The Birmingham Sound: The Soul of Neal Hemphill Vol 1

This 23-track compilation collects the soul material of Southern studio owner/producer Neal Hemphill for his Sound of Birmingham/Hemphill Studios in Midfield, AL. The Sound of Birmingham was responsible for Frederick Knight's Stax hit 'I've Been Lonely for So Long' and was the first studio many legends of Southern music got their start: Roger Hallmark, Sam Dees, Wayne Perkins, Frederick Knight, and many more. Besides the music, there is a 16 page booklet telling the story of Neal Hemphill, those who worked with him, and the city he called his home. The notes include contributions by Dick Cooper, Shelley Stewart, and session musicians and songwriters Don Tinsley and Roger Hallmark. More than just a soul compilation 'The Birmingham Sound' is a look into the musical history of the 'Soul Plumber, Neal Hemphill, and his influence on the future of Southern music.