Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham are associated with Southern soul and blue-eyed soul, and are closely linked to the Muscle Shoals studio scene in Alabama. They write and perform from the background much of the time, but they are also established artists in their own right.

Muscle Shoals and Southern soul

They are described as key figures in Southern soul and as part of the early development of the Muscle Shoals studio on the Tennessee River in Alabama. Their work is tied to the sound that emerges from that scene, and they are involved in the formation of the studio itself.

Songwriting and recorded versions

Many of their songs become major hits for other performers. Artists who record their material include Percy Sledge, Dionne Warwick, The Sweet Inspirations, Charlie Rich, Etta James, The Ovations, Solomon Burke, Arthur Alexander, Jeanne Newman, Art Freeman, Tony Borders, Sandy Posey, James Carr, The Box Tops, Ted Taylor, Tony Joe White, Arthur Conley, Ronnie Milsap, Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, Irma Thomas, The Wallace Brothers, Barbara Lynn, Tommy Roe and Joe Simon.

Style and role

They are mainly known as writers and behind-the-scenes contributors rather than front-line stars, but they are also regarded as accomplished performers.