SHEFFIELD, Alabama — Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, the site of recordings by some of the world’s best-known musical acts, from the Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan, reopened in January after a $1 million renovation.
The main studio in the concrete-block building has been revamped with a 1970s feel, with bright colors, retro chairs and metal ashtray; the sign over front door restored to its bright blue; and vintage recording equipment fills the production booth.
Among the other artists who recorded at the studio, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, were Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Cocker, Paul Simon, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart and Cat Stevens.
Even before it reopened, the Alabama Tourism Department named the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio as the state’s top attraction in 2017.