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- By Bernie Delinski
- Mar 19, 2006
Vehicle after vehicle buzzed along Jackson Highway, steered by motorists who didn’t even notice the unassuming building.
Inside, a pair of speakers played the Rolling Stones’ 1971 song, “Wild Horses,” a classic that was born inside the building — the original Muscle Shoals Sound studio.
Raising his voice above the music — and somewhat in frustration — Noel Webster says the building deserves more recognition for its place in musical heritage.
“There’s so much history here,” said Webster, who purchased the building in 1999. “That’s what I’m screaming, and everybody just passes it by. They don’t notice.”
That soon may change. The building has been approved by state officials for a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
The next step is to take the matter to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service for approval. Webster said a nomination typically is approved without a problem once it reaches that point. He looks for the approval any day now.
In addition to the recognition, a place on the registry assures preservation of the building.
As Webster discussed plans for the studio, the music switched to Bob Seger’s 1976 song, “Night Moves,” another of the multitude of hits created at the 3614 Jackson Highway studio.
Local musicians known as the Muscle Shoals Swampers spent countless recording hours alongside famous singers and bands, helping churn out hit after hit.
“It’s staggering the amount of songs and the percentage of hits,” Webster said, thumbing through the studio’s massive discography list. “It seems like everybody who walked in here left with a hit.”
Webster has major plans for the building, assuming the federal park approval is granted.
A building on the property sits behind the studio. Webster envisions a bar called “Backstage,” with a $50,000 sound and video system.
“People can come and listen to local talent perform,” he said.
It wouldn’t be a standard bar. It would only open for events. During the day, it would be more of a museum to complement the original Muscle Shoals Sound, Webster said.
He also is considering an outdoor stage for special events.
Walking back inside the studio, Webster was met with the 1973 Paul Simon tune, “Loves Me Like a Rock,” another product of 3614 Jackson Highway.
Webster frequently mentions the building by its address because it has a place in music lore.
The address is on a sign that lines the front of the studio. It was the focal point of the cover of Cher’s 1969 album — the first recorded at the studio. In fact, the album was titled “3614 Jackson Highway.”
Since that time, photos of the building have been featured on and inside several albums, and is recognized by music buffs worldwide.
A sense of history is thick within the old studio. Musicians often told about literally feeling the beat from the floor’s thick oak beams throughout the studio while a song was being recorded. “That’s something that other studios can’t duplicate,” Webster said.
The kick drum used by the band Alabama is at one section of the studio, Webster said, as the stereo switched to The Rolling Stones’ 1971 song, “Brown Sugar,” an early product of the studio.
A Hammond piano at the studio was given by musician Buddy Whitlock. Webster pointed to a tape echo provided by the group, Rush.
As the stereo began playing the studio’s 1971 product, the Staple Sisters’ “Respect Yourself,” Webster discussed his vision for the building. It could be open for tourists during the day and recording sessions at night.
He showed photos of old recording sessions featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd. Webster spoke of the Staple Sisters’ 1972 hit, “I’ll Take You There,” which not only was recorded at 3614 Jackson Highway, it also was written about the studio.
Webster said the studio looks basically the same as ever, which he believes is important.
“Maybe it can be the inspiration for the next generation of Muscle Shoals hits,” he said. “No matter what, we have to maintain the integrity of this building, its feel, its history, its people.”
And, as though on cue, the stereo switched to the studio’s 1974 hit, Simon’s “Still Crazy After All These Years.”
Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@timesdaily.com.
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