Famed Muscle Shoals music producer Rick Hall dies at 85

Rick Hall, who recorded some of the biggest musical acts of the 1960s and '70s and helped develop the fabled 'Muscle Shoals sound,' has died.|
ASSOCIATED PRESS
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama record producer Rick Hall, who recorded some of the biggest musical acts of the 1960s and '70s and helped develop the fabled "Muscle Shoals sound," has died.

Longtime friend Judy Hood says Hall died at his home Tuesday following a fight with cancer. He was 85.

Hall founded FAME Recording Studios in northwestern Alabama in 1959 and went on to record major acts including R&B stars Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett.

Hall also recorded country artists including George Jones and Brenda Lee and produced pop acts including Paul Anka and the Osmonds.

A new generation of listeners knows Hall through the 2013 documentary "Muscle Shoals." The movie tells the story of Hall, the region's musicians and its distinctive, soulful sound featuring heavy bass, electric piano or organ and drums.

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