Music makes a destination. Whether you have one joint that features live music a few nights a week or whether you are Austin...music is the backbone of the culture of a community.
For fierce music afficiandoes, Muscle Shoals has been a mecca for years. Where Elvis, Etta James, Aretha, Otis Redding, Bob Seger, the Wicked Pickett, Stones, Skynyrd, Clapton and the Allmans recorded huge albums, it has earned its place in American music lore.
But, for the masses...not so much. At least until a recent documentary uncovered the magic that blossomed from that corner of Alabama. As Keith Richard said, "one of the best rooms I ever worked in." The biggest names flocked to Muscle Shoals.
And, the documentary has been a boon to the destination in terms of visitation. Debbie Wilson (CEO of the Florence-Lauderdale CVB) says that visitation is way up...especially from international visitors. And, the PR value of being highlighted on David Letterman and over 60 publications.
Priceless.
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