Alabama’s the Place to Be (by Leon Atkins - AKA Lil’ Jimmy Reed)

Today the song continues to win over audiences worldwide due to Lil’ Jimmy Reed’s consistent touring efforts, especially in Sweden, where he has garnered a large, loyal following. Lil’ Jimmy Reed’s strong performance on vocals, guitar, and harmonica as well as the solid backing of the Project Preservation Band draws the listener in and the memorable lyrics make this tune particularly catchy.

Featured Artist:

Lil’ Jimmy Reed (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica)

Project Preservation Band:

David Adkins (Piano)

Tyler Brockett (Guitar)

Marcus Hart (Bass)

John Seals (Drums)

Song History:

“Alabama’s the Place to Be” was written by Leon Atkins (AKA Lil’ Jimmy Reed) and was originally released on his 1996 album School’s Out. The song has been a crowd favorite at Lil’ Jimmy Reed’s concerts for years as it highlights the importance of place and celebrates our collective identity as Alabamians. It also emphasizes Alabama’s rich contribution to American blues music. The lyrical reference to Birmingham, Alabama as central to blues is based on historical fact.The documentary film, Alabama Black Belt Blues, demonstrates how Birmingham was home to a thriving blues scene as evidenced by its plethora of black juke joints like Boligee, Panola and Union and the Red Wolf Lounge in the early 1900s.

Lyrics:

If you going out of town

Alabama - the place to be

If you going out of town, baby

Alabama - the place to be

They got so much blues going on

It will knock on your feet

If you go to New Orleans

You hear jazz all over town

If you go to New Orleans, baby

You hear jazz all over town

If you come to Birmingham - the blues won’t let you down

(Harmonica Solo)

(Guitar Solo)

(Repeat Verses)