Music Trail of North Alabama

1. FAME Recording Studios

Established in 1959, was the first successful, professional recording studio in Alabama. Arthur Alexander’s 1961 hit, “You Better Move On,” cut here, launched the famous Muscle Shoals sound. The internationally acclaimed documentary, Muscle Shoals released in 2013, told the story of FAME and its founder, Rick Hall.

2. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Established in 1969 by a group of former FAME session musicians, this was the location where the Rolling Stones, Cher, Bob Segar, Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkle, and many others created some of the most popular hits of the 1970’s. The rhythm section was eventually immortalized as “The Swampers” by Lynyrd Skynyrd in the lyrics to “Sweet Home Alabama.”

3. Champy's

4. GunRunner Boutique Hotel

5. Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa

6. Ritz Theatre

7. Rattlesnake Saloon

Old-fashioned saloon feel, with swinging doors, a large porch that hosts live music and hitching post. Built into a massive rock outcropping. Sandwiches, wings and more. Open: Th-Sa 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

8. Alabama Music Hall of Fame

Honors the outstanding achievements and the music of Alabamians. You’ll hear rocking rhythms and soul touching melodies as you admire the vast memorabilia from the lives and careers of more than 1,000 stars, representing all styles of America’s music.

9. Tribute to Percy Sledge and Jimmy Hughes Mural

Mural tail

10. Roxy Theatre

11. Red Bay Museum

The museum showcases various displays artifacts of Red Bay's past and also a display of items donated by Tammy Wynette and family and friends of Tammy.

12. 9-1-1 Festival

13. Looney's Tavern Entertainment & Cultural Center

14. Alabama Strawberry Festival

15. Sand Mountain Park & AMphitheater

16. Two Sisters Square

17. Orion Amphitheater & Apollo Park

The Orion is an 8,000-capacity destination venue that marks a bold new chapter in the Southeast’s unparalleled musical history. With its proximity to the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Huntsville enjoys its status as part of the Americana Music Triangle, known for its cultural achievement as the birthplace of one of our country’s greatest exports, music – particularly blues, soul and rock’n’roll.

18. Ditto Landing

Every summer, Ditto Landing hosts a sunset concert series featuring various artists monthly on Tuesdays. Admission and parking are free. Concert goers can expect great food from food trucks (outside food and beverages are welcome), fabulous tunes and the best sunset view in the City of Huntsville.

19. Von Braun Center

The Von Braun Center (VBC) in Huntsville, Alabama, is a premier venue for music events, featuring multiple performance spaces that cater to a wide range of musical experiences. Propst Arena: With a seating capacity of up to 9,000, Propst Arena is the largest venue within the VBC. It has hosted major concerts across various genres, including rock, pop, and country. Notably, it was the site of Elvis Presley's unprecedented five consecutive performances in 1975 . Mark C. Smith Concert Hall: This 1,955-seat hall offers an intimate setting ideal for symphonies, ballets, and Broadway productions. It serves as the home of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the Broadway Theatre League . Mars Music Hall: Opened in 2020, Mars Music Hall provides a versatile space with a capacity of approximately 1,300. Its open-floor plan and balcony create an intimate atmosphere suitable for a variety of events, from concerts to comedy acts Located in downtown Huntsville, the VBC is adjacent to Big Spring International Park, making it a central hub for the city's cultural and musical activities.

20. Little Richard Mural

Located in the MidCity District is a bright and vibrant 40'x30' mural of Little Richard by artist Logan Tanner. Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as “Little Richard,” attended Oakwood University and is buried at the Oakwood Memorial Gardens in Huntsville. Address: 1030 Mid City Drive, Huntsville, AL

21. Panoply Arts Festival

200 Church Street SW, Huntsville, AL 35801 https://www.artshuntsville.org/event/panoply/ Art and music come together each year the last weekend in April for a three-day celebration in Big Spring Park located in the heart of downtown Huntsville. The Panoply Arts Festival offers three days of live music from over 20 local and regional musical acts in a variety of genres – jazz, rock, R&B, indie rock, blues, pop and more. Additional activities include shopping for original works of art, demonstrations and hands-on activities along with two nights of fireworks.

22. Princess Theatre Center for Perfoming Arts

112 2nd. Avenue NE, Decatur, AL 35601 https://princesstheatre.org/ (256) 350-1745 A landmark listed on the National Register of historic places, the Princess Theatre is a historic venue known for its Art Deco design and intimate setting, making it a beloved spot for various live performances, including concerts. The theater boasts a 677-seat main auditorium, providing an intimate experience for concertgoers, and hosts a diverse range of genres, including country, southern rock, pop, blues, jazz, and folk.

23. A Tribute to Johnny Sandlin Mural

217 Moulton Street East, Decatur, AL 35601 The mural in downtown Decatur is a tribute to Johnny Sandlin, a renowned record producer who worked with many notable musicians, including the Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic, and Wet Willie. And it doesn’t just commemorate Sandlin’s music career, it also showcases the many famous artists who created music in Decatur with him including musician David Hood from the band the Swampers, Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie, Derek Trucks with Tedeschi Trucks Band, along with John Bell from Widespread Panic. The mural, painted by Steven Teller, a muralist from St. Augustine, Florida, aims to celebrate Sandlin's musical contributions and showcase the rich musical heritage of Decatur.

24. Merchant's Alley

107 N. Jefferson St., Athens, AL (256) 232-9040 A project of Athens Main Street, Merchants Alley features a series of music-themed murals, each one paying tribute to the city's musical legacies. The focal point of the alley is entitled "Playing the Sound of the Wind." Spanning 20' high and 40' wide, the mural aims to pay respect and acknowledge one the city's top annual events, Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. It was designed and painted by Adam Stephenson and Pamela Tellez Coria. The alley also includes art passages created by students at the Alabama Center for the Arts, selfie murals made by local high school artists and a Brittany Howard mural. Howard is best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the American rock band Alabama Shakes and is a native of rural Athens.

25. Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

On the campus of Athens State University, Athens, AL https://athensfiddlers.org/ Typically the first full weekend in October, the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention attracts approximately 15,000 folk music fans and more than 200 musicians who compete for prize money in 19 different categories of competition, including several fiddle and guitar categories, mandolin, bluegrass, banjo, old time singing and Appalachian buck dancing. The Convention culminates on Saturday evening when the new Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddle champion is announced. The three-day event also offers concerts, food vendors and arts and crafts on a theme of authentic workmanship while celebrating traditional old-time music. Admission charged.