The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville has opened a landmark new exhibition, Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising, celebrating the legendary music and cultural impact of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Spanning more than 5,000 square feet and on display through March 2028, the exhibit tells the story of how a small Southern community became one of the most important recording centers in modern music history—and why its distinctive sound still resonates today.
Located on the banks of the Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals was once an unlikely epicenter for groundbreaking music. In the 1960s and 1970s, visionary producers, songwriters, and musicians gathered there to create a unique sound that blended R&B, country, pop, and soul—a rhythm that was swampy, deep, earthy, and unlike anything else on the radio at the time.
At the heart of the story are the legendary studios that put Muscle Shoals on the map. FAME Recording Studios, led by producer Rick Hall, and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, home to the acclaimed Swampers house band, became magnets for artists seeking that authentic, soulful groove. These studios didn’t just record music—they invented a feel that would influence genres across the board.
The exhibit honors the musicians who shaped this sound and welcomes visitors into their world through rare artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations. Among the highlights are vintage instruments, stage wear, studio gear, and original recordings that trace the evolution of the Muscle Shoals legacy. Audio and video stations allow visitors to hear interviews with pioneering artists and producers while experiencing the music that made Muscle Shoals famous.
One standout element of the exhibit is its exploration of the collaboration between Black and white artists in an era of segregation. The story underscores how music became a bridge in a divided society, with talents coming together to make timeless art.
The influence of Muscle Shoals extends far beyond Alabama. Legendary performers recorded there, including Aretha Franklin—who experienced a career-defining breakthrough at FAME—Willie Nelson, and the Rolling Stones. Classics like “Mustang Sally,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “Kodachrome,” and “Old Time Rock & Roll” all bear the mark of Muscle Shoals’ rhythmic magic.
Musician and songwriter Mac McAnally, featured prominently in the exhibition, represents the enduring legacy of this musical community. McAnally’s early work as a studio musician in Muscle Shoals helped shape his long and influential career, and his contributions are highlighted through his instruments, interviews, and music featured throughout the galleries.
To celebrate the exhibit’s opening, the museum hosted a sold-out concert featuring artists connected to the Muscle Shoals tradition, including Bettye LaVette, Spooner Oldham, Dan Penn, Candi Staton, and more. These performances brought the spirit of Muscle Shoals to life and underscored the ongoing relevance of its sound in contemporary music.
Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising is more than a retrospective—it’s a living testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a music historian, a longtime fan of classic recordings, or simply curious about one of America’s most influential musical movements, the exhibition offers an immersive and unforgettable experience.
You can purchase different Country Music Hall of Fame ticket packages ranging in price from $30 to $74. Different tours include the Museum, the Hatch Show Print Tour, or the Historic RCA Studio B Tour. For country music lovers young and old, The Country Music Hall of Fame is the mecca of all there is to know about the past, present, and future of country music.