Entertainment Department at UNA Renamed in honor of Briggs Family

The University of North Alabama has rebranded its Department of Entertainment Industry as the David and John Briggs Family Department of Entertainment Industry. This change was made possible by a generous gift from Darren and Gabriel Briggs, the sons of renowned session musician David Briggs, and his brother, John Briggs. The renaming was unanimously approved by the UNA Board of Trustees during their quarterly meeting in September.

David Briggs, a Florence native, began his music career at the age of 14 when he played piano on his first recording session at James Joiner’s studio in downtown Florence. Over the next fifty years, he lent his musical talents to over 10,000 recording sessions, contributing to numerous number one records and thousands of chart-topping albums in various genres. Harold Bradley, former President of the Nashville Chapter of the AFM, noted that David Briggs holds the distinction of being the most recorded musician in AFM history.

As a member of Rick Hall’s FAME Studio’s original rhythm section, also known as the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, David and his bandmates recorded several hits from 1961 to 1964 before relocating to Nashville. This period of exceptional success saw them backing The Righteous Brothers and Tommy Roe and performing as the opening act for the Beatles’ historic first U.S. show in Washington D.C. on February 11, 1964. David Briggs played a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive Muscle Shoals sound during this time.

Following his move to Nashville, David continued to nurture his creative and entrepreneurial endeavors. He founded Quadraphonic Studio in 1970 and established the Danor Publishing Company alongside a fellow Muscle Shoals musician. These ventures showcased David’s multifaceted talents and business acumen, solidifying his reputation as a music industry innovator.

The Briggs family’s contribution to the UNA Department of Entertainment Industry reflects a commitment to honoring David Briggs’ outstanding legacy in the music industry. By renaming the department in his honor, Darren and Gabriel Briggs, along with John Briggs, are celebrating David’s remarkable achievements and lasting impact on the entertainment world. The David and John Briggs Family Department of Entertainment Industry stands as a testament to David Briggs’ enduring influence and the family’s dedication to supporting future generations of aspiring musicians and entertainment professionals.