Percy Sledge Muscle Shoals Legend

Leighton native Percy Sledge died today, as reported by CNN.  As a teen in 1960's, "When a Man Loves a Woman" was, along with the Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand", the only two songs I ever knew to be played back to back on local radio stations. Muscle Shoals studio musicians Roger Hawkins and Spooner Oldham were backing Percy on that recording made at Norala Studio in Sheffield, owned by Quin Ivy who is well known for his many contributions to the Muscle Shoals music industry.   As a local bank employee I waited on and conversed with Percy several times over the years.  He was unfailingly polite and always smiling.  A day for reflection in the Shoals.