The sleepy landscape of small Alabama town Muscle Shoals is steeped in a bygone era. It was against the extraordinary backdrop of cotton fields, plantation songs, and racial segregation that the Fame Recording Studios was founded in the 1960s.

Working with the likes of Aretha Franklin and backed up by local session players the “Swampers”, producer Rick Hall cut some of the biggest R’n’B records of the decade, bringing black and white musicians together to create music that would last for generations.

Eventually, a few members of Hall’s band would leave to start Muscle Shoals Sound Studio across town, becoming competitors to their mentor. Featuring star-studded interviews with Mick Jagger, Alicia Keys, and Candi Staton, amongst others, director Greg “Freddy” Camalier guides us through a magical time and place for American music.

“The next must-see music doc connecting dots even some enthusiasts might not know belong together.” Hollywood Reporter

This film is showing as part of the IFI Stranger Than Fiction 2013, Documentary Film Festival (September 26th – 29th).

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