If you know the history of music, then you know Alabama is one of the nation’s best-kept secrets of soul, gospel, and roots music. Just down the road from Albertville, Muscle Shoals was a safe, harmonious haven to some of the most heartfelt recording artists of all time, like Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter, Percy Sledge, Etta James, Otis Redding & The Staple Singers. Some may be surprised to know that The Staple Singers, and Mavis Staples graced the stage of Lebanon Baptist Church in DeKalb County many years ago. Pillars of the musical movement always found themselves making a stop in Alabama. It was that very thing that made the element of “Muscle Shoals sound.” Hits like “Mustang Sally”, “I’ll Take You There” and many more were recorded here in Alabama at Muscle Shoals studios, as well as early recordings from Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The history of Alabama music is unmatched. In 2018, I can remember playing “Gips Place”, the oldest Juke Joint in Alabama with Gip Gibson on stage with me. This backyard Shack of Blues in Bessemer was a hot spot for college kids at UAB. Gip passed away in 2019, and the Juke Joint went quiet for the first time since 1952.
Just over the mountain to Jackson County, Scottsboro is home to some of the most historically known Gospel, Blues, and Positive Influencers of our time. Mayor Roy Owens took a great honor to name May 23, “Archie F. Stewart Day” in the city of Scottsboro in 1981. Archie was an established educator, civil rights leader and the first African American to serve as president of the Jackson County Teachers Association, in addition to helping establish the Jackson County Voters League. His presence in the community was such an impact “The Scottsboro Boys” Museum and local leaders recently recognized him in May of 2024 for his contributions to equality. In 2010, a musical about the Scottsboro Boys trial was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and later went on to win several awards, including the Lucille Lortel Award for best musical in 2011. Archie Stewart is also the grandfather to a family of Scottsboro musicians, such as local multi instrumentalist Cash Cotton. In a recent interview, Cash told stories of his childhood, music and education being prominent in his household. His mother had him speaking at NAACP meetings at an early age of 11. Continuing on to his own success, his band “Soul Karnival” was just named as one of the top bands on the Huntsville music scene, while his sister joins him as a vocalist. Some of you may have even noticed Cash playing saxophone with me during the Christmas holidays on the streets in front of Southern Torch. Music will always be what brings us together. Alabama musicians are still taking the world by storm. For example, The Red Clay Strays, an Alabama based band is now a household name selling out arenas. Be on the lookout for my next story on Fort Payne’s own Outlaw Country Band, “The Skeeters,” as they will be dropping a new album soon. Do you have a favorite Alabama musician? Email me at jess@southerntorch.com. Southern Torch Sound & Scene is on a mission to shed light on all the talented artists in our area, and we would love your help.
“Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.”
– Aretha Franklin
Jess Goggans is a local musician and the music, art and culture correspondent for Southern Torch. Follow her weekly column for details on upcoming events in Jackson County and surrounding area.