“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 from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” might seem unrelated to today’s featured song at first glance. However, stay with us, and you’ll see the connection unfold. We’re diving deep into the history of a track that’s become synonymous with dance craze eras, and along the way, we’ll honor a guitar virtuoso whose strings have resonated in countless hits. Get ready to explore the fascinating evolution of “Land of 1000 Dances.”
The journey of “Land of 1000 Dances” began in 1962 with the talented Chris Kenner. What’s intriguing about its title is its literal inspiration. Kenner’s original vision was to create a roll call of the popular dance moves of the time. His initial song draft impressively listed sixteen dances, a vibrant snapshot of the early 60s dance floor. These included 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 even featured a gospel-infused a cappella intro, setting a unique stage for the dance-centric track.
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
Although this captivating a cappella introduction was omitted from the radio release, it gifted the song its memorable title: “Land of 1000 Dances.” It’s this line that truly captures the spirit of a musical landscape brimming with rhythm and movement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDxfCywWgaE
Fast forward to 1965, and Frankie “Cannibal” Garcia of Cannibal and the Headhunters stepped into the spotlight, injecting a raw, unforgettable energy into “Land of 1000 Dances.” During their recording session, a serendipitous moment of forgotten lyrics led to improvisation. Garcia filled the gap with a now-iconic “na na na na na” melody. This spontaneous act wasn’t just a lyrical placeholder; it morphed into the song’s defining hook, instantly recognizable and utterly infectious. Cannibal and the Headhunters’ rendition became a pivotal chapter in the song’s ongoing story.
Just a year later, in 1966, Wilson Pickett arrived at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama – a studio steeped in musical history – ready to lay down tracks. It was here that “Land of 1000 Dances” would reach its most widely recognized form. Pickett’s recording featured the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, alongside the Memphis Horns, who he brought from his Nashville sessions. The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, comprised of some of the most sought-after session musicians, added a distinctive Southern soul flavor to the track. They would later become known as ‘The Swampers’, a name immortalized in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” as celebrated in the opening quote.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Evens-fko
The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, or ‘The Swampers’, were essentially the Alabama counterpart to the famed Wrecking Crew. If you’re a fan of artists like Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Leon Russell, Rod Stewart, Bob Seger, and The Staples Singers, you’ve undoubtedly heard The Swampers’ magic touch. Their contributions spanned playing instruments, production, and engineering. Originating in the early 60s at FAME Studios, the brainchild of Rick Hall, a visionary musician, producer, and songwriter, The Swampers were instrumental in putting Muscle Shoals, Alabama on the global music map. Hall’s vision and the sound he cultivated with ‘the Swampers’ became legendary, shaping an era of music.
Initially known as the ‘FAME Gang’, this group of musicians backed numerous artists in the early 60s. However, as their reputation grew, Nashville studios beckoned, and the original members moved on. This transition paved the way for the ‘second FAME Gang’, who ultimately earned the moniker ‘The Swampers’. The core of this iconic rhythm section included Barry Beckett on keyboards, Roger Hawkins on drums, David Hood on bass, and the spotlight of our tribute, Jimmy Johnson, on guitar. Their collective sound defined an era, a sound that Atlantic Records executive Jerry Wexler keenly recognized. Wexler brought his major artists, Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett, to Muscle Shoals, setting off a chain reaction that drew countless others to record with these exceptional musicians.
Today, we specifically celebrate Jimmy Johnson, the guitarist whose work has been the backbone of countless hits, often without listeners even knowing his name. Johnson’s guitar licks are instantly recognizable in a staggering number of songs, over 500 in total. Here’s a glimpse into just a few of the iconic tracks he contributed to:
- 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
- Bob Seger – Numerous tracks
- Rod Stewart – Numerous tracks
- Street Survivors – Lynyrd Skynyrd
This is just a small selection from Jimmy Johnson’s extensive discography, a journey through the heart of rock and roll and soul history. Sadly, Jimmy Johnson passed away recently, but his musical legacy is immortalized in the very fabric of popular music. His distinct sound, a cornerstone of the Muscle Shoals sound, speaks volumes about his immeasurable contribution.
“Land of 1000 Dances” transcends its musical origins; it’s become a cultural touchstone. Its infectious rhythm and dance-centric theme have made it a perfect fit for pop culture moments. Take, for instance, its inclusion in the closing credits of the comedy film ‘The Great Outdoors’ (1988), starring Dan Ackroyd and John Candy, perfectly encapsulating the movie’s lighthearted and fun spirit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS-af9Q-smQ
Even wrestling fans might recognize the tune from a fun WWF music video featuring a star-studded cast from the mid-80s. This playful rendition further cemented the song’s place in popular memory, showcasing its broad appeal and ability to evoke joyful, energetic vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TrPlH6ncCQ
From its inception as a dance catalog by Chris Kenner to its explosive renditions and cultural integrations, “Land of 1000 Dances” is more than just a song; it’s a vibrant piece of music history. And as we celebrate this iconic track, let’s also remember Jimmy Johnson and the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, the unsung heroes who laid down the groove for generations to dance to.
