They have a remarkable legacy of music to be proud of. Oddly, while the trademark grooves of Fame and Muscle Shoals as a whole (and as you have shown, some of American's players were also major contributors to that movement) are celebrated, American is not as well-known save for the celebrity connections, when they should be known more.
I have always loved and been fascinated by the music made there. Knowing that something was recorded at American Sound is enough for me to check it out - an irrefutable sign of quality.
This was fascinating — in part because of American pulled off that all-too-rare combination of soul, country and rock. Many labels were known for two of the three, but not all three. I knew that Hamilton was a huge influence on Presley's ballads, which you can hear distinctly in the song you shared. (I also found it fascinating that he made his national TV debut on the Dorsey Bros. show, just as Elvis did.) Hamilton's early death — at 40, two years younger than Presley was when he died — was so sad. What a loss.
I didn't know that Hamilton - one of many parallels between him and Elvis. It was neat that they met each other at American Sound and photos taken to immortalize it.
What a perfect post for the Fourth of July. So much great music. Thank you for including the great Roy Hamilton in the mix. He died tragically young, but his voice still gives me goosebumps. Well done, as always, Robert.
Magic. That's what music is.
They have a remarkable legacy of music to be proud of. Oddly, while the trademark grooves of Fame and Muscle Shoals as a whole (and as you have shown, some of American's players were also major contributors to that movement) are celebrated, American is not as well-known save for the celebrity connections, when they should be known more.
I have always loved and been fascinated by the music made there. Knowing that something was recorded at American Sound is enough for me to check it out - an irrefutable sign of quality.
It's a sign of quality for me, too. I've been a fan of the Box Tops for many years, and I think Elvis and Dusty did some of their best work there.
I remember hearing 'Cry Like a Baby' for the first time - that really made an impact on me.
This was fascinating — in part because of American pulled off that all-too-rare combination of soul, country and rock. Many labels were known for two of the three, but not all three. I knew that Hamilton was a huge influence on Presley's ballads, which you can hear distinctly in the song you shared. (I also found it fascinating that he made his national TV debut on the Dorsey Bros. show, just as Elvis did.) Hamilton's early death — at 40, two years younger than Presley was when he died — was so sad. What a loss.
I didn't know that Hamilton - one of many parallels between him and Elvis. It was neat that they met each other at American Sound and photos taken to immortalize it.
Wonderful essay. Thanks!
Thanks, Chuck - appreciate it.
What a perfect post for the Fourth of July. So much great music. Thank you for including the great Roy Hamilton in the mix. He died tragically young, but his voice still gives me goosebumps. Well done, as always, Robert.
Thanks, Andrew. Had to make sure I included Roy Hamilton.