"It was the foundation from which a lot of the music was derived. Without the rich Southern history there wouldn’t be the same music."

Ann Sandlin: A Never-Ending Groove

Anathalee G. Sandlin has worked as artist-media liaison for the Alabama Band June Jams, Country Music Association music award shows, and Alabama Music Hall of Fame award shows. She is business manager of Duck Tape Music, as well as a songwriter and music publisher. She resides in Decatur, Alabama with her husband, legendary musician and producer Johnny Sandlin.

Her book "A Never-Ending Groove: Johnny Sandlin's Musical Odyssey (Music and the American South)" is a non-stop read; packed with amazing insights and provocative anecdotes.

Referred to by the late Jerry Wexler as one of the men most responsible for the Southern Rock sound that came out of Macon, Georgia, in the 70s, Johnny Sandlin's music career began in the early 60s playing with other musicians who went on to leave their mark in music history including Dan Penn, Norbert Putnam, Roger Hawkins, David Hood, Eddie Hinton and fellow Hour Glass band members, Paul Hornsby, Pete Carr and Gregg & Duane Allman. When the Hour Glass broke up, he became staff drummer for Tone Studio in Miami but soon moved to Macon where he again joined the Allmans, first as the drummer in the Capricorn studio rhythm section and then as recording engineer, producer and vice-president of Capricorn and head of A&R. Sandlin also produced, mixed, and mastered albums for the Allman Brothers, Gregg Allman, Richard Betts, Johnny Jenkins, Elvin Bishop, Wet Willie, Bonnie Bramlett, Alex Taylor, Cowboy, Delbert McClinton, and many others. Since leaving Capricorn, Johnny works as an independent engineer and producer, is co-owner of Rockin Camel Records, and continues to record in his own studio, Duck Tape Music, in Decatur, Alabama. 

Interview by Michael Limnios

Photos from the personal collection of Ann Sandlin

How important was music in your life?

I’ve loved to dance for as long as I can remember so I’ve always loved music. I come from a musical heritage in that my great uncle had the first national country and western band, Otto Gray and his Oklahoma Cowboys. My brothers are both musicians so there was always music around when we were growing up.  I met Johnny when I was fifteen and would go to a lot of his gigs with him.

How does music affect your mood and inspiration?

When I listen to music I hear words, even when there are already words to the song. It’s like something opens up and words just float down. Since music has always been the sound track to my life it takes me back to my past and uplifts me now.

What characterize Ann Sandlin’s writing?

When I write about other people I try to remove myself from the story and make it about the other person, i.e. their thoughts, etc. A lot of times writers will try to put their personal slant to the stories. I try to not do that.

What experiences in your life have triggered your ideas most frequently?

If I’m happy and things are going well I don’t have the same inspiration as I do when I’m in more contemplative moods. I think it’s much easier to write in general when life is less chaotic.

How started the thought of A Never-Ending Groove: Johnny Sandlin's Musical Odyssey?

I’ve always kept Johnny’s discography updated and one day it occurred to me that there was a story unfolding in his music. I started a timeline to correspond with his discography and realized with all of the people involved in some of his music history passing away that Johnny was one of the few left who could tell about certain things. Once I realized that I decided to write the book. From start to finish I worked on it for over fifteen years before it was finished.

Is there a part of the book that you like most?

I have to say I especially liked it being finished. Fifteen years is a long time to be working on one thing.

How did the idea of Duck Tape Music come about?

Johnny was working for Rick Hall as an engineer and after a while he didn’t want to do it anymore. He wasn’t happy so I told him to leave and we’d do something else. It was a leap of faith but it paid off.

How do you describe Duck Tape Music’s philosophy?

I’d say it’s treating people fairly and making the best music possible. Johnny’s method of producing is similar to mine in writing – get self out of the way and let the musician shine through.

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you?

I’d have to say meeting Johnny when I was fifteen and in high school would be one of the top ones in my life.

What from your and Johnny’s memorabilia (books, records, photos etc.) you would put in a "capsule on time"?

I think I’d put A Never-Ending Groove in the time capsule because it tells a story of what really happened during important times in music history.

Why did you think that the Johnny Sandlin and Capricorn era continues to generate such a devoted following?

Capricorn had a way of making music that was different at the time. They focused more on bands and allowed the bands to create their own unique sound.  Capricorn made music that was the sound track for a lot of people’s lives during a time of turmoil. I was told a story by a Vietnam vet who explained how the music Johnny helped produce was played over in Nam as the soldiers went about their deadly business. He said it was the one good thing they had. I personally think that’s why the older generation still loves the music and I think the younger ones, who have been allowed to hear it from their fathers and grandfathers have come to love the music too.

Are there any memories from Johnny’s colleagues and friends which you’d like to share with us?

Yes, but I don’t think I need to share them.

"Johnny’s method of producing is similar to mine in writing – get self out of the way and let the musician shine through."

Photo: Ann with Gregg Allman

What is the usual funny story that you hear from Johnny’s life and career?

One of the ones I’ve heard people talk about is when he told Duane to get the slide off his finger and play right. Johnny finally responded, in his defense, that Duane wasn’t a great slide player when he first started. In fact, they used to call songs in the Hour Glass that didn’t allow Duane to play slide.  He said he’s not proud of his lack of vision but at the time he just didn’t know what was around the corner and as good as Duane was eventually on slide, he was an equally good guitar player without it!

What do you miss most nowadays from Muscle Shoals and Capricorn era?

I miss Phil Walden. He was a unique man with an enthusiasm for things I’ve never encountered in anyone else. He had big dreams right up to the end of his life and he made you dream them along with him. Had he lived even two years longer I believe he’d have actually gotten the Capricorn studios back up and running.

Who from the Allman Brothers had most passion for cooking?

I don’t know if any of them did.  I asked Johnny and he doesn’t remember any of them being into cooking.  Eating yes, cooking no.

How important was the role of Southern culture in the case of music at early 70s to Rock Blues Soul explosion?

It was the foundation from which a lot of the music was derived. Without the rich Southern history there wouldn’t be the same music.

Where and why would you really wanna go with a time machine?

I’d like to go to ancient Egypt to find out how the pyramids were really built!

What are your hopes and fears for the future?

I don’t have any fears about the future….I take life one day at a time and greet it head on.

"When I listen to music I hear words, even when there are already words to the song. It’s like something opens up and words just float down. Since music has always been the sound track to my life it takes me back to my past and uplifts me now." Photo: Johnny Sandlin, Ann Sandlin with David Hood and Scott Boyer

To which musicians do you want to send a rosary and cookbook?

Microwave Dave Gallaher is the one musician to whom I’ve given a rosary book and cookbook. He’s an incredible man and he appreciated both.

How you would spend a day with Homer?

I’d talk with him about who he is, where did he find his inspiration and I’d ask him to show me around where he lived.

What would you like to ask Duane Allman?

I’d ask him where he envisioned taking the band musically. I have a good idea but I’d like to ask him to be sure.

What would you say to Berry Oakley?

I’d tell him he touched more lives than he ever realized.

What has made you laugh lately and what touched (emotionally) you?

I love watching life unfold for our family and watching our great grandson Grady and great granddaughter Murron grow has been a time of joy. Murron was born with a severe and rare heart defect that required four open heart surgeries before she was a year old and knowing she’s still with us and leading a normal life now touches my heart.

Which memory makes you smile?

When our daughters were born, when our grandchildren were born and when our great grandchildren were born. My happiest memories revolve around family and what’s going on in their lives.

 

Ella Cauthen, Ann Sandlin, Leigh Cauthen and Sandlin Cauthen Graham