PRESS

Chuck Palmer

Paulding News & Views

Published 2019

For a generation, the music of the 1970s and 1980s had a distinctive sound, especially in the region from Georgia to Florida. The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Elvin Bishop, Journey, Wet Willie - all share a common thread: Studio One. The Doraville, Georgia studio was the backdrop for hits such as "So Into You" and "Imaginary Lover," and the place where the iconic drum riff of "Sweet Home Alabama" was created. Decades later, this small studio's influence on the music industry is still felt.

Charles Camp got his start at an early age. "When I was 12, I would ride my bike to WKRP in Dallas (yes, WKRP). But the real reason the documentary got its start can be traced back to an encounter in Florida in 2016.

The Camps were at an event where music engineer Rodney Mills was attending. Mills had a significant impact on Southern Rock's distinct sound. During a conversation, he mentioned his work with Lynyrd Skynyrd on "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama." Charles was captivated by Mills' stories and realized there was a bigger story to be told.

Over the next few years, Charles and Branden met Rodney multiple times and conducted interviews with Mills and other key players from the era, including members of the Atlanta Rhythm Section and other musicians who had recorded at Studio One. The father-son duo traveled across Georgia, Florida, and Alabama to conduct interviews and capture the essence of the legendary studio.

"The studio is a hidden gem in music history," Charles said. "So much incredible music was made there, and the stories of the people who worked there are just as fascinating."

Charles' background in radio and television, combined with Branden's skills as a photojournalist and filmmaker, made them the perfect team to bring this story to life. The Camps' documentary captures the spirit of Studio One and showcases its influence on the music industry. The film also includes never-before-seen footage and rare interviews with key figures who played a role in creating some of the most iconic music of the era.

Currently, Charles produces podcasts for eight organizations in the automotive industry, and Branden's work has been published in prominent media outlets such as Rolling Stone Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and TIME. The Camps are excited to share "That Georgia Rhythm" with audiences and hope it will deepen viewers' appreciation for music history and the contributions of Studio One to Southern Rock.

As the Camps prepare for the film's release, they continue to explore new stories and projects. "We can't wait for everyone to see this film and gain a little more music history," Branden said. "It's been an incredible journey, and we've made so many friends along the way. We're thrilled to finally share this story with the world."