Oldham, Spooner

Spooner Oldham was an integral part of the Memphis/Muscle Shoals studio bands of the late-1960s. While studying at the University of North Alabama, he began frequenting Rick Hall's FAME studios. He became a member of Rick Hall's ace studio band alongside guitarist Jimmy Johnson, bassist Junior Lowe, and drummer Roger Hawkins. Together, they played on albums by Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and many others. In1967, Oldham relocated to Memphis and teamed with singer Dan Penn at Chips Moman's American Studios. The two wrote hits for many artists, including the Box Tops, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin. Oldham went on to work with Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, the Everly Brothers, and Neil Young. He remains a respected figure among music aficionados for both his keyboard playing and songwriting. Hewas inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.