Where heritage, harmony, and heart meet
There’s a certain kind of magic that only happens in The Shoals. It’s in the air, in the rooms, and most of all, in the voices. The Shoals Sisters embody that spirit as authentically as anyone carrying the tradition forward today.
Originally comprised of Marie Lewey, Cindy Richardson Walker, and the late Ava Aldridge, the group represents a lineage of vocal excellence deeply rooted in the Shoals sound. Today, Marie Lewey and Cindy Richardson Walker carry that legacy forward, honoring Ava’s spirit while continuing to deliver the unmistakable blend that has defined the group for years.
Their connection to FAME Recording Studios runs deeper than geography. It’s musical DNA. These are voices shaped in the same ecosystem that produced some of the most enduring recordings in American music history. When The Shoals Sisters step to a microphone, they bring not just harmony, but history.
Across decades of recording sessions, The Shoals Sisters have contributed their signature harmonies to a remarkable range of artists. Their credits include work with Alicia Keys, Michael McDonald, Steven Tyler, Demi Lovato, Phish, Etta James, Candi Staton, Russell Smith, Ronnie Milsap, Patti Austin, and Percy Sledge, among many others. Whether behind the scenes or front and center, their voices have consistently been the element that elevates a record from good to unforgettable.
Each member’s individual career adds depth to the group’s identity. Ava Aldridge is remembered not only for her extraordinary voice but for the soul and spirit she brought to every session. Her legacy remains an essential part of The Shoals Sisters’ sound. Today, Marie Lewey and Cindy Richardson Walker continue to be two of the most respected session vocalists in the region. Marie brings a commanding presence and emotional depth to every performance and is especially known for her ability to craft and lead head arrangements in the studio. Cindy is widely respected for her precision, tone, and musical instinct. Together, they carry forward a vocal tradition that is both rooted and evolving.
Live, The Shoals Sisters deliver something that can’t be manufactured. It’s the interplay between voices, the phrasing, and the shared understanding that only comes from years immersed in great music. Today’s performances are both a celebration of where they’ve been and a continuation of where they’re going.
At FAME, we’ve always believed that great music comes from great people. The Shoals Sisters represent exactly that. They honor the past, carry Ava’s legacy with grace, and continue to move the Shoals sound forward with authenticity, heart, and unmistakable soul.
