Beyond Memphis and Motown: Alabama Soul (Continued)
Cut in early 1966 at another local studio, the record was picked up by Atlantic Records for national distribution. Since Stax had closed its doors to outdoor sessions several months earlier, Atlantic immediately turned to Rick Hall and FAME studios for subsequent sessions by Wilson Pickett ( "Land of 1000 Dances" , "Mustang Sally" ).
Again, gospel music's recitative singing and Pentecostal pastor's sermons greatly influenced soul music. This performance practice is evident in this live performance of Sledge's "Land of 1000 Dances".
Wilson Pickett - Land of a Thousand Dances (HQ) [ 00:00-00:00 ]
Aretha Franklin's first Atlantic session for her songs "I Never Loved a Man [The Way I Love You]" , (1967) and "Do Right Woman-Do Right Man" (both in 1967) was also recorded by Rick Hall at FAME studios.However, after the first Franklin session, Wexler and Hall had a falling-out, and after that, Atlantic artists no longer recorded at FAME. Hall next began producing hits for Chess soul singers including Laura Lee, Etta James, and Irma Thomas, for Goldwax artists including James Carr and hits for Clarence Carter and Candi Staton, two local artists he had signed to FAME.
In April 1969, Hall's rhythm section left to start their own Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, which Atlantic Records financed. Over the next several years, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section cut a large number of soul hits for artists such as The Staple Singers, Johnnie Taylor, Mel and Tim, Luther Ingram, Margie Joseph, Veda Brown and the Soul Children, as well as pop and rock hits for artists as diverse as Simon and Garfunkel, Cher, Rod Stewart, Willie Nelson, and Bob Seger.
In the 1970s, Atlantic Records executive Jerry Wexler attempted to construct a similar recording scene at Criteria Studios in Miami, importing as the house band a group of White session players from Memphis named the Dixie Flyers. While Criteria ultimately became more famous as the studio where Derek and the Dominoes' "Layla" and The Allman Brothers' Eat a Peach (1972) album were recorded, the studio was also used for soul sessions by Aretha Franklin, Sam and Dave, Esther Phillips, and Brook Benton.
A Change is Gonna Come
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I've been runnin'
Ever since
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon' come
Oh, yes it will
Long Walk to D.C.
It's a long walk to DC but I've got my walking shoes on
I can't take a plane, passer train, because my money ain't that long
America we believe, oh that you love us still
So people I'm gonna be under to wipe away my tears