On Beale Street, you can read the names like W.C. Handy, Alberta Hunter, Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Robert Johnson, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the list is long……all who were born grew and recorded their music in Memphis in the past century. American music is incomplete without discussing Memphi's contribution including the varieties of music genres like Gospel, Soul, Rock N’ Roll, Rhythm & Blues, and more. In the city, three landmarks pay tribute to the music heritage including -
The music history of Memphis is old. At the start of the last century, the city was a junction of African-American culture and commerce. The enslaved black generation became free with the support of W.C. Handy, who founded the Blues. In 1909, Handy brought his band to play at the clubs located on Beale Street. Here they showcased their distinctive musical style.
The electric guitar was introduced in 1945 along with a new music style called Rock N’ Roll. Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and others recorded their tracks at the popular Memphis studio. Visit online link
https://wearememphis.com/music/ to get information about the musician or industry resources. You can even get to explore all the music and cultural happenings around Memphis.
Sun studio
Sam Phillips started the Sun Studio on Union Avenue in the year 1950. Sun Studio was an alliance between Sun Records and Memphis Recording Services. The first rock n’ rolls song ‘Rocket 88’ was recorded at the Sun Studio in 1951.
Tours are held today, even when there is a recording being conducted at the studio. The place is decked with an astounding array of memorabilia including album covers, rare wax cuttings, guitars, and microphones.
Stax museum
It is not a recording studio but is significant as Sun Studio in many ways. At Stax museum, the greatest soul music sounds got created by artists like Otis Redding. There is a Stax Music Academy adjoining, which is well lighted and splendidly modern. It is a recreation of ancient Southern Church, where soul music sprouted in Gospel music. There is a replica of the original Stax Studio and dozens of guitars and outfits of the stars. Isaac Hayes got a gold-trimmed glitzy Cadillac for his success in 1972, which is exhibited in the museum.
The museum started as Satellite Records in 1957 and changed its name to Stax Records in 1961. The Soul, Gospel, Funk, and Delta Blues were made popular by the company. After Otis Redding died, the studio struggled to survive the competition. Today tourists enjoy the Stax story via photos and sounds of the original artist recordings. It has a hall of records and special exhibits that honor the American soul music pioneers.
Rock n’ Soul Museum
There are seven galleries, which exhibit the history of rock n’ roll and soul music in a lively way. There are 40 costumes, 30 instruments, and musical treasures tourists adore looking at.
Blue Hall of Fame
The Blues Hall of Fame is located across the street from the National Civil Rights Museum. America’s indigenous music of great artists is preserved and celebrated.
Memphis museums have the cultural depth and breadth devoted to musical history heritage!
Kim Smith enjoys exploring the entertainment world with her thoughts and opinions on selfgrowth