“Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers
And they’ve been known to pick a song or two
Lord they get me off so much
They pick me up when I’m feeling blue
Now how bout you?”Lynyrd Skynyrd
These iconic lyrics, penned by Lynyrd Skynyrd, might seem unrelated to the song we’re about to explore, but bear with us. This journey through music history will connect these dots, revealing the fascinating evolution of a celebrated tune and paying homage to a guitar legend whose sound defined an era.
Our story centers on “Land of 1000 Dances,” a song that has transcended generations and musical styles. Its origins trace back to 1962, when Chris Kenner, a New Orleans rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, first penned and recorded it. The title itself is a playful concept, born from Kenner’s lyrical enumeration of popular dance crazes of the time. His original version name-checked sixteen dances, including the Pony, the Chicken, the Mashed Potato, the Alligator, the Watusi, the Twist, the Fly, the Jerk, the Tango, the Yo-Yo, the Sweet Pea, the Hand-Jive, the Slop, the Bop, the Fish, and finally, the Popeye.
Kenner’s original recording also featured a gospel-infused a cappella introduction, invoking a sense of call and response:
“Children, go where I send you / (Where will you send me?) / I’m gon’ send you to that land / the land of a thousand dances.”
Chris Kenner
While this captivating introduction was ultimately omitted from the radio release, it was this very line that christened the song with its enduring title: “Land of 1000 Dances.”
[Listen to Chris Kenner’s original version to appreciate the song’s roots.] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDxfCywWgaE)
The song took another significant turn in 1965 when Frankie “Cannibal” Garcia of Cannibal and the Headhunters injected their unique energy into it. During their recording session, a serendipitous moment of forgotten lyrics led to improvisation. Garcia spontaneously vocalized the now-iconic “na na na na na” hook. This accidental invention became the song’s defining characteristic, instantly recognizable and irresistibly catchy. Cannibal and the Headhunters’ rendition propelled “Land of 1000 Dances” further into the popular consciousness.
Fast forward to 1966, and Wilson Pickett, the soul and R&B powerhouse, found himself at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This studio, Florence Alabama Music Enterprises, was becoming a hotbed of musical innovation, largely thanks to the incredible session musicians known as the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. For his version of “Land of 1000 Dances,” Pickett enlisted these musicians, alongside the Memphis Horns, whom he brought from his Nashville sessions. This collaboration resulted in what is arguably the most famous and electrifying rendition of the song.
The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, often affectionately nicknamed “The Swampers,” were more than just session musicians; they were architects of a distinct sound that permeated countless hits. Their influence was so profound they even earned a nod in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s anthem, “Sweet Home Alabama,” immortalizing them in rock history.
(Image: Lynyrd Skynyrd performing “Sweet Home Alabama”, Ronnie Van Zant wearing a Neil Young shirt, acknowledging Muscle Shoals Swampers in song lyrics)
Notice Ronnie Van Zant’s Neil Young t-shirt in the image above. Despite the lyrical sparring between Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young regarding the South, the bands developed a mutual respect and friendship. Young even offered songs to Lynyrd Skynyrd, and plans for collaboration were in motion before the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of three band members in 1977. The audience’s enthusiastic reaction when Van Zant sings “Now Muscle Shoals has got The Swampers” in “Sweet Home Alabama” speaks volumes about the band’s and the region’s pride in these musicians.
So, who exactly were The Swampers? In essence, they were Alabama’s answer to the legendary Los Angeles session musicians, The Wrecking Crew. If you’ve enjoyed music by Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Leon Russell, Rod Stewart, Bob Seger, The Staples Singers, and, of course, Wilson Pickett, you’ve undoubtedly heard the magic of The Swampers. Their contributions spanned playing, production, and engineering.
The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section emerged in the early 1960s from FAME Studios, the vision of Rick Hall, a local musician, producer, songwriter, and publisher. Hall’s entrepreneurial spirit and musical ear single-handedly put Muscle Shoals, Alabama, firmly on the global music map. The sound he cultivated through The Swampers became legendary, and his passing in 2018 marked the end of an era.
Initially, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section was known as the ‘FAME Gang.’ However, as their reputation grew, Nashville studios lured away the original members with lucrative offers. This exodus paved the way for the ‘second FAME Gang,’ who would later become universally known as ‘The Swampers.’
The core of this iconic rhythm section comprised Barry Beckett on keyboards, Roger Hawkins on drums, David Hood on bass, and, crucially for our story, Jimmy Johnson on guitar. This quartet’s distinctive sound became synonymous with a golden age of music. Atlantic Records executive Jerry Wexler recognized the unique alchemy Rick Hall had concocted and brought his star artists, Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett, to Muscle Shoals, setting off a chain reaction that drew countless other renowned musicians.
This exploration of “Land of 1000 Dances” and the Muscle Shoals sound serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late, great guitarist, Jimmy Johnson. For decades, you’ve likely been captivated by his guitar work without even realizing it. His discography boasts over 500 songs, a testament to his prolific talent. Here are just a few highlights from his incredible career:
- “When a Man Loves a Woman” – Percy Sledge
- “Mustang Sally” – Wilson Pickett
- Shake, Rattle and Roll – Arthur Conley
- Tell Mama – Etta James
- “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
- “Hey Jude” – Wilson Pickett (with Duane Allman)
- “There’s Always Something There to Remind Me” –R.B. Greaves
- Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, and Production work on Sticky Fingers – The Rolling Stones
- Still Crazy After All These Years – Paul Simon
- Numerous tracks for Bob Seger and Rod Stewart
- Street Survivors – Lynyrd Skynyrd
This list merely scratches the surface of Jimmy Johnson’s monumental contributions to music history. Sadly, Jimmy Johnson passed away recently at his home in Florence, Alabama. While words may fail to fully capture his impact, the distinctive Muscle Shoals sound he helped forge serves as an enduring legacy.
The enduring appeal of “Land of 1000 Dances” extends beyond its musical merit, permeating popular culture in unexpected ways. Its inclusion in the closing credits of the hilarious 1988 Dan Ackroyd/John Candy movie, ‘The Great Outdoors,’ cemented its place in cinematic memory.
Furthermore, fans of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from the mid-1980s will fondly recall a star-studded music video featuring WWF personalities grooving to “Land of 1000 Dances.” This unexpected crossover brought the song to a new audience and created some truly memorable moments. Rowdy Roddy Piper’s appearance in the video is a particular highlight for many.
(Image: WWF Superstars music video for “Land of 1000 Dances”, featuring Rowdy Roddy Piper and other wrestlers dancing)
“Land of 1000 Dances” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a testament to the power of musical evolution, and a celebration of the incredible musicians who brought it to life. From Chris Kenner’s original vision to Wilson Pickett’s iconic rendition and its surprising journey through movies and wrestling, the song’s story is as captivating as its rhythm. It stands as a vibrant reminder of the rich tapestry of music history and the lasting impact of artists like Jimmy Johnson and the Muscle Shoals Swampers.
