Book Talk: Land of a Thousand Sessions with Rob Bowman
In small-town Alabama, musicians came together across racial, cultural, and regional lines to create an American music soaked in soul, country, and rock & roll. Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is where Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Wilson Pickett, the Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, and more made some of their greatest music. The region is the subject of Toronto-based author, professor, and Grammy winner Rob Bowman’s new book, Land of a Thousand Sessions: The Complete Muscle Shoals Story, 1951–1985. Bowman dug deep, interviewing studio musicians and stars—including David Hood, Millie Jackson, Mick Jagger, Candi Staton, Ray Stevens, Mavis Staples, and Bobby Womack—to illustrate how so much music came out of this tiny corner of the South. The Museum’s RJ Smith will lead the conversation. Following the discussion, Bowman will sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase. Presented in support of the exhibit Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising, supported by OneLouder. Program made possible in part by Pedigree and the Pedigree Foundation. Ford Theater. Included with Museum admission. Program ticket required. Free to Museum members.
