The Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville can of course be enjoyed without the add-on of a visit to the Shoals. But for those planning a visit to the Alabama city, Low Rhythm Rising can be thought of as a delicious appetizer. The carefully-curated exhibit has tons of important memorabilia from the artists associated with Muscle Shoals, things like Aretha Franklin's piano, one of Duane Allman's guitars, one of Patterson Hood's acoustic guitars and Rick Hall's fiddle. The late Hall was the owner of Muscle Shoals revered FAME Studios and is often called "The Father of Muscle Shoals Music." Also available for fans to see is clothing worn by the stars, including one of Wilson Pickett's stage outfits, Dan Penn's jacket and an outfit worn by Candi Staton. There's lots of ephemera too, and even a brief film narrated by Jason Isbell. The exhibit runs through March of 2028. More info is here.

For the best understanding of the importance of Muscle Shoals today and historically, fans need to tour FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Tours are extremely informative and give fans a peek into how hit records were cut here. It is important to note that these studios are not resting on their laurels; both continue to host recording sessions by a wide variety of contemporary artists. As such, when recording sessions are in progress, tours may be abbreviated or not available. Otherwise here's what you can expect.

FAME Studios

A stand-up at FAME Studios depicts Duane Allman and Rick Hall

There's an incredible amount of history to hear about during a tour of FAME Studios. You'll hear about how the studio's late owner Rick Hall produced tons of monster hits and how he keyed on those to turn FAME into the legendary facility that it remains. And you'll even get to step into Hall's office which has been preserved as it was when Hall passed.

FAME Studios In Rick Hall's office

There's lots of memorabilia in the office and throughout the studio that can be photographed including instruments, photos, album covers and much more, from the likes of stars like Jerry Lee Lewis, Ann Wilson of Heart, Alan Jackson, Alabama, Keb' Mo', Joe South, Aloe Blacc, Bobbie Gentry, Aretha Franklin, King Curtis, Mac Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Drive-By Truckers, the Doobie Brothers, Little Richard, Jamey Johnson, Bobby Womack, the Raconteurs, Tom Jones, the Stylistics and dozens and dozens of others. You will see a list during the tour and don't be surprised if your jaw hits the floor.

Aretha Franklin tribute at the Muscle Shoals Low Rhythm Rising exhibit

Tour guides welcome questions, and while they may not have the exact answer you're looking for, they will definitely provide insight when you ask about your favorite artist that has recorded at FAME. Two types of tour are available, a "Backstage Tour" and a "Standard Tour." More information on these is here. https://famestudios.com/

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

At Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

This other legendary Muscle Shoals recording studio has many claims to fame. This is where the famed "Swampers," officially the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, worked their magic on hits by Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aretha Franklin, Leon Russell, Paul Simon, Percy Sledge, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, the Staple Singers and the Rolling Stones. In all the group performed, engineered or produced around 500 songs that resulted in about 75 gold or platinum hits. The only surviving member of the Swampers in bassist David Hood, who is also the owner of the studio. A great photo op is available in front of a display of some of Hood's favorite basses.

David Hood basses at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Fans love to ask about Lynyrd Skynyrd's time at the studio; the group famously name-checked the Swampers in their hit song "Sweet Home Alabama." Of course many want to know about the time the Rolling Stones spent at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, and I can assure you that the stories you'll hear are very interesting. It is almost mandatory, too, to take a photo in front of the studio; that'll replicate the photo that Cher had taken for one of her album covers. As with at FAME, there's lots of memorabilia to see at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. More information on tours is here. https://muscleshoalssoundstudio.org/

SkyDog: The Shoals Experience

For those making a visit to the Shoals in late August, there's a special event taking place that will be of interest. SkyDog: The Shoals Experience is a brand new festival that will take place at the Muscle Shoals-adjacent Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa in Florence, Alabama August 28-30, 2026. The lineup is stacked with talent; set to appear are Jackson Dean, Wet Willie with Jimmy Hall, Maggie Rose, Steve Knight, Lamar Williams, Jr, Scott Sharrard, The FAME Gang, Spooner Oldham, The Shoals Sisters, Mike Farris, Gary Nichols, Peter Levin, Sons of Legion, The Retrograde, Bonneville, The Family, Eric Erdman, Holli Mosley and Lamont Landers. And since so many stars live in the Muscle Shoals area, you never know who might turn up as a surprise guest. The Renaissance is a great place for visitors to stay and there's lots of stuff there for music fans to enjoy in the rooms and throughout the facility, including a fantastic display honoring the Rolling Stones, Swampers restaurant and live music venue and much more (the sinks in the lobby restrooms are shaped like guitars!) Tickets are available now with options being single day General Admission tickets for Friday, August 28 or Saturday August 29, two-day passes, or for the Sunday Soul Brunch taking place on August 30. Purchase tickets for SkyDog: The Shoals Experience here.