Esteemed record producer, Fame studio founder, creator of the Muscle Shoals sound, publisher and Grammy winner Rick Hall died early Tuesday morning [January 2], aged 85. Hall’s death was confirmed by Judy Hood, a board member of the Alabama Music Hall Of Fame, telling TimesDaily: “It’s a very, very sad day for Muscle Shoals and music in general.”
At Fame Recording Studios, Hall worked with some of the biggest soul and R&B artists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Otis Redding and Arthur Alexander. His career also saw him collaborate with both pop and country acts like The Osmonds, Paul Anka, Tom Jones, Mac Davis, Jerry Reed and Barbara Mandrell.
Tributes from the music industry have started to pour in, with artists, labels, politicians and execs paying their respects to the pioneering producer.
Very sad to hear Rick Hall passed away today. A true gentleman. It was an honour to have known him and worked with the great music he made ???? pic.twitter.com/xqftOCdmuh
— Ace Records (@AceRecordsLtd) January 2, 2018
RIP Rick Hall. Thank you for all the music you helped bring into the world. Sad start to 2018. pic.twitter.com/Hb5ntBvpDp
— Seasick Records (@seasickbham) January 2, 2018
Fitting that the loss of my hero and friend Rick Hall would finally galvanize this idea I’ve had for a while...I’m going to commit to recording a video each week all year of a song by a hero of mine that’s STILL WITH US. Some you’ll know, many you won’t - and that’s the idea
— John Paul White (@johnpaulwhite) January 2, 2018
Rick Hall and his family gave me my first job in the music business, and nobody in the industry ever worked harder than Rick. Nobody. American music wouldn’t be the same without his contributions. His death is a huge loss to those of us who knew him and those who didn’t.
— Jason Isbellgrande (@JasonIsbell) January 2, 2018
We lost another great one ... RIP Rick Hall, the owner of FAME Studios ... you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/aaR71UcJ1q
— Allman Brothers Band (@allmanbrothers) January 3, 2018
The Music world changed today with The passing of the great Rick Hall. Rick was The Godfather of Muscle Shoals Music.
— Mac McAnally (@macmcanally) January 2, 2018
I am blessed to have learned at his feet and happy we have so much fine work to remember him by. Godspeed my friend! pic.twitter.com/GLiKO4Nqkz
I am sorry to hear about the passing of the "Father of Muscle Shoals Music", Rick Hall. He was truly a music legend and one of Alabama's stars. He will surely be missed.
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) January 2, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing of Rick Hall today. He helped shape the face of music forever & in doing so, helped shape me as a person & musician. My thoughts & gratitude are with Rodney & all the FAME Family. pic.twitter.com/MchHyP5kmX
— Anderson East (@Andersoneast) January 2, 2018
oh no.. incredibly sad. RIP Rick Hall. #MuscleShoals https://t.co/wmBOq9irXq
— rosanne cash (@rosannecash) January 2, 2018
So sad to hear of the great #RickHall’s passing today. ???? Champion of the #MuscleShoals sound and some of the greatest music ever made. It was an honor to work with him on some of my records, and to watch him work with my brothers as well. #RIP @Fame_Music pic.twitter.com/kMmsp6KFGD
— Marie Osmond (@marieosmond) January 3, 2018
Saddened by song producer #RickHall's death. With his legendary talent he harnessed the 'Muscle Shoals sound,' and changed music forever. I had the special opportunity to interview Rick a few years back. What a career, what a guy!
— Larry King (@kingsthings) January 3, 2018
WATCH: https://t.co/Uf1p6fS2jY
A great friend and a true legend passes today. #RickHall thanks for all the music and for making a difference in our lives, we love you Rick see you on the other side. #FameStudios pic.twitter.com/e4EX6H2ifR
— Jimmy Osmond (@jimmyosmond) January 2, 2018
Hall was the subject of Greg 'Freddy' Camalier’s acclaimed 2013 music documentary Muscle Shoals, which celebrated the signature sound he developed with songs like I'll Take You There, Brown Sugar, and When a Man Loves a Woman.
You can watch the trailer for Muscle Shoals below:
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