Alabama is a breeding ground for musical talent. Many well-known musicians grew up in Alabama, and music festivals abound. From the mountains of northern Alabama to the white sand beaches, the Yellowhammer State has been the muse of many music-makers. Alabama has even produced several top contestants and winners on the ubiquitous American Idol.
Music Hall of Fame
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame is a definite must-see for music lovers visiting Alabama. Recognizing accomplished musicians from a wide scope of musical genres, the Hall is located in Tuscumbia, in the northwest corner of the state. The main gallery houses tributes to more than 30 inductees, while other wings contain memorabilia and exhibits of musical legends like Nat King Cole, Percy Sledge, W.C. Handy, Tammy Wynette, Hank Williams, Sr., and others.
One of the highlights of the Hall of Fame tour is the Southern Star tour bus that belonged to the country music group Alabama. Other spots of interest include a recording studio, where visitors can record their own tunes; the Muscle Shoals section; and a gospel showcase. In addition to touring the Hall of Fame's exhibits, many special events are held here regularly, including concerts, Celebrity of the Month events, and other special events.
Another important Hall of Fame is the Alabama Jazz Music Hall of Fame, located in the Carver Theatre in Birmingham. This art-deco museum still hosts concerts, and has inducted such greats as Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and Lionel Hampton among many others. The hall is located in the Civil Rights District of Birmingham, and sponsors jazz concerts around the city, along with 2,200 square feet of jazz memorabilia exhibits featuring the likes of W.C. Handy and Ella Fitzgerald.
Hank Williams, Sr.
One of Alabama's most beloved musicians and singers was the great Hank Williams, Sr. Williams was born in Butler County, and learned to sing in the Mount Olive Church. His boyhood home of Georgiana now hosts a music festival each summer in June, and is home to the museum in his honor.
One of the best ways to experience the music and life of Hank Williams, Sr. is through the Hank Williams Trail. Drive the 'Lost Highway,' a route of cities from Birmingham to Andalusia, and several spots in between. These cities were the site of many important events in his life, including the spot he spent vacations, where he was married, and the site of his final performance. See his famous blue Cadillac, eat in the same place he ate his favorite chili dogs, and follow much of his life from his boyhood home to the his burial site. Brochures detailing the route and points of interest are available from the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel.
W.C. Handy
Another of Alabama's most influential music makers was W.C. Handy. Often referred to as the "Father of the Blues," Handy was born in Florence, Alabama. Handy was a piano and trumpet player who played the blues from St. Louis to Memphis to New York. He was well- known for composing music and publishing his music.
Handy's birthplace in Florence is now restored as a museum, which holds the W.C. Handy Music Festival in July. The festival has become one of the top 20 events in the Southeast region. Headliners at the festival have included Dizzy Gillespie, Will McFarland, the Chuck Rivers Band, Bobby Blue Bland, Percy Sledge, and many others. The festival lasts for ten days, and includes more than 250 musical events. It's a fun-filled musical extravaganza that's a must-see for jazz music lovers.
Other Alabamian Musicians
Along with these well-known Alabamian musicians, several other popular artists also hail from the state including: Tammy Wynette, who was born in Red Bay; the Commodores, who first met at the Tuskegee Institute; Lionel Richie, an original member of the Commodores who later left to become a successful solo artist; Percy Sledge, the 'Golden Voice of Soul,' and still a popular draw; Alabama, the well known country group with rock roots; Jimmy Rodgers, one of the first country music singers and songwriters; the Temptations, one of the most successful soul groups in American music history; as well as artists like Clarence Carter, Emmylou Harris, Jim Nabors, and Vern Gosdin.
Festivals
Outdoor festivals are a deep-rooted part of Alabamian tradition. Throughout the state, music fans can attend a variety of events and concerts in a number of venues and genres. The Big Spring Jam runs for three days in September at Big Spring Park in Huntsville. The festival offers such big name talent as Jars of Clay, Bucky Covington, the Commodores, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Foreigner, LeAnn Rimes, and many more.
City Stages is one of the largest music festivals in the state. Touted as "Nine concerts for the price of one," this extravaganza is held each June in Birmingham, and truly has something for everyone. A collection of concerts of several different genres, the various events are categorized into such titles as Classic Rock, Gospel, Hitmakers, Dance, Kiddie Stages, and more. The event draws such big name performers as Earth, Wind, and Fire; the Steve Miller Band, Poison, Ludacris, and many more.
Jubilee CityFest is held each April in Montgomery. This family-friendly event draws a large number of well-known singers and musicians, with the likes of Vince Gill, Sugarland, Mark Wills, Bad Company, and many more headliners. The festival lasts for two days and includes additional attractions such as the KidsFest, ArtFest, an 8K CityFest run, Battle of the Bands, and much more.
Other Musical Styles
While Alabama has produced its share of top name country, soul, and blues musicians, classical styles find a home here as well. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra, headquartered in Birmingham, has been playing classical and pops concerts for over 70 years. Many of Alabama's colleges and universities also have classical music groups that perform regularly.
Alabama is a musical state, and has produced many musicians that have helped shape the styles of today's American music. Visitors to Alabama can walk the footsteps of many of those musical pioneers, visit childhood homes, and musical hall of fames. For a music lover, Alabama is a great vacation option.
