The Alabama Music Hall of Fame was a dream and goal of the Muscle Shoals Music Association, a Shoals area based professional organization of recording studio owners, producers, musicians, songwriters and other music professionals.

The Popular Music section is the beginning of the main exhibit hall. It is marked by a 12 foot jukebox playing pop, classical and opera tunes by Alabamians. A wax figure of Nat "King" Cole is seated at a piano.

On display also is recording equipment used in Sam Phillip's Memphis Music Service and the contract between Sam Phillips and RCA when the Alabamian sold his rights to the soon to be superstar Elvis Presley. Tommy Shaw of Styx fame, has his shirt and guitar on display, along with Ransom Wilson's flute, Jim Nabors' Gomer Pyle outfit and stage outfits, Emmylou Harris, Donna Godchaux, Bobby Goldsboro, Lionel Richie, The Commodores and others.