Up to this point, it seemed that each show signified an increase in the relevance of the ‘boutique’ recording studios in Memphis and Muscle Shoals. Unfortunately, everything put together eventually falls apart, and here is where we see the tides start to shift for Chips Moman and his crew at American.

The sessions with Elvis signified a high point for the small studio, and it resulted in a wellspring of requests for recording sessions – so many that most were turned away. Unfortunately, the net result was that the calls from rich and famous clients tapered off somewhat, and it didn’t help that Chips found himself wrangling with legal issues as he tried to separate himself from his partner Don Crewes. The lawsuit caused a pall that affected the usually convivial atmosphere of the studio, and most of the players could sense that the bloom was off the rose. After so many things going just right for ‘the little studio that could’, this is where we see the hand of fate start to intervene.

Featured tracks include;

Devil in the Bottle – T.G. Sheppard

Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head – B.J. Thomas

Hello Love – Brenda Lee

The Eyes of a New York Woman – B.J. Thomas

I Wanna See Morning with Him – Petula Clark

It Don’t Matter to Me –Petula Clark

I Just Can’t Help Believing – B.J. Thomas

You Keep Tightening Up on Me – The Box Tops

King’s Highway – The Box Tops

I Loved You Like I Loved My Very Life – Carla Thomas