Alabama record producer Rick Hall, who recorded some of the biggest musical acts of the 1960s and ’70s and helped develop the fabled “Muscle Shoals sound,” has died.
Longtime friend Judy Hood says Hall died at his home Tuesday (Jan. 2) following a fight with cancer. He was 85.
Hall founded FAME Recording Studios in northwestern Alabama in 1959 and went on to record major acts including R&B stars Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett.
Hall also recorded country artists including George Jones and Brenda Lee and produced pop acts including Paul Anka and The Osmonds.
A new generation of listeners knows Hall through the 2013 documentary Muscle Shoals. The movie tells the story of Hall, the region’s musicians and its distinctive, soulful sound featuring heavy bass, electric piano or organ and drums.
Jason Isbell and more mourned Hall’s death via Twitter:
Rick Hall and his family gave me my first job in the music business, and nobody in the industry ever worked harder than Rick. Nobody. American music wouldn’t be the same without his contributions. His death is a huge loss to those of us who knew him and those who didn’t.
— Jason Isbellgrande (@JasonIsbell) January 2, 2018
The Music world changed today with The passing of the great Rick Hall. Rick was The Godfather of Muscle Shoals Music.
I am blessed to have learned at his feet and happy we have so much fine work to remember him by. Godspeed my friend! pic.twitter.com/GLiKO4Nqkz
— Mac McAnally (@macmcanally) January 2, 2018
This man was & remains an icon for us @littlesteven_ug writing and producing for some of the greatest artists of all time. The King of Muscle Shoals. RIP. https://t.co/COQH9bpQHp
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) January 2, 2018