The birthplace of The King of Rock, a hotbed for the foundation of soul and a city that is endlessly passionate about music are all ways one could easily describe the attitude and city of Memphis, TN. And when visiting Memphis there are a number of ways to explore the city’s musical past and the ways in which it has shaped our culture’s musical landscape. From general museums to actual historic studios, we’ve provided a few ideas to help get you started in exploring the sounds of Memphis during your next vacation to Tennessee.
With a visit to Sun Studios you’ll have the opportunity to experience the same atmosphere that legends such as Elvis, Johnny Cash and countless others have recorded in over the years. Opened in the 50’s, Sun Studios ushered in a revolutionary sound of country and blues through artists including Roy Orbison, Elvis and B.B. King. Of course, for those looking to see what Memphis is up to today will also find this tour to be an interesting time with artists including Tom Petty, U2 and Matchbox 20 having made recordings at the legendary studio in the near past.
Soul music is on display in Memphis with the Stax Museum of American Soul. Stax started off as a recording company that featured groundbreaking soul artists such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes and Booker T. Today, Stax is an encompassing museum that chronicles the birth and rise of soul music. Over 2,000 exhibits are spread throughout the premises, focusing on not only Stax artists, but soul on a whole.
As part of the Smithsonian Collection, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is ran by one of the foremost names in the museum industry, and offers a thorough look at the many varieties of music that have originated in and became popular in Memphis, TN. Located on historic Beale Street, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum features seven galleries of musical memorabilia and exhibits. If your interests don’t lie in one particular style of music or musician, then the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum can offer an always interesting look into the wide musical landscape of Memphis.
June 6th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Thanks for the good words for Sun!!!