The Tennessee River, called “Nunmushsae” by the Yuchis and others told stories of the mysterious voices, sometimes softly, sometimes boisterous that inspired legends.

The iconic Indian Mound on the banks of the Tennessee River gives visual expression to habitation in the Muscle Shoals for over 7,000 years.  Music, art, and storytelling were part of life.  They were used for ceremonies, times of gathering food, tales of conquest, celebration, and sorrow.  Instruments of the times included the voice, drums, flutes, gourds, rattles and the sounds of nature such as birds and the rushing water. Dance and dress were symbolic of important times of the people in peace and war.

Gourds might become decorated shakers and rattles.

Flutes were a commonly used instrument.

The composition written in 1927, The Waters of Muscle Shoals: The Indian Chieftain’s Lament ,  with words by W.H. McKerall, music by Albert E. Orrendorf, published at Wilson Dam, Ala, is included W.R. McKerall’s History of Muscle Shoals.