became the second generation of the "Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section" nicknamed "The Swampers". Career Putnam's career unfolded in three phases. First, he spent twenty years working recording sessions. Next he became an entrepreneur building music publishing companies and recording studios; the third was producing records by other artists. As a producer, Putnam was responsible for work on Nashville's non-country music output from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. His credits include works that established the popularity of performers such as Jimmy Buffett, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Joan Baez, Dan Fogelberg, Michael Card, Brewer & Shipley, Pousette Dart Band, Donovan, John Hiatt, J.J. Cale, the Flying Burrito Brothers, John Stewart and the New Riders of the Purple Sage. He partnered with David Briggs in 1969 to build a new studio called Quadrafonic in Nashville's' Music Row area. Putnam made technical innovations and newer equipment to improve recording quality and is credited with creating a wave of modernization of many Nashville studios. He laid the groundwork for Nashville's widening appeal in attracting pop/rock artists. Putnam was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019. His book, Music Lessons Vol. 1: a Musical Memoir, was published in early 2017. Personal life After a long career in Nashville, Putnam moved to Florence, Alabama, near his birthplace. In 2015, Putnam and his wife Sheryl purchased a nineteenth-century mansion there known as "Thimbleton" which they sold in 2019. On the Elvis recording of "Merry Christmas Baby", Putnam is referenced by Elvis, when he calls "Wake up Putt". References External links Norbert Putnam's website Norbert Putnam NAMM Oral History Program Interview (2013, 2017, 2019) Record producers from Alabama American session musicians Living people Musicians from Florence, Alabama American country bass guitarists American male bass guitarists American rock bass guitarists Country musicians from Alabama 1942 births