
Deadly Tornadoes Hit The South
Deadly Tornadoes Rip Through The South "Sirens were blowing, clouds spat rain And as things came through, it sounded like a train..."
Rock and Roll in the Rocket City Continues with Part 3 by Jane DeNeefe
Swampland is celebrating The Year of Alabama Music with a series of articles by Jane DeNeefe about rock & roll music in read more...
Widespread Panic, Jason Isbell & Lucinda Williams Set To Perform SXSW
Widespread Panic, Jason Isbell & Lucinda Williams Perform SXSW My friend Jim Flammia sent me a release yesterday regarding All Eyes Media artists performing at South By Southwest next week. Here is the release:
Free Bonus Tracks with The Drive By Truckers’ Go-Go Boots To Support Indie Record Stores
Free Bonus Tracks with The Drive By Truckers’ Go-Go Boots To Support Indie Record Stores In light of the Drive By Truckers new release
R. Garth Reflects On a Concert by The Civil Wars
Last night my friend and fellow writer Richard Garth (author of the Tales from Blue Springs series) attended a concert by the duo The Civil Wars. The concert was held at the WorkPlay Theatre near the University of Alabama Birmingham (Alabama). I asked Richard, who read more...
Pre-Review First Listen: The Drive By Truckers' Go-Go Boots
Pre-Review First Listen: Drive By Truckers’ Go-Go Boots On February 15, the Drive By Truckers officially release their latest studio album,
Widespread Panic's Sunny Ortiz Discusses 25 Year Anniversary Tour
Widespread Panic’s Sunny Ortiz Discusses 25 Year Anniversary Tour Today I interviewed Widespread Panic percussionist Sunny Ortiz. Sunny called me from Panic’s Brown Cat offices located in the group’s hometown of Athens, Georgia. We discussed read more...
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit's Upcoming Here We Rest
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit’s Here We Rest The official release date is not until April, but yesterday I received my press copy of Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit’s upcoming read more...
Drive By Truckers Shift Into Overdrive
The Drive By Truckers Shift Into Overdrive This Friday and Saturday the Drive By Truckers will play their annual benefit concert at Athens, Georgia’s, 40-Watt Club for
Swampland 2011: "Crossing the Creek" and The Year of Alabama Music
Happy New Year to all you Swamplanders. I apologize for the long hiatus between this post and my last one, but the holidays caught me off guard, and I was running in place for about six weeks. My resolution for 2011 is to complete tasks in a timely fashion. I am read more...
Merry Christmas From Swampland
Merry Christmas From Swampland Ho, Ho, Ho…I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from Swampland. Thanks for all the support. A Happy New Year to you all! Don’t let the Devil get you down. I’ve included a couple of read more...
The Way We Were: From the Kitchen Sink to Bea's Beauty Shop
My mother desperately wanted little girls with little curls right in the middle of their foreheads. To that end, she spent years torturing my sister and me in the kitchen sink with Tonis! She would wind our hair tightly on pink plastic rollers and then douse the rollers in a foul read more...
Widespread Panic’s Porch Songs Vol. 6 & Archive Series #5
Widespread Panic’s Porch Songs Vol. 6 & Archive Series #5 May 31, 1996, counted as Widespread Panic’s first headlining performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. Since then, Panic has sold out the majestic venue 35 consecutive times. read more...
Alabama Designer Billy Reid Wins Prestigious CFDA Fashion Award
Vogue magazine has announced that Alabama clothing designer Billy Reid has received the 2010 CFDA Fashion Fund award. The award, read more...
Lynyrd Skynyrd Video Collection
What a way to start the week! Here are some great videos from the Ronnie Van Zant era of Lynyrd Skynyrd. -Buffalo
Southern Literary Trail Celebrates W. B. Huie Centennial
Hartselle, Alabama, native and best selling novelist William Bradford Huie would have celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday, November 13, 2010. To commemorate the
Keith Richards Writes About Gram Parsons In Life
Keith Richards Writes About Gram Parsons in Life I’ve been reading Keith Richards’ new book, Life. I’ve already made some notes for the Swampland review, but today I reached page 247 where Keith writes about Gram Parsons. read more...
Saluting Our Veterans and My Dear Friends Frank and Nell Lutz
Today is Veterans Day--a day on which we pay tribute to all those who served this country in the armed services. Today is especially meaningful to me because it gives me an opportunity to honor two of my favorite World War II veterans: my long time friends and erstwhile neighbors read more...
Drive By Truckers’ Go-Go Boots Out Feb 15, 2011
Drive By Truckers’ Go-Go Boots Out Feb 15, 2011 The Drive By Truckers just arrived in London to prepare for a month long tour of Europe. They will be back in time for Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam in December. The Truckers’ NYE show will feature horns, Kelly read more...
Dylan, Petty & Drive By Truckers Participate In ‘Back To Black Friday’
Dylan, Petty & Drive By Truckers Participate In ‘Back To Black Friday’ In support of independent record stores, November 26 stands as ‘Back To Black Friday’. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Drive By Truckers, Iron & Wine, U2, read more...
Storytelling in the South--"Life: Legends and Lies" in Athens, Alabama
Mark Twain may be one of the best known storytellers of all time and, by his own admission, one of the biggest liars, but the art of storytelling did not die out with the passing of Mark Twain one hundred years ago read more...
Mark Kemp, Keith Richards, Bloodkin & The Fandango Brothers Last Night at Dog Ear Books
High Grade Fun: Mark Kemp, Keith Richards, Bloodkin & The Fandango Brothers At Dog Ear Books Last Night "Never got a flash out of cocktails When I got some flesh off the bone. Never got a lift out of lear jets
Patterson Hood's Benefit for U.S. Congress Candidate Russell Edwards
Patterson Hood’s Benefit For Russell Edwards Patterson Hood and
It's Never Too Late To Read a Banned Book
I recommend that you start with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn or perhaps All The King's Men, or even To Kill A Mockingbird which just celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. The great poet T.S. Eliot once said that his parents forbade him to read more...
Billy C. Farlow, Mercy Band, and Alabama Swamp Stomp
Hold on to your habaneros. Blues legend Billy C. Farlow is once again having too much fun with a brand new cd, and he is hotter than ever. In the spring of 2009, Billy C. read more...
Inside Alabama Politics: Fish Frys, Barbecues, and Chittlin' Suppers
According to my friend Dr. Susan Parker, Alabama politics is not just about politics; it is about food and lots of it. No political rally is complete without a read more...
Hot Haitian Jazz and a Cool New Album by RIYEL (Watters, Atkins, and Abel)
Jazz trumpeter and Alabama native Ken Watters has joined with several of the country's top musicians to form an eclectic and exciting jazz group called
Ray McKinnon: From The Drive By Truckers To Hal Holbrook To Hank Williams
Ray McKinnon Stars in a Film About The Last Days of Hank Williams Adel, Georgia, born Ray McKinnon now ranks as a formidable actor, director, producer and writer in the industry. McKinnon’s most recent appearance is in the Drive By Truckers' video
Widespread Panic's Michael Houser: Eight Years Gone
Michael Houser: The Quiet Genius: Eight Years Gone By James Calemine Eight years ago Widespread Panic’s founding guitarist died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 40. It doesn’t seem like eight years since he’s been gone…
Spotlight On Ed King
One of Southern Rock's greatest guitar slingers is Ed King, the former member of Strawbery Alarm Clock who went on to legendary status in Lynyrd Skynyrd. Today, we revisit our read more...
The Dog Days Descend
Dog Day Afternoon In the Peach State A quick note as the Dog Days descend here in Georgia…I briefly visited Stanley Booth and Diann Blakely today to talk shop, so to speak. Look read more...
Ronnie Van Zant Featured in Legends Scrapbook
Check out our latest Legends of Southern Rock Photo Scrapbook page featuring the great Ronnie Van Zant! - read more...
Still More Rare Lynyrd Skynyrd Video
Oldtimers Charades or "You Know Where She Sits in Church"
As I approach yet another birthday, I try even harder to find the humor in aging. Here is my latest attempt. Southerners have never let anything, including a sudden total loss of recall, interfere with good conversation.
Even More Rare Lynyrd Skynyrd Video
Roadtrip to the Shoals: Billy Reid Couture, Trowbridge's Ice Cream, and Sweetwater Plantation
I just bought my first Billy Reid. No, not Armani or Versace. Much better!!! Billy Reid, whose creations read more...
Cowboy Ray Johnson, Father of Swamper Jimmy Johnson, Dead at 89
Ray Johnson, age 89, a native of Iuka, Miss., lived in Sheffield, Alabama for more than 60 years, working until retirement as a crane operator at Reynold's Aluminum, and heading one of the most prominent families in the Muscle Shoals music industry.
The Drive By Truckers Hit the Road Next Week with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Fourth of July Dispatch Happy Independence Day to all your great Americans…Next week The Drive By Truckers and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers hit the road for most of the month. Now, that’s a ticket worth buying.
Spotlight Videos: Jo Jo Billingsley
Here's a video tribute to our friend Jo Jo Billingsley.
Alabama Authors To SIgn Books at Keller Festival in Tuscumbia
As a part of the 32th Annual Helen Keller Festival held this week in Tuscumbia, Alabama, several Alabama authors will be signing their read more...
Past Interviews & Upcoming Artists of Note
Greetings Folks, I hope all is well, and everyone enjoyed Father’s Day… Change is afoot, and we’ve got a lot on the horizon, but for the past week much of the work has gone on behind the scenes. On the immediate agenda, the work of
Spotlight Video: Bonnie Bramlett and Delbert McClinton 1981
What a way to start the week! My buddy Peter Cross just informed me that someone has posted the two performances of "Givin' it up for Your Love" and "Shotgun Rider" from Saturday Night Live 1981 with
Alabama Bred Artist Paxton Creates Pelican Belt Buckle To Help Save Gulf Coast
My talented nephew, California artist and Elk River native Paxton (Mobley), has been creating fine art for over twenty years and has become a favorite with collectors. Recently, he began desiging original belt read more...
Lynyrd Skynyrd Receives Congressional Record Tribute at U.S. Capitol
Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Rick read more...
More Music, Moviemaking, and the Annual Helen Keller Festival in the Shoals
You know it's summer in Alabama when the annual Helen Keller Festival week is about to commence. This year the 32nd annual festival in Tuscumbia, AL, (one of the four cities in the Shoals) will run read more...
Sweet Home Alabama and Bitter Politics
Mudslinging has reached new heights in the rainsoaked red clay of Alabama. Gone are the usual insinuations and innuendo, and in their place are vicious verbal attacks. Party lines have been crossed, and insults have become downright personal.
I Ain't In It For My Health: A Film About Levon Helm
I Ain’t In It For My Health A review of I Ain’t In It For My read more...
More Muscle Shoals Soul: Percussionist Jimmy "BeBop" Evans
Yesterday I was having breakfast at Cafe Savanna in Rogersville, AL, with my dear friends Susan and Paul read more...
The Black Keys, Band of Horses, and the Magic of Muscle Shoals
"Soul nirvana" is what one writer calls Muscle Shoals, that area of the Quad Cities in northwest Alabama where such legendary musicians as
Valdosta, Georgia, Native Mark Neill Produces Black Keys' Brothers in Muscle Shoals
Mark Neill Produces Black Keys Brothers In Muscle Shoals Mark Neill--a Valdosta, Georgia, native--stands as a heavy in the music community. He used to play in a great band called The Unknowns. He runs
Celebrate Record Store Day 2010!
Record Store Day 2010 is read more...
A Drive By Truckers Secret Weapon: The Jenn Bryant Interview
The Jenn Bryant Interview by James Calemine Behind every successful band or artist there are at least several individuals behind the scenes who read more...
The Robert Osborne Film Festival Begins Today In Athens
The Robert Osborne Film Festival Begins March 25 Several weeks ago, I attended
Pioneering Alabama Civil RIghts Photographer Charles Moore Dies
The year was 1963. I picked up a copy of the May Life Magazine and was appalled to see graphic images of fire hoses and police dogs being turned on helpless protesters in
The Wes Freed Interview
March 2010 Interview with Artist Wes Freed I'd like to personally thank Wes Freed for his contributions and read more...
How Duane Allman and Sam The Sham Gave Clapton His "Key To The Highway"
Athens, GA attorney John Lyndon, brother of the late ABB road manager Twiggs Lyndon, passed on a remembrance right before the Allmans started their run of NYC shows last night. He was generous enough to allow us to share it with everyone: I saw Eric read more...
The Drive By Truckers' The Big To-Do Out Tuesday March 16
The Big To-Do Out March 16 (ATO Records) The
Wes Freed Talks About Artwork For New Drive By Truckers Album The Big To-Do
Wes Freed Talks About Artwork for The Drive By Truckers’ The Big To-Do Last week I interviewed Virginia artist
Update From Michael Buffalo
Hello to all of the GRITZ readers. The editorial staff at Swampland wants to pass on a message from Michael Buffalo. He wants to inform everyone that complications from recent eye surgery have left him temporarily unable write dispatches or read emails for the read more...
Sweet Home Alabama: Movie Making and Music in Muscle Shoals
A Pitch Video, like a "Demo Reel" in the music business, about the music of the Muscle Shoals entitled "Sweet Home Alabama--The Music of Muscle read more...
Buffalo Roaming: Gritzfest, Aaron Kelly and Swampdawamp
It's clear but cold here in Nashville today, and I have been having a relaxing day here at the Hotel Preston. Mark and Gig told me it is a great place and now I know. The beds are amazingly comfortable and the staff are all just real nice folks. I took a lunch meeting read more...
The Road to Gritzfest: Buffalo Roaming Again
Well it looks like ol' Buffalo will be roaming once again a little later this evening. As y'all know by now, we have the big Gritzfest II coming to Bama on Friday, and as you also most likely know, I am still not up to par with my vision following last week's laser read more...
Today's Interview with Patterson Hood
Today's Interview with Patterson Hood On the eve of his annual Guitar Pull, I called Patterson Hood. Best known as the leader of the Drive By read more...
A Timeless American Lineage: The Six Degrees of the Dickinson Family
The Six Degrees of The Dickinson Family Dispatch The late Jim Dickinson--along with his sons read more...
The Drive By Truckers' Secret To A Happy Ending
The Impending Onslaught of The Drive By Truckers Congratulations to
Alabama Schools Getting It Done in Recruiting
As National Signing Day arrives this Wednesday, fans will hear a ton about Texas and Florida (as well as Georgia) as those states produce so many top Division I players. But another state where recruiting success is being seen in a big way is Alabama. We all know how well Nick Saban read more...
Paul Hornsby Among Inductees to Alabama Music Hall of Fame 2010
Former Capricorn Records producer and musician Paul Hornsby is among those chosen for induction into The Alabama Music Hall read more...
Patterson Hood Scores Soundtrack for That Evening Sun
That Evening Sun Features Patterson Hood Soundtrack
Skinny Molly Gets Political
Skinny Molly will be appearing on former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s show “Huckabee” on Fox News this Saturday, January 16, 2010 (8:00 p.m. EST and 7:00 p.m. CST). The band will be
Happy BIrthday Week: Elvis Presley and Sam Phillips (Sun Records)
Today, January 8, Elvis Presley would have celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday. On Tuesday, January 5, Sam Phillips, the man who read more...
Alabama Stocking Stuffers
Still stumped for stocking stuffers this Christmas? What about giving the lasting gift of art, music, film, or literature by Alabama authors, artists, musicians, and filmmakers this holiday season ? Here are just a few of the must-haves that will please any readers on read more...
A Christmas Miracle: White Pelicans Return to Elk River
White Pelicans are a rarity on Elk River. I had never seen one north of Gulf Shores, but on Christmas morning of 2007, a read more...
Alabama Actress Kim Dickens in HBO Series "Treme"
Treme, a made for television series set the the historic area of
A Big To-Do About The Drive By Truckers
Drive By Truckers Upcoming New Disc The Big To-Do Athens, Georgia’s own,
SEC Championship: The Long Road to the Rose Bowl Stadium
The day was September 12, 1970. The integrated football team of University of Southern California met the all-white team of the University of Alabama at
Potato Hole Nominated For 2 Grammys & 2010 Drive By Truckers Tour Dates
Potato Hole Nominated For 2 Grammys & 2010 Trucker Tour Dates Booker T. Jones’ latest album,
A Glance Back on Widespread Panic (with Musical Guest Marc Ford)
Widespread Panic & Marc Ford at The Orpheum in L.A. Last Month With several
Jim Dickinson Featured In Memphis Storytellers Project
Jim Dickinson In New Memphis Legend Storytelling Project The late Jim Dickinson appears in a Memphis-produced DVD titled “The Music read more...
The Drive By Truckers Contribute To Eddie Hinton Tribute
Very Extremely Dangerous Singles Shake It Records has released a series of limited-edition 45-rpm vinyl singles, and
Spotlight On Duane Allman On His Birthday Friday
Tomorrow is the 63rd birthday of Duane Allman. I can think of no better tribute than the following piece, written by GRITZ reader and Facebook friend Brian Ringo. He really summed up my own feelings on Skydog as well. Thanks Brian. Keep it Real. Keep it read more...
A Message From Patterson Hood
Latest notes from Patterson Hood on what’s going on in Drive-By Truckers’ world.... Y'ALL: Decompressing from our late October read more...
Patterson Hood Solo Gigs This November In Georgia
Drive By Truckers Front Man Books Solo Shows Close To Home
Video of the Day: Bettye Lavette and Shoals Allstars at Wexler Memorial
Bettye Lavette performed her own "Drown In My Own Tears" after her tearful tribute to Jerry Wexler at Jerry's memorial on October 30, 2009 in NYC. read more...
Jerry Wexler Memorial Celebration October 30
Tribute To Jerry Wexler In New York City on October 30 a memorial will be held for the great
Lynyrd Skynyrd On The Tube This Weekend
Lynyrd Skynyrd will appear on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Friday, October 2nd performing their new single, “Simple Life.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd On TV Tonight
Just a quick heads up for all the Free Birds. Lynyrd Skynyrd will appear on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien tonight, September 21. They will be performing their new read more...
16th Trail of Tears Ride and Commemorative Sculpture in Tennessee
Tne Sixteenth Annual Trail of Tears Remembrance Motorcycle Ride will begin this weekend (Saturday, September 19) in Chattanooga, TN. Held annually on the third Saturday in September, the
Complete Guide To Lynyrd Skynyrd Launched
We are very happy to present the latest in our Six Degrees of Swampland series, a complete guide to every article related to Lynyrd Skynyrd on the site. In addition, we have tossed in read more...
Charlie Musselwhite Writes On The Passing of Jim Dickinson
Harp Legend Praises an Old Friend In pursuit of collecting quotes about the sad passing of
Bloodkin's Daniel Hutchens Writes About Jim Dickinson
Daniel Hutchens' Fond Memory of Jim Dickinson I've been reaching out to many friends and musicians to speak about or write about
Delbert McClinton is Back and in Fine Form
Delbert McClinton has a new record out called Acquired Taste. The album was produced by Don Was and features the guitar work of the late Stephen Bruton. He also dedicated the album to the memory read more...
Swampland Makes The New York Times; Jim Dickinson Memories
Swampland was quoted in an article in The New York Times today. Their article on the recent death of Southern music icon
The Late Great Jim Dickinson's Swampland Contributions
Jim Dickinson's Favorite Films, Musicians and Barbecue Articles
Dick Cooper Recalls Jerry Wexler, One Year After His Passing
It was one year ago this weekend that Southern Music lost one of its dearest friends, the great record man Jerry Wexler. At the time of Wex's death, we called upon one of read more...
Summer Tour Notes Volume 6: Drive By Truckers Righteous Path Tour
Tour Kicks Off In Nashville August 6 "Ain't bitching bout the things That aren't in my grasp Just trying to hold steady
Remembering Eddie Hinton Fourteen Years Later
It was fourteen years ago today, on July 28, 1995 that the world of Southern Music lost one of its finest talents, Eddie Hinton. Although I never met Hinton, I almost feel like I knew him. Through the writings and conversations with Johnny Wyker, Dick Cooper, read more...
Summer 09 Tour Notes: Dylan & Willie at Summerfest
Mystery And Manners' Summer 09 Tour Notes
Time Flies Like An Arrow
“Time read more...
Tennessee Rules: Places to Experience, Music That Rocks, Vistas That Amaze
This month I want to share with you the incredible diversity and exquisite beauty of my neighboring state, the "volunteer" state of Tennessee. From geography (Tennessee is often referred to as the read more...
The Long Awaited Dave Schools Interview
Interview with Widespread Panic's Thunderous Bassist Tonight I just completed my recent Q & A with Dave Schools a couple of read more...
Muscle Shoals Swamper Barry Beckett Has Died
The Swampland flag is once again flying at half mast. A member of the Muscle Shoals “Swampers” has died. Producer and Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section keyboardist Barry Beckett, 66, died Wednesday, June 10, at his home in Hendersonville, Tenn., after years of read more...
The Drive By Truckers' Fine Print
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Drive-By Truckers Polish Up Unreleased Songs For New Album The Fine Print (A read more...
Get Well Wishes For Jim Dickinson
Memphis Great Jim Dickinson In Hospital Last night at midnight
A Talk with Patterson Hood about Murdering Oscar
The Drive-By Truckers' Frontman Discusses New Solo CD Yesterday I conducted an interview with
Helen Keller Lives On in the "The Miracle Worker"
On the first day of June,1968, author and activist Helen Keller, born in 1880 in Tuscumbia, read more...
Skynyrd On Stage 1974 Added To Legends Scrapbook
The Scrapbook just keeps getting bigger! Check out page nine, with some never before seen Lynyrd Skynyrd concert shots from 1974. Here's the read more...
More Southern Success Stories in Florence, Alabama
When I was a child the only bookstore of any size in North Alabama was Anderson Books which first opened in
Patterson Hood's Murdering Oscar (and other love songs)
Patterson Hood’s Murdering Oscar (and other love songs) On The Way
Indie Filmmaker Tonya Holly Hits the Silver Screen
This week, May 11, When I Find the Ocean by independent filmmaker Tonya Holly will be shown in more than 90 theaters in 31 states including Alabama as an official
Our Conversation with Cowboy's Pete Kowalke Concludes
Rather than have our Pete Kowalke interview divided in two segments, I today added the second half right onto the first half's page. Check it out here. Pete is a great guy and a read more...
Clothing Designer Billy Reid Moves Corporate Headquarters to Florence, Alabama
Who would ever dream that an internationally known clothing designer would base his corporate headquarters in Florence, Alabama. For the past four years, Louisiana native
Duane Trucks Drums On Hot New Highly Kind Release
One of the absolute coolest CDs I have had the pleasure of hearing lately is the debut album from Highly Kind, a band that features Duane Trucks, brother of Derek, nephew of
Patterson Hood Shows Announced & Other Athens Music News
Patterson Hood Prepares for a Solo Venture This Summer The Drive read more...
It's Not Just Southern; Everybody Does it: Misheard Song Lyrics, Malapropisms, and Mondegreens
Recently I decided to do a web search on Elton John's "Tiny Dancer," and I ran across this book:
John Wyker's Memories of Duane Allman at FAME
Over the weekend I ran across some discs that house articles from the eleven issues of GRITZ the print magazine. In the coming weeks, we will be adding articles and interviews to the archives that were previously unavailable. Today, I have added a "Cat Taie" read more...
Spooner Oldham Talks About Duane Allman, Delaney and Bonnie, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Much More
Wow. Did The Brothers ever blow the roof off The Beacon last night? And what about Boyer and Talton? Wow. I am very happy to present an interview with one amazing Muscle Shoals talent, Spooner Oldham. Spooner in being inducted ito the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this read more...
Where Are They Now? The Gulley Brothers and Jackson Highway
During the mid-seventies, a band formed in Muscle Shoals, Alabama that had a really great Southern Rock sound, but like so many other groups of the era, they never received the national attention they so richly deserved. The band was called Jackson Highway. read more...
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit In Atlanta
Isbell Performs Atlanta Day After New Record Release Last night in celebration of my 41st birthday Robin Lynn took me down to the Earl in East read more...
SEC vs ACC: Clemson and South Carolina Try to Make the Palmetto State Relevant
In continuing our look at the states with both ACC and SEC teams, we move to the Palmetto State, where a ton of changes occurred in the offseason.
SEC vs ACC: Georgia and Georgia Tech Battle for Peach State Supremacy
With recruiting classes signed and spring practices approaching, it’s a good time to look at states in the Swampland Footprint that share SEC and ACC teams. We’re going to start in the Peach State, where a long time
Frynds: My Favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd and Friends Videos
Welcome to my Lynyrd Skynyrd video blog. Today, I just wanted to share a few of my favorite YouTube videos of the band jamming with some of their rowdy read more...
Xmas in February for Southern College Football Fans (SEC, Big 12, ACC, Big East)
It’s finally here! National Signing Day is upon us, and this is the time where quality programs establish themselves for the upcoming years. The welcoming of a new recruiting class energizes fans and provides coaches with the opportunity to show that their school will be-or read more...
Daniel Hutchens Reports On Bloodkin-Drive By Truckers Shows Last Weekend
Bloodkin's Daniel Hutchens Talks About Shows with The Truckers Last night I spoke with my old friend
Mack Brown and the Longhorns Must Judiciously Draw Talent from their Texas Base
Water is wet, the sky is blue, and the University of Texas is working on another top-notch recruiting class. The Longhorns Mine Their State's Natural Talent Base Most BCS schools try to comb their region (if not the read more...
To Stewart Mandel, We Say, "SEC Coaching Dollars Make Sense"
Chalk SI.com's Stewart Mandel as the latest member of the national media that just doesn’t understand the culture of the SEC football landscape. Mandel's latest involves
Lane Kiffin is Already Making an Impact on the SEC (and Paul Finebaum)
A few weeks ago, I wrote how I thought Tennessee and Lane Kiffin were going to be a great fit for each other. There was quite a bit of criticism for a major power in the SEC choosing a read more...
A Conversation with The Drive By Truckers' Patterson Hood
A Call To Patterson Hood "I don't know God but I fear his wrath I'm trying to keep focused on the righteous path."
Booker T. Jones & The Drive By Truckers
Booker T & The Truckers Along with Neil Young & Bloodkin
The Drive By Truckers In The Studio
Drive By Truckers Enter Athens Studio 1/8/09 On Monday The
The Drive By Truckers Prep For A Busy 2009
The Drive By Truckers Plan For A Busy 2009 12/27/08 Athens, Georgia’s own
SEC and Big 12 Championship Game Reax
The college football regular season ended by giving us the matchup that made the most sense--the SEC Champion vs. the Big 12 Champion. The BCS title game should be a high-scoring, exciting affair and one that all of the fans in our Swampland footprint will appreciate. Florida will read more...
Excerpt #4 From Stanley Booth Interview Series Volume 1: Otis Redding
Excerpt #4 From Stanley Booth Interview Series Volume 1: Otis Redding 12/08/08 In Excerpt #4 Booth discusses his career after learning the read more...
Swampland Footprint National Title: Big 12 vs. SEC
So it’s Oklahoma that gets the chance to represent the Big 12 South in Kansas City, and they will probably get a shot at the National title with a victory. Of read more...
Excerpt 2 From Stanley Booth Interview Series Vol 1: Otis Redding
Excerpt 2 From Vol 1 of Mystery And Manners' Stanley Booth Interview Series 11/23/08 In continuation of
Excerpt From Stanley Booth Interview Series Vol. 1: Otis Redding
Excerpt From Mystery And Manners' Stanley Booth Interview Series Volume 1 11/22/08 Tonight I thought I'd include a small excerpt from read more...
Australia Rocks Classic Bonnie Bramlett Collection
I am such a lucky cat. Seriously. I have been loving Delaney and Bonnie ever since Junior High, and I still find it hard to believe just how nice both of them are. I met
Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday
1. After all of the Nick Saban drama last week in Baton Rouge, we finally got a close game from a SEC marquee matchup. Alabama and LSU staged a very hard-fought battle, but as we’ve written about so much this season in the SEC, the quarterback play was the difference. Alabama read more...
Southern Soul Music Dominates "Soul Men" Film
SOUL MEN It is a truly strange feeling going to see a film on opening day knowing that one of its main actors is dead. It was that way with The Dark Knight and Heath Ledger, but even
Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday
1. Wow – what an instant classic in the Lonestar State. Texas Tech pulled off an amazing upset of #1 Texas with one second to go and sent their raucous fans read more...
Saturday's Slate: Top Games in Each Conference Will Decide Champions
Georgia and Florida in Jacksonville The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party has more at stake than ever – read more...
Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section Inducted into Hall of Fame
Huge congratulations go out to my friends in the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section who were inducted into The Musician's Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening in Nashville. Here is a link to a great read more...
Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday
1) The biggest difference between teams in the SEC this season is simply quarterback play. Alabama, Georgia, and Florida came into the season with experienced/quality signal callers, and they have been the class of the league. Lack of experience or just poor play at quarterback has read more...
A Nice Weekend of Hate in the SEC
One of the most hate-filled rivalries in college football will see another chapter written on Saturday when the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide invade Knoxville to take on the Volunteers. The “Third read more...
Saturday's Slate: BCS Busters vs. Disciplined Talent
Last week was a lesson in symmetry. Many teams met on the field that looked like mirror images. Something had to give, and it did. 3 of the top 5 teams lost giving the nation a new number one, Texas, who beat Oklahoma in what was probably a top 10 of all time Red read more...
Leanin' Toward Bama with Funky Donnie Fritts
A couple of months ago when I was down in Huntsville, Alabama for Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters, I got to spend a little time with Muscle Shoals songwriting legend Donnie Fritts. We made plans to do a big GRITZ interview, and just as I was about to interview Donnie, I heard read more...
This Evening's Stanley Booth Call
The Latest News From Writer Stanley Booth 10/13/08 This evening I received a call from my old friend
Touching Base with Johnny Sandlin
I had a nice phone conversation with Johnny Sandlin read more...
The Trail of Tears 2008
Today, Saturday, September 20th, some 150,000 motorcycles will make their way toward Florence, Alabama. This is the 15th Annual Trail of Tears read more...
A Conversation with Chuck Leavell
Upcoming Interview with Chuck Leavell 9/9/08 A couple of hours ago, I conducted an interview with the legendary
Diggin' The Fiddleworms
Sometimes I just love my job. Especially when I get to hear music that is so fresh it makes me run to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face just to make sure I ain't dreaming. Dick Cooper sent me the newest masterwork by Muscle Shoals band The Fiddleworms, and boy read more...
Dick Cooper Remembers His Friend Jerry Wexler
We at GRITZ are extremely honored to present our second guest blog from Alabama writer/photographer/music mogul Dick Cooper. This time, it is personal, as Cooper writes from the heart about the late Jerry read more...
Video: Jerry Wexler On Bob Dylan
In our continuing salute to legendary record producer
Alabama Rules: From Blue-Eyed Soul to Soulful Blues
My friend Deryle Perryman, native of Florence and resident of Albuquerque, recently returned from the Porretta Soul Festival in
From Athens, Georgia To Jerry Wexler
From Athens, Georgia To Jerry Wexler: A Feast of Friends… 8/16/08 There’s not much time to write this read more...
Southern Music's Best Friend, Jerry Wexler Has Died at 91
Jerry Wexler was rock and roll. He was also rhythm and blues. Oh, and Southern rock. Oh, yeah, Wex was a huge fan of Southern music of all sorts, and of the key architects in the history of music over the past 50 years. He was instrumental in helping Phil Walden read more...
Buffalo Roaming: Alabama Trip Wrap Up and Linkage
This past week was a real blast for me. Every time i visit Alabama I feel surrounded by friends, and its a great feeling. From the visit to Penne’s river home on Thursday and seeing Billy C. Farlow, to the two days with Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters and the awesome read more...
Dick Cooper's Photos From Cooperpalooza
I am still reeling from the long weekend and the great party at Dick Cooper's on Sunday. I thought we'd share some of Cooper's photos, as he is a true pro with a camera. Check 'em out.
Buffalo Roaming: Day Four, Cooper's Party
What a great weekend. Sunday morning, I woke up and went downstairs for one of those great made to order omelets at the Hilton. The lady there is one helluva cook, and my grits were damn near perfect too. I sucked back four cups of coffee. It wasn’t
The Dog Star Rages and Leos Roar
It is August and the dog days of summer are upon us. The ancient Romans noticed that the hottest days of the year, late July and early August, coincided with the appearance of
Buffalo Roaming: Day One, Down By The Lazy River in Bamalama
Well, after seven hours of driving, two torrential storms and one near death experience, I find myself in the comfort of a beautiful two story home on the Elk River (which feeds into the Tennessee River down the road a ways as a matter of fact), sitting comfotably read more...
Buffalo Roaming to Alabama
Well, the Buffalomobile is all gassed up (only $49 at Wal-Mart) and I am ready to head out on my big Alabama adventure tomorrow morning. It's going to be a long hot drive, to be sure, but I am sure it will be a large time. Tomorrow I get to meet fellow Swamplander read more...
Listen to The GRITZ Radio Hour Online This Weekend
A couple of weeks ago, we announced the debut of The GRITZ Radio Hour on the Mighty Field of Vision Internet Radio Station. Unfortunately, there were some major problems with the server and the broadcast was not fully aired. The good news is, it is all repaired now, and our read more...
"Free Bird" Factoids
There’s a reason why “Free Bird” was named as GRITZ best loved Southern Rock song in history. Actually, there are a lot of reasons. Every 15 seconds, someone, read more...
The Cities That Gave Us Southern Rock
I find it interesting just how many of our greatest Southern Rockers come from the same cities. Especially our number one city for Southern Rock, Jacksonville, Florida. Check out our list of the Top Ten read more...
More Six Degrees: From Florence, Alabama, to Florence, Italy
On March 4, 2006, my old friend Deryle Perryman and filmmaker Moises Gonzales showed their documentary film Dangerous read more...
Too Much Fun
When Deryle Perryman contacted me last week to say that he and fellow filmmaker Moises Gonzales were coming to Alabama and would I like to read more...
New CD Reviews: Jackson Rohm, Beat Daddys and Mighty Handful
Well, it's 50 degrees at 6:15 PM here in Greenville. Tell me again what the date is? Of course, it was almost 80 degrees yesterday, so... I hope you will check out our three new CD reviews just posted today. All three are really good discs. Singer songwriter
More Vintage GRITZ Articles Unearthed; Jimmie Van Zant, Jerry Carrigan, Jimmy Johnson Family
Today I'd like to bring back three more classic features from our GRITZ archives, for your enjoyment and information. The first one is an interview Scott Greene conducted eight years ago with Jimmie read more...
April in Alabama
Nothing could be more beautiful than April in Alabama and, in my case, nothing could be more exciting. I recently returned from the Alabama Studio Weekend in the
Why I Love Bonnie Bramlett
I remember reading about Delaney and Bonnie a lot back in high school, during those days when I was constantly read more...
Outward Bound
“The eye and mind would be functioning as a camera. The writing would be selective and necessarily interpretive—but once the image was written the words would be final.” --Hunter read more...
Alabama: Places to Be and People to See
The Alabama Book Festival held in Montgomery, Alabama, is only in its third season and already it offers a unique opportunity for participants to meet and listen to over seventy authors, among them read more...
Alabama Beat: Words and Music in the Deep South
The three poems currently appearing in the Poetry section of Swampland are by Mississippi born Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey (published by permission of the author). Trethewey won read more...
Midnight in the Garden of Good Southern Rock: Late Night Tea & TV
I love it when things like this happen. I was sitting up late tonight writing, as I often do. Beside me a nice hot cup of ralaxation tea that tasted as good as it smelled. My wife had brewed it up for me before she headed off to bed. She's good that way. What would I do read more...
The Dickinson's Mojo & The Black Crowes' Voodoo
Mystery & Manners Investigates The Mojo of The Dickinson Family & The Black Crowes' Voodoo 3/11/02 "Don't bring down the read more...
Billy Bob Thornton Speaks at George Lindsey Film Festival
The 11th Annual George Lindsey Film Festival was held down in Florence, Alabama last week. I can say from experience, the Festival is more fun than a barrel of Goobers. The year I attended, I met George read more...
Alabama's Going Green
Holden Caulfield wanted to know where all the ducks go in winter. Ann (Andie MacDowell) in Sex, Lies, and Videotape was read more...
Obama, Spooner and a Drive By Southern Rock and Roller
Back in 1991 I was Executive Editor and co-founder of an alternative press entertainment publication called EDGE in Greenville, SC. We had a lot of good times during those years, interviewing national and local music heroes and writing reviews and editorial read more...
Blackfoot is Our Latest "Legends of Southern Rock" Entry
"Highway Song" and "Train, Train," "Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie" and "Wishing Well"- all of these bring to mind the fierce, four man attack of Blackfoot - wildman Rick Medlocke out front, Charlie Hargrett on lead guitar, Greg T. Walker on bass and read more...
New CD's from Delaney, Bonnie and Whitlock
This may be the only time in history that the stars have lined up like this. Literally. If you check out the GRITZ CD reviews, you'll see that our three latest reviews have a common thread. The artists were all members of the legendary Delaney Bonnie read more...
Video: Jimmy Johnson and Alan Walden from Lynyrd Skynyrd Documentary
I have been aware of the Lynyrd Skynyrd documentary being filmed by Rick Broyles and Tony Beazley for a few years now, and by all accounts it looks like it will be just the documentary we have all read more...
Jim Dickinson On The Line
Mystery & Manners Interview With Memphis Legend Jim Dickinson 2/9/08 "She shivers just like jelly in the bowl."
Dick Cooper Is Our First "Guest Blogger"
I am happy as a clam to present the first in our series of "Guest Blogs." This one concerns the legendary Delbert McClinton and Shoals drummer Bebop Evans. The piece was written by Dick Cooper, a man who has been there, done that in the music industry, From working with read more...
Six Degrees of Separation
In the south we not only claim kin we also claim friends. I have learned that behind every new acquaintance there lies the possibility of finding an old friend—not to mention discovering a new one. Such was the case this week when I was working on a feature about read more...
...A Rising Tide of Georgia Rock And Roll...
A Rising Tide of Georgia Rock And Roll: David Barbe, The Drive By Truckers, Bloodkin & The Black Crowes 1/10/08 "Every read more...
Cowboy in The Studio : A Photo Feature
Scott Boyer and Tommy Talton are back in Duck Tape Studio in Decatur, Alabama this weekend for "phase 2" in the recording of their new Cowboy reunion album. This session includes members of the band that joined after the third album. Previously, Boyer and read more...
Cowboy in Studio Again This Weekend
Cowboy is back in the studio at Duck Tape Studios with Johnny Sandlin this weekend, recording more material for their upcoming new album. In the studio for round two are
Southern Greats Play Post Led Zeppelin London Gig
Sam Moore, Ben E. King, Percy Sledge and Solomon Burke Perform Post Led Zep Gig 12/11/07 Ex-Rolling Stone Bill Wyman's band, the
...Into The Deep...
Mystery & Manners Dispatch 12/05/07 Today marks the birthday of southern writer
Picture of the Day: Boyer & Talton with Johnny Sandlin
Taking a break outside Duck Tape Studios during the recording of the new Cowboy album, Scott Boyer, Johnny Sandlin and Tommy Talton. (Buffalo photo)
John Hammond "Southern Fried;" Old & Heavy Gold
Southern Fried John Hammond This true “lost treasure” is now available on CD at Amazon and for download at iTunes. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios back in 1969, blues rocker
TF Rivalry Week Preview
Rivalry games define college football. More than bowl games or even conference championships, a win against your rival means bragging rights for a year. That is why this weekend's game can often be the hardest to call. A team with a losing record can suddenly make read more...
The Cowboy Diaries: Part One
by Michael Buffalo Smith GRITZ went into the studio with Cowboy for the recording of their all new album, their first in 36 years. In part one of our journal, we meet all of the original members of Cowboy, and hear music that is sure to turn the Southern music world on it's read more...
Picture of the Day: Cowboy Reunion
The entire original lineup of Cowboy reunite in Decatur, Alabama to record an all-new album. Look for the complete story here in GRITZ on Tuesday. Pictured read more...
In The Studio for the Cowboy Reunion Album
Well, here I am in Decatur, Alabama, a stone's throw away from Muscle Shoals. I only have a minute to report that recording on the new Cowboy reunion album is going great. The new songs are top drawer, and it has been very cool meeting the guys who recorded such classic Capricorn read more...
Jerry Wexler Talks Bob Dylan, Doug Sahm and Muscle Shoals
Jerry Wexler Talks Dylan, Doug Sahm and Muscle Shoals 11/15/07 In these interview clips, the great Jerry Wexler discusses recording
Cowboy Take Me Away: The Scott Boyer Interview
GRITZ is happy to present an exclusive interview with one of the South's finest musicians and human beings, Scott Boyer. From his early bands in Florida with members of The Allman Brothers Band, to his highly successful Capricorn Records band with Tommy Talton, Cowboy, Scott gives read more...
It is Raining on the River!
I guess I rattled my rain stick enough this weekend to wake up the clouds. We In North Alabama are reveling in what the Navajos call a gentle “female” rain, and I pray it continues all week. I especially hope it rains profusely on Atlanta, Georgia, where they are having read more...
Ryan Bingham And The Drive By Truckers Hit the Road
Ryan Bingham and The Drive By Truckers Hit The Road 10/17/07 Ryan Bingham and the
Online Radio Station Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd October 20th
Next Saturday, October 20th at 4pm EST tune into
Rockin' On The Top of The Mountain
Our primary goal of the trip, besides handing out the videos, was to shoot the camel on top of the mountain. Carl Weaver’s pet camel, Akbar, that is. Carl wanted Dave Peck to shoot video of the camel for a new logo he is working on. Since we read more...
On the Road Again
Sorry I have been incommunicado lately. I am still struggling with allergies that seem to get worse rather than better. Ah, fall in North Alabama. Speaking of fall, this weekend my sister, her husband, and two of our friends made a road trip to the hills of middle Tennessee read more...
Dick, a Duck and a Decoy : Part One
Shootin’ The Camel on the Top of the Mountain Part One The primary goal for the weekend was to shoot the camel on the top of the mountain. Well, that, and to hand deliver finished read more...
Patterson Hood Song In New Ray McKinnon Film
Patterson Hood Song In New Ray McKinnon Film 9/12/07 Patterson Hood read more...
Danny Brooks is Alabamy Bound
I'll never forget the first time I heard the music of Danny Brooks. It was a few years ago, and my friend and staff member Mitch Lopate told me all about this good ol' Southern boy who just happened to be from Canada named Danny Brooks. I spoke with Danny a few times on the phone, read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of August 21, 2007
New Releases Galactic From the Corner to the Block (Anti) Joe Nichols read more...
The True Adventures of Stanley Booth
6/10/07 THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF STANLEY BOOTH As I wrote in the intro to my Charlie Louvin
A Benefit for Boyer: Southern Rockers Will Jam to Help Pay Medical Bills
Muscle Shoals musician Scott Boyer has always been one of the first to pitch in when one of his fellow players needed a hand. "It's a very close-knit community up here and when somebody goes down, the musical community in the Shoals has a history of read more...
On The Road at The Scott Boyer Benefit in Muscle Shoals
After a fun day with the Lopates (see my previous blog) we found ourselves at the Shoals Theatre in downtown Florence, Alabama for what promised to be a stellar all-star benefit concert. I had been looking forward to this one for quite some time, and The Mighty Field of Vision would read more...
Drive-By Truckers split with Jason Isbell
After more than five years, Jason Isbell and the Drive-By Truckers have their separate ways. Isbell is on the road touring behind the upcoming release of his first solo album Sirens In The Ditch read more...
From The Stone Pony To The Rockin’ Camel
(Toto, I Don’t Think We’re in Long Branch Any More) Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007 It was almost a given that we would drop by and visit long time friend Mitch Lopate and his lovely wife Cheryl on our way to the read more...
All-Star Scott Boyer Benefit Coming Wednesday
The first of two benefit shows for former Cowboy member Scott Boyer will take place this coming Wednesday, April 4th, at the Shoals Theatre in downtown Florence, Alabama. All money raised will help to pay Boyer’s medical bills from recent emergency surgery for an arterial read more...
Jimmy Hall Records Eddie Hinton Tribute
The South has given birth to some of America's greatest unsung heroes- hardworking , soul baring singers, writers and musicians. Rarely have two such talented heroes been brought together - blues rock singer Jimmy Hall, and the legendary Muscle Shoals musician and songwriter Eddie read more...
The Best Radio On The Internet, The Mighty Field of Vision
Whatever happened to radio anyhow? I mean, radio today just plain sucks. Sure, you can find some interesting programming here and there on public radio, and the satellite radio is good if you are willing to buy an actual satellite radio and then pay a monthly fee. Even then, there is read more...
Two Benefit Concerts Scheduled For Scott Boyer
SHOALS & BIRMINGHAM BENEFIT CONCERTS SET FOR FORMER CAPRICORN ARTIST SCOTT BOYER FLORENCE, Ala. - Dates have been set in April for two benefit concerts for former Capricorn Records artist Scott Boyer who has had surgery for an read more...
Rodney Davis of Sailcat Dies
Rodney Reeves Davis, age 54, died February 28, 2007. He was born in Opp, Alabama to Willard and Josephine Davis who preceded him in death. He lived in Birmingham for the last 32 years. Rodney loved music and was a great read more...
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Comes Marching In...
12/24/06 On December 28, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band plays an intimate gig at George Street Grocery in Jackson, Mississippi. The next night, The Dirty Dozen lights up Tipitina's in their hometown of New Orleans. New Years Eve finds the group in the beautiful Arizona read more...