Muscle Shoals Meets the 70s rewind

Part 7: Gary said, “It’s all right now,” and I believe him

I confess, Friday was a week ago at Florence’s historic Shoals Theatre -- Gary Baker and the Fiddleworms made me smile like a schoolgirl during the Muscle Shoals Meets the 70s rock show. I’m smiling now just thinking about their rendition of Free’s “All Right Now.” Yes, that was me singing along at the top of my lungs. You’re welcome.

Like many other radio hits of the early 1970s, I get that "All Right Now” is iconic but I’ve never felt personally connected to the song. After all, I was literally just a baby when it came out 54 years ago. Seriously, I bet I’ve heard “All Right Now” twenty million thousand times and never even batted an eye. Honestly, until it was in the hands of the one and only Gary Baker backed by the world-famous Fiddleworms, it never even registered with me how “All Right Now” tells a pretty interesting story.

It's mind-boggling to me how songs can be so different depending on who’s at the helm. I had never given this song much thought at all until Gary was the one telling me the story. You know what? I believe Gary when he tells me, “It’s all right now.” Make it so.

Y’all, this sounds grossly over-simplified but I’m going to say it anyway: Gary has such a nice voice. He is an absolute master at his craft. Oh and, I really love how he holds (and plays) his bass, too. Legendary. Don’t judge me … it’s not as silly as it sounds. Gary’s presence on stage is so joyous and magnetic in a completely authentic way. Do you know what I mean? Whether on stage or strolling down the sidewalk here in town, he’s just a natural rockstar, friends. Love me some Gary Baker.

The Shoals is a trip, y'all -- sometimes, I just have to pinch myself. Stars like Gary Baker really do walk among us here. The truth is, they ARE a big deal, but we just know them as our friends and neighbors who just happen to be award-winning artists. They are unassuming, humble, and kind. They stand arm-in-arm with us as valuable members of our community and together, we build special needs playgrounds.

I wish everyone could experience my hometown just once in their lifetime.

More to come … stay tuned.

Dig Worms, friends.

PS: Happy birthday, Gary!

Photo credit: Angel DeAnn Pilati