New Festival Aims to Celebrate the Legacy and Future of Muscle Shoals Music

From Duane Allman and Wilson Pickett to today’s generation of songwriters and performers, Muscle Shoals continues to leave its mark on American music. On this episode of Tennessee Valley Mornings, Erich Brukner speaks with Rodney Hall, son of legendary producer Rick Hall, along with musicians James LeBlanc and Angela Hacker about the inaugural Skydog Shoals Experience. The conversation explores the origins of the festival, the story behind Duane Allman’s “Skydog” nickname, the enduring influence of the Muscle Shoals sound, and why authenticity remains at the heart of the region’s music culture. The festival takes place August 28–30 at the Renaissance Shoals Hotel and Conference Center in Florence.