“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 by Lynyrd Skynyrd pay homage to the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, also known as “The Swampers.” Their contribution to music is immeasurable, and it’s deeply intertwined with the story of today’s featured song, “Land of 1000 Dances,” particularly Wilson Pickett’s electrifying rendition. Let’s delve into the evolution of this classic track and celebrate the remarkable guitarist who helped shape its sound and countless others.
“Land of 1000 Dances” originated in 1962, penned by Chris Kenner. The song’s title is inspired by the sheer number of dance crazes Kenner incorporated into the lyrics. His original version listed sixteen dances, from the Pony to the Twist, capturing the vibrant dance culture of the era. Kenner’s recording also included a gospel-infused a cappella intro:
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 intro was omitted from the radio release, it was this very passage that christened the song with its memorable title, “Land of 1000 Dances.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDxfCywWgaE
In 1965, Frankie “Cannibal” Garcia and Cannibal and the Headhunters injected a new energy into “Land of 1000 Dances.” During their recording session, Garcia famously improvised the now-signature “na na na na na” hook when he forgot the lyrics. This spontaneous moment became an integral part of the song’s identity and infectious melody. Here’s their energetic take on the track.
The definitive version of “Land of 1000 Dances” arrived in 1966 when Wilson Pickett recorded it at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This recording is iconic not only for Pickett’s powerful vocals but also for the backing band: the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, along with the Memphis Horns, who Pickett brought from his Nashville sessions. The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, comprised of some of the most talented session musicians, became known as “The Swampers.” Their legendary status was cemented in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” forever linking Muscle Shoals to exceptional musicianship.
The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, or “The Swampers,” were Alabama’s answer to the famed Wrecking Crew. If you admire artists like Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, The Rolling Stones, and of course, Wilson Pickett, you’ve likely heard the magic of The Swampers. Their contributions spanned playing, production, and engineering. FAME Studios (Florence Alabama Music Entertainment) was the brainchild of Rick Hall, a visionary who put Muscle Shoals, Alabama, firmly on the musical map in the early 1960s. The distinctive “Muscle Shoals sound” crafted by Hall and The Swampers became legendary.
Initially known as the ‘FAME Gang’, this group of musicians backed numerous artists in the early ‘60s. The lure of Nashville studios eventually drew the original members away. However, this departure paved the way for the ‘second FAME Gang’ – the musicians who would truly become “The Swampers.”
The core of this second iteration consisted of Barry Beckett on keyboards, Roger Hawkins on drums, David Hood on bass, and the featured guitarist of this article, Jimmy Johnson. This quartet defined an era of soul and rock music. Atlantic Records executive Jerry Wexler recognized the unique sound Rick Hall cultivated and brought his major artists, Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett, to Muscle Shoals, initiating a wave of iconic recordings.
This exploration of “Land of 1000 Dances” and Muscle Shoals serves as a tribute to the late, great Jimmy Johnson. His guitar work is woven into the fabric of countless hits, often without listeners even realizing his profound influence. Here are just a few examples from his vast discography of over 500 songs:
- “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 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
Jimmy Johnson’s discography reads like a history of rock and soul. Sadly, he passed away recently, but his musical legacy endures. Words struggle to capture his contribution; the distinctive sound he helped create speaks volumes.
Beyond its musical journey, “Land of 1000 Dances” has permeated popular culture. It featured in the closing credits of the 1988 comedy film “The Great Outdoors,” starring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy, further cementing its place in the cultural landscape.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iai1HcO3KKk
For fans of the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s, the song is also associated with a memorable music video featuring wrestling stars. This fun video is a nostalgic trip back to the era of larger-than-life wrestling personalities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TrPlH6ncCQ
“Land of 1000 Dances,” in its Wilson Pickett incarnation, is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a testament to the power of improvisation, and a showcase for the incredible talents of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and the unforgettable Jimmy Johnson. His guitar work on this track, and countless others, continues to inspire and move listeners worldwide.
