RECORDING ACADEMYTM STATEMENT RE: RICK HALL JAN. 2, 2018
"Rick Hall was an acclaimed songwriter and record producer widely recognized as the 'Father of Muscle Shoals Music.' Throughout his career, Rick helped create a distinctive sound on country, R&B, and soul recordings for many prominent artists, including Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Wilson Pickett, among many others. In 2014 the Recording Academy™ honored Rick with the Trustees Award for his significant contributions to the music industry. Rick will be deeply missed, but his countless recordings and remarkable career achievements will continue to be celebrated for decades to come. Our thoughts are with his collaborators, family, and friends during this difficult time."
-Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy