Comeback Town: Birmingham Greats Gather to Celebrate City’s Rich Musical Legacy
On a glorious day in mid-August, a truly remarkable gathering of musicians and luminaries took place in Birmingham, an unparalleled reunion of the inspiring musical talents that this city has produced. From gospel and country to jazz and soul- Birmingham’s rich musical heritage was on full display through its luminaries.
Back to the Roots on 4th Avenue North
This grand assembly transpired in the heart of Birmingham’s old Black Business district, on 4th Avenue North, in the grand seven-story Lodge Room at the Masonic Temple. This location is synonymous with the city’s vibrant and diverse music scene.
Musical Melange
A dazzling array of talents, each with deep Birmingham roots, represented multiple music genres. Prominent among the visitors was folk legend Bob Dylan, who recognised the immense influence that Birmingham’s Odetta Holmes had on his own musical journey. Another notable figure was acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, found in the company of the Bluegrass/Folk outfit, Three on a String crew, who have not only performed with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra but have also contributed music for several of Burns’ films.
Repping Birmingham’s Motown Sound
Adding soul to the event were members of one of the most influential crossover groups in American music history, The Temptations – Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Dennis Edwards – hailing from Birmingham’s west side neighborhoods.
Stars of the Country Music
The city’s association with country music was also well represented by figures like Tammy Wynette, who despite being from Mississippi, carved her niche in the musical landscape while working and performing in Birmingham’s Elyton Village housing project.
Remarkable Jazz Legacy
Jazz, another genre where Birmingham casts a long shadow, was represented by the likes of distinguished music teacher Fess Whatley and his successful proteges – Erskine Hawkins, Cleave Eaton, Dr. Frank Adams, Sun Ra, Cass McCord, James and Sammy Lowe, and Teddy Hill – who gave Birmingham a firm foothold in the national jazz scene.
American Idol’s Birmingham Alumni
The city’s recent music milestones were marked by the presence of two American Idol alumni – winners Reuben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, reinforcing the enduring culture of talent hailing from Birmingham.
Birmingham’s Music Maestros
The gathering showcased an incredible array of talent – from Parker High School alumnus and broadway star Nell Carter to Dr. Henry Panion III, a multiple award-winning composer, arranger, conductor, and educator. The influence of Birmingham’s music scene was also well reflected in the presence of Little Big Town founders, Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman, and Americana songbird Emmylou Harris.
The Genius of its Musicians
This vibrant mix would not be complete without the creative forces behind some of history’s greatest bands. Keyboardist Chuck Leavell, a significant member of the Allman Brothers and, for over forty years, the keyboard player for the Rolling Stones, and Wayne Perkins, a brilliant session guitar player who has worked with musical heavyweights like Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell, and the Rolling Stones, both came to cement their own legacies in their beloved city.
Enduring Passion for Music
The gathering was not just limited to previously recognized talent. Rising stars like former UAB quarterback-turned-country music star Sam Hunt and St. Paul and the Broken Bones band members Jesse Phillips and Paul Janeway were also present to absorb wisdom and possibly chart new paths in Birmingham’s musical ecosystem.
Shared Pride and Legacy
From country, rock, and jazz to blues, R&B, Americana, and folk, the gathering represented a remarkable cross-section of Birmingham’s musical heritage. Each musician shared a common bond in their shared roots and a deep appreciation for their city’s diverse musical legacy. In the end, this gathering was more than a music reunion – it was a vivid symbol of how music transcends genre and time to tell a unique story, in this case, the unmatched cultural and artistic story of Birmingham.
