"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’s lyrics beautifully encapsulate the magic of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and its legendary musicians. But what does this have to do with today’s song, you might ask? Let’s embark on a journey to explore the fascinating evolution of a song that has moved generations: ‘Land of 1000 Dances.’ We’ll not only trace its history but also pay tribute to Jimmy Johnson, a masterful guitarist whose contributions have graced countless iconic tracks.
The Origin: Chris Kenner’s Vision of Endless Dances
The story of ‘Land of 1000 Dances’ begins in 1962 with Chris Kenner, the songwriter who first conceived this infectious tune. The song’s title itself is a playful concept rooted in the dance crazes of the early 60s. Kenner’s original version was a roll call of popular dances, a vibrant list boasting sixteen moves in total. Imagine a whirlwind of 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.
In Kenner’s initial recording, he included a gospel-inspired a cappella introduction, setting a spiritual tone:
"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."
While this intro was omitted from the radio release, it was this very line that christened the song, giving birth to the now-famous title: ‘Land of 1000 Dances.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDxfCywWgaE
The “Na Na Na” Hook: Cannibal and the Headhunters’ Improvised Magic
In 1965, Frankie “Cannibal” Garcia of Cannibal and the Headhunters stepped into the spotlight and stamped their unique mark on ‘Land of 1000 Dances.’ During their recording session, a moment of lyrical forgetfulness turned into pure gold. Garcia, unable to recall the verses, spontaneously improvised the now-iconic “na na na na na” section. This accidental improvisation became the song’s defining hook, an instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy melody that would propel it to new heights of popularity. Their version injected a raw energy and infectious rhythm that resonated deeply with audiences.
Wilson Pickett and The Swampers: A Soulful Rendition Forged in Muscle Shoals
The year 1966 saw Wilson Pickett arrive at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, ready to record. This studio, Florence Alabama Music Entertainment, was about to become the birthplace of a definitive version of ‘Land of 1000 Dances.’ Pickett’s rendition featured the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, also known as ‘The Swampers,’ alongside the Memphis Horns. The Swampers, comprised of some of the most talented session musicians in the industry, added a layer of soulful depth and groove that was unparalleled.
Immortalized in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’ The Swampers were the secret weapon behind countless hits. The line in ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’ “Now Muscle Shoals has got The Swampers,” is a nod to their immense contribution to music history. It’s interesting to note the image of Ronnie Van Zant in a Neil Young shirt in some performances. Despite Lynyrd Skynyrd’s lyrical jabs at Neil Young, they were actually friends, highlighting the complexities and camaraderie within the music scene.
So, who exactly were The Swampers? Think of them as Alabama’s answer to The Wrecking Crew, session musicians who quietly shaped the sound of popular music. If you admire artists like Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Wilson Pickett, you’ve undoubtedly heard The Swampers’ magic. The core of this group – Barry Beckett on keyboards, Roger Hawkins on drums, David Hood on bass, and Jimmy Johnson on guitar – defined an era of music emanating from Rick Hall’s FAME Studios.
Cultural Impact: From Movies to Wrestling Rings
‘Land of 1000 Dances’ transcended the music charts, embedding itself in popular culture. In 1988, it soundtracked the closing credits of the comedy classic ‘The Great Outdoors’ starring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy, introducing the song to a new generation.
Fans of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the 80s might also recall a memorable music video featuring a cast of wrestling stars grooving to ‘Land of 1000 Dances.’ This playful rendition further cemented the song’s energetic and fun-loving image.
Remembering Jimmy Johnson: A Guitar Legend Behind the Hits
This exploration of ‘Land of 1000 Dances’ is also a tribute to the late Jimmy Johnson. For years, you’ve been listening to his incredible guitar work without perhaps knowing his name. Jimmy Johnson’s discography is a remarkable journey through rock and roll history, encompassing over 500 songs. His distinctive sound is evident in hits like:
- “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
- Tracks on The Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Fingers” (including “Brown Sugar,” “Wild Horses”)
- Tracks by Bob Seger and Rod Stewart
- Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Street Survivors”
Sadly, Jimmy Johnson passed away recently, but his musical legacy endures. Words struggle to capture his profound contribution, but the countless songs he enriched speak volumes. The unique sound he helped create in Muscle Shoals remains an indelible part of music history. ‘Land of 1000 Dances’ is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the power of musical evolution and the unsung heroes like Jimmy Johnson who shaped the soundtrack of our lives.
