This is so heavy it's unreal. Every story is just astonishing. Like, "Yeah, and then one day after lunch on a Tuesday we all sat down and changed popular culture for the next 60 years..."

When are ya'll dropping part III? I'm from Muscle Shoals and Jimmy Johnson was a cousin. He's passed now. My mom and I would go up to their studio and he'd show us around. It's amazing stuff, what was recorded there. Great channel.

The Classic Rock Era wouldn’t have been the same without the Swampers & Muscle Shoals. I was a white grade schooler in the ‘60’s and suddenly listened to Percy & Wilson & Aretha right along with the Beatles & Stones. What a time to be young!✌️❤️🎶

Be curious to your reaction of The Wrecking Crew.

“Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers” (Sweet Home Alabama)

To answer some of the questions you guys had: 1: The main 'record label' was Atlantic (Jerry Wexler's Label) .. the Muscle Shoals studio was just where they recorded the songs. They had their own record label 'FAME Music' but most of the great tunes were for the labels that the artists belonged to. 2: The 'Bell Captain' is just an airport term for 'Bell hop' .. someone who either worked for the hotel or the airport assisting ppl w/ their luggage. Aretha saw her husband at the airport w/ all his things packed ready to go!.. lol :)

Interesting note: Atlantic owned Stax records where the original version of Respect with Otis Redding was released. Stax released it first and it was a minor hit for Otis, then Atlantic released it with Aretha and it became a major hit. So, between Memphis with the Stax house band, Booker T & The MGs, Muscle Shoals with their house band, the Swampers (On many Atlantic Records cuts) and Detroit with the Motown house band, the Funk Brothers, the foundations were laid for R&B and funk for like the past 60 years. Detroit, Memphis, and Muscle Shoals. Amazing stuff!

I can’t tell you how much fun I’m having watching the looks on your face when you see where so much great soul and rhythm and blues music came from. Lots of rock ‘n’ roll too. The swampers just had that magic. They had that funky, and as Aretha said it GREAZY sound! Country white boys, laying down the Funk! It’s just the greatest story.

Bell captain....supervisory baggage handler

Grew up 30 minutes from Muscle Shoals. Glad yall are watching this. Your gonna love it.

Yes, Etta was on Chess Records. Aretha was on Atlantic Records.

This is one of the best documentaries about American music. Real artists and people who cared about music. Sorely missed.

"Leaving with the bell captain" was hilarious. A bell captain is the supervisor of the bell hops in a hotel who primarily handle luggage. Either the bell captain had accompanied her husband to the airport, or they had a similar job description at the airport.

Great reactions from both parties. Yes, this film blew my mind 1st viewing, the magic that came out of Muscle Shoals was unique + artists you'll be seeing record there is a remarkable line-up. BTW the background singer who's been featured a couple times, Donna Thatcher, you've seen before. After she marries Keith Gouchaux and sings back up w the Grateful Dead in the '70s. Duane Allman also built up his cred w anybodyhearing him play. I saw Eric Clapton stating he stopped the car 1st time hearing Wilson Pickett's "Hey Jude" w Duane's guitar blazing in the outro. Eric said he found out who played the session before he could fall asleep.

So happy you saw this part of the documentary about Wilson Pickett and Aretha. Just fascinating to see what goes on in the studio with great artists like them and with musicians like The Swampers. True icons!

Guys, we have been getting intermittent signals for about a week now and haven't had any phone service but I came all the way into town to watch this with y'all! When I tried to open youtube, the thumbnails would come up but no videos would load. So now I'm in the country seat to see this with y'all. Muscle Shoals turned out dinner if the greatest, grimiest and soulful music I have ever heard in my life! The joy, the triumph, the sorrow and the devastation are all heard in those recordings. They're dirty and sleazy and heartfelt, raw and pure. I'm so grateful that you guys are doing a deep dive into the roots of American music.

Thanks guys, love seeing you two watch this. Great documentary and great reaction!

I just watched this a couple weeks ago, but glad to watch it again with you two. Great American music history right here! Can’t wait for part three! Muscle shoals has got the swampers 🎶

"It Tears Me Up" is my favourite Percy Sledge song...his great voice, that Hammond B-3, and those soaring background vocals...

Bell hops carried the baggage, bell captain was the bell hop supervisor.

You have no idea what a treat it is for me to (a) watch this documentary, which I've done many times, and (b) see the two of you respond to hearing all these stories for the first time. And all the stories are great. Thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing this video to respond to. These are the songs I heard on the radio when I was a teenager. The first concert I ever went to was Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels opening the show; the headliner was Wilson Pickett. What a time to be alive. In many ways I wish you guys could have been there!

one of my all time favorite documentaries ever... so glad you're doin it, there's so much to learn....

3 things brought us together in the south. Music, Sec football and food.

Yep, those Swampers did as much for race relations as Bobby Kennedy.

Sooo good!! I'd forgotten most of this so it's really fun to watch it with you guys & to see you make the connections betweeen the songs & artists that you know but to see the backstory & how they got made...with Muscle Shoals being the common denominator. Can't wait til part 3 comes out! You guys are the best.

I've watched that doc multiple times. Love it.

I met David Hood thru a friend. We went to the US Grand Grix a the Indy Motor Speedway in 3004. It rained all morning at sat in the infield partying and David was telling stories about the Allman Bros.Lynyrd Sktnrd. Wow what a day,fuck the race it was so much fun listening to David tell stories. At the time I didn't know much about Muscle Shoals. I had a standard poodle at the time,David loved my dog when he got home he bought a standard poodle and named him Nappy.

This is the 4th time watching this documentary. And each time, it is better. Because I get to watch the reaction in thier faces and voices. Can not wait for part 3. Great reaction, fellas 👏 ❤😊

So glad yall are watching this ! I’m from Muscle Shoals and got to meet so many of these guys and musicians . Lots of the people in the doc have passed now.

I’m from North Alabama. This documentary puts a big smile on my face. Love y’all both!! God Bless

Bell Captain is the guy who takes care of your luggage. Airports USED to have that service.

It's all about the BASS! And the drums, too. I remember watching this documentary fifteen years ago (or whenever it came out) but I really enjoy watching it all over again with y'all. Please hurry up and post the rest. Cheers!

One of my favorite documentaries, so well put together, a history lesson for music lovers of all ages. Ready for part lll

For licensing reasons they couldn't call the movie "Chess Records" so they called it Cadillac Records, since buying Cadillacs was part of the story line in the movie. Muscle Shoals was the town name. FAME was the name of the studio where the musicians worked and made the records. They would turn over the master copies to major record labels Atlantic and Columbia (NY), Chess (Chicago)..whichever one represented the lead artist... Wilson Pickett, Aretha, Etta James, Paul Simon, etc.. Stax Records in Memphis (which had already merged with smaller label Volt) were releasing records under their own name, but later would partner with Atlantic for distribution. So Stax was essentially a studio and team of musicians... just like FAME in Muscle Shoals..who would make records to be released under a major label.

I saw this documentary a year or so ago. Wow, I had forgotten how incredible it is. I can't keep track of how many times I got chills.

Been a Percy Sledge fan since the late 60s. What a voice ❤🔥🔥🔥

Footnote: Jerry Wexler invented the term rhythm and blues when he was at Billboard magazine as a journalist.

Just such a great documentary. I've watched it a few times over the years.

I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You) was written by Ronnie Shannon. Aretha's husband, Ted White, had asked Shannon to write a song specifically for Aretha. The guys at Muscle Shoals listened to the demo tape of the song lyrics at that first session. They just couldn't figure out how to come up with the music until Spooner Oldham started playing that intro. Then, Aretha and The Swampers improvised the music in what Aretha described as a 'head session.'

Percy, much forgotten but remembered by his music.

The unlimited amount of heart and good will toward man…..let’s bring that back…..or find it….❤love your channel ❤️we are learning things today.✅

13:29 "thats what music does, thats what music does..." Beethoven said he considered music superior to philosophy, math, religion etc., i agree.

Etta James recorded for Chess records. Cadillac Records was the name of the movie about Leonard Chess and the record label.

Atlantic Records was Wexler's label.

By the way the label was Atlantic records. They released several greatest hits records and CDs over the last 40 years. I had the vinyl double album many many years ago. Highly recommended.

I live in Florence and the Shoals area. So much music history here. I met Percy's son

Loving it Gentlemen! Loving it Up next " The Wrecking Crew" ....❤

Digging this fellas, cant wait for you to see where the swampers is added into some famous lyrics and really hope you watch the wrecking crew.

Great stuff guys. Can’t wait for part 3.

I loved this documentary when I first saw it. Love your reactions on this so far. Love your exploration of these things. If you get deep into Etta James, I would also encourage you to look for a song she did with Sugar Pie DeSanto called In the Basement. Sugar Pie is one of the most underrated artists of all time. I really enjoy how deep you are going on this stuff.

Somebody needs to do some reactions to The Spencer Davis Group; specifically, "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "I'm a Man." And from there, go straight to Traffic and "Mr. Fantasy" the album. Groundbreaking, earthshaking, and every other superlative you can think of. BTW, I can't wait to see you do the rest of this video. It's one of my all-time favorites.

FYI Dwayne Allman played guitar on Picket's "Hey Jude" recorded at Muscle Shoals.

Awesome guyz! Already waitin' for next part!!!

Excellent documentary! Always great when you get the facts straight from the people who lived them.

I don't know if you chaps noticed but you are grinning like little kids through most of this. Wonderful.

I believe a bell captain is the one who takes your luggage! Not 100 on that

Please do the documentary “Standing in the Shadows of Motown”!

I have to say it. Young Wilson Pickett was a gorgeous man. Problem is, he was either charming and lots of fun or trying to kill you (literally). But, his talent is undeniable. No one was ever more soulful.

So happy that y’all found this documentary!!! ❤ Thanks for sharing your experience! 🤙🏼🤙🏼

Jerry wexler started Atlanitic records,and later became partners with amhet ertegun.

Check out the music collection The Fame Studio Story 1961-1973 Home of the Muscle Shoals Sound. It's fantastic! Candi Staton is another gem of music history! Candi Staton Evidence: The Complete Fame Records Masters is stellar!

It's a bit complicated deciding who was producing, who was engineering, what label it was, and so on. But it's a compelling story any way you look at it. One of my favorite music documentaries. You guys should check out _Still Bill,_ the documentary about Bill Withers, soul great and also _Searching for Sugarman,_ the Wrecking Crew documentary, and Don't Look Back, the Bob Dylan doc. Love you guys.

They recorded for many labels - they were a for hire studio and player crew for everyone that wanted it ...

Not sure if you guys caught it or not but the “Donna” they talked to briefly about singing backup with Percy Sledge is Donna Jean Godchaux of The Grateful Dead (72-79). She was a backing vocalist in Muscle Shoals and sang behind some huge names, including Elvis. Also of note, Swamper bassist David Hood is the father of Patterson Hood, a founding member of the band “Drive By Truckers” which would be a good band for you guys to look into. Jason Isbell was also in DBT in the early days. Some good stuff there!

Jerry Wexler worked for Atlantic Records, so any records recorded with him was for Atlantic records

Atlantic was the label in regards to Aretha.. Jerry Wexler & Atlantic were cutting stuff at Stax in Memphis and got into a financial dispute, so he needed to find a new similar type studio situation

One of my very favorite music docs. Them Alabama boys tore it up back in the day. You guys need to put Gimme Shelter on your must watch list. This classic tragic show is a generation defining event.

Ain't this some wild s**t? As you may or may not know, Duane Allman was a session musician at Muscle Shoals. He talked Wilson Pickett into doing "Hey, Jude," which, when Eric Clapton heard it on the radio, he said he pulled over to get better reception and immediately called to find out who that guitarist was. Duane also played guitar on "The Weight" by Aretha. She specifically asked for "that skinny white boy" to play it with her.

This docu is amazing!

There is a great video out there of Carol Kaye explaining how she writes music. Worth a watch.

Wurlitzer 140B piano in the beginning. I still have mine. Classic.

" It Ain't Fair'"... Aretha , the Swampers, and a young unknown..Duanne Allman. From Muscle Schoals......gentlemen must check out the Duanne Allman Anthology vol 2....all the good stuff before Duanne , and brother Gregg, formed the Allman Bros! ❤😂

Now You know why Ronnie Van Zandt says "In Muscle Shoals they got The Swampers, and They been known to pick a song or two" A little sarcasm, for anyone thinking that there were no Southerners who were not racist, there is bias everywhere, But, they were recording and putting out some of the most foundational R&B Even Created. An object lesson through Music. I was alive during the whole "Wallace" situation, and, Dr. King calling out all people to be honorable, the later 60's, a white boy, witnessing the sellout of a lot of white people like my parents, who went along with the entire notion of black, and white people should live separated. The crazy thing, is that my father, grew up on a farm in Sicily Island Louisiana, where white people, and black people all live together in a small tight knit community, and mostly loved, and cared for each other equally. I got to visit there in the late 60's as a boy, then we would return to Pompano Beach FL, and I would have gone from an early 1900's community to a 1969 modern society, in a middle class white neighborhood. It was like travelling through time. I love that so much of the "wall of bias" has been torn down, and we each treat each other as individuals, without bias. People are People. God has to show us our hypocrisy somehow, as long as we learn from our mistakes. Thanks Guys, Love this Documentary.

Waiting on part 3. Been great! Great reaction! 😊

Insight - muscle shoals is the name of the town - Fame is the studio in muscle shoals - swappers was the Fame in house band - Atlantic was Aretha and Wilson picket label (that Jerry we let ran) - chess records was the label that chess brothers owned in Chicago. Etta was on chess records - Cadillac records wasn’t a label at all, it was just a movie title cause the chess brothers used to give Cadillacs to the artists

To comment on the fella a few below, TheWrecking Crew was just as astonishing as Muscle Shoals I’m betting that La snd Che will be allover that one too.

Yer killin' me! I can't wait for you to do the rest of this video. It's fire!

Along with Jerry Wexler, a young audio engineer by the name of Tom Dowd made magic with Aretha and many of the Atlantic/Atco recording artists.

ABSOLUTLY LOVING THIS FELLAS ! Adds a lot to OUR CHANNEL ! MISSISSIPPI ROCKEN APB 🎉

We musicians are the original masaginists! Always have been, musicians don't give a damn what you look like, if you got the groove you're good. My bands have usually been mixed.

Really enjoying your reactions to this awesome documentary!

There are pure moments in history. Where so many different types of people can come together, harmoniously, to create beauty for the world to enjoy. I love what you guys are doing with your channel. You’re diving in, connecting the dots, gaining inspiration and sounds and lyrics that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your lives. One of my favorite sayings is, “it’s the not the destination, it’s the journey”. Ralph Waldo Emerson ❤️

Wexler was a New York guy but knew he had something down South. Watch his documentary called “Immaculate Funk”

Jerry Wexler represents the label, Atlantic Records, that Wilson and Aretha were on at that time.

Loving the series and the revelations! Those funky white guys were making stars!

You guys chose a great title. Looking forward to the next part.

Hot diggity! Re-watching this with you guys. Good stuff.

Keep going. This reaction is fantastic.

Bell hop / captain one who handles people's luggage

A lot of great musicians didn't like living on the road, haggling over record contracts or dealing with media and fans. You could make a nice living as a studio player

Originally named the New Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin signed a deal with Atlantic Records that gave them considerable artistic freedom. Initially unpopular with critics, they achieved significant commercial success with eight studio albums over ten years. Who recommended Led Zeppelin to Atlantic Records? Signing Led Zeppelin and CSN Ertegun and Wexler knew of the group's leader, Jimmy Page, through The Yardbirds, and their favorable opinion was reinforced by Dusty Springfield, who recommended Atlantic sign the band.

Any one else getting chills watching this ?

Whenever I think of Wilson Pickett and Mustang Sally I think of the movie The Commitments.

It would be Atlantic records if Jerry, Wexler and Aretha we’re doing it together, so no particular label at least from this spot

Loved it. Can't wait for the next intallment.

Love that you’re doing this doc.. Have loved everything that’s comes out of that studio since I’m a kid (now 53). Like Bono said it comes from the mud.. btw/ Queens kid born and raised.. when Percy mentions the Elks Club at 2:45 the pic used is the Ellks at 82-10 Queens Blvd..😂 Queens represent !!

George Wallace got shot and paralyzed. He became a better person after that. Crazy but true. A crazy time that I remember. It wasn't like that where I lived, thank god.

Some great American history 👍👍

After you finish this documentary, give the Wrecking Crew a watch ! It’s a close second to this!

Im so glad your doing this.. Next one is the wrecking crew..keep up the good work. I haven’t talked to you in a while, but I do keep in touch..