Carla Jean Whitley is a writer and editor whose work explores the dynamic intersection of culture and community. She brings these stories to life not only through the written word but also across various media, including audio, video, and social platforms, as well as through public speaking and teaching. As a freelance writer, her pieces often delve into fascinating subjects, offering readers a unique perspective. Her writing consistently highlights the deeper connections between people and their environments.
In "Birmingham Beer," Carla Jean Whitley explores the city's brewing history, from its early saloons to the devastating effects of Prohibition. Despite a brief revival in the 1990s, restrictive laws hindered growth, leading to the closure of all Birmingham breweries by 2004. Whitley highlights the fight for local beer's resurgence.
The book delves into the rich musical legacy of Muscle Shoals, highlighting the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and the influential Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, known as "the Swampers." It chronicles the remarkable artists who recorded there, including Cher, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Rolling Stones, and emphasizes the studio's historic significance, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Through extensive research, music writer Carla Jean Whitley reveals how this Alabama studio shaped a distinctive sound that continues to resonate through generations.