Alabama Shakes

Formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009 (originally called just Shakes) Alabama Shakes' success decidedly did not come overnight. Guitarist and singer Brittany Howard was the instigator, recruiting guitarist Heath Fogg, bass player Zac Cockrell, and drummer Steve Johnson to play a rousing mash-up of blues, rock, and soul music. They began playing songs that they admired, by acts like Led Zeppelin, James Brown, and AC/DC. As a cover band, they gained a devoted following playing clubs all over the south, from Texas to Georgia. With an assist from Patterson Hood of the Drive By Truckers, in 2011 the Shakes landed a deal with the label ATO based on their song "You Ain't Alone" and, realizing that there were a number of bands that shared it, changed their name to Alabama Shakes. The band made impressive appearances at the influential CMJ music festival in 2011, and at the SXSW music festival in 2012. That same year also saw the release of their debut full length album Boys & Girls (2012), which produced the hit single "Hold On" which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative songs chart. In 2015, the band released their follow up full length Sound & Color (2015) which earned a Grammy as Best Alternative Album, along with Best Rock Song, for the single "Don't Wanna Fight."