Memphis Bring Historical Meaning to Its Former Music Artists
The last rays of summer are almost gone, but there are still plenty of visitors in Memphis that will be coming up during the month of September. Visit all the area attractions, including some the museums showcasing the Memphis spirit dating back to some of the most famous stars. The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Children’s Museum of Memphis and Stax Museum of American Soul Music all possess unique characteristics that tell a little about the city and its most famous artifacts. You may browse through the following activities and book ones that suit you and your family:
Complete with seven major galleries and the D.C. Smithsonian Institution’s first exhibit, “Social Crossroads,” this area museum is packed full of influential American Music from the 1930s to the 1970s, covering issues like the depression, war, the American spirit and social justice. You’ll be able to see pictures of some of the great artists that sang each of the songs. If you’d like, the museum has transportation by trolley, transporting you to an older world.
The museum is different every time with rotating traveling exhibits that pass through, but some of the most famous activities, such as the Growing Healthy exhibit and City Friends are here to stay. Kids can learn about the wonders of the human body along with a examination of every community’s aid – the police and firefighter force. For an interactive experience, you can let your child sculpt and brush paint at the Art Smart center. The opportunities are almost endless, and you can pack a picnic lunch to eat on the grounds while you’re there.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Walk into the past with over 2,000 artifacts of the soul music genre. The museum is only about three miles away from Beale Street, and the music labels the museum features are some of the most popular of their time. As you’re browsing, you’ll begin to learn the fascinating story of an old neighborhood that expanded into what is now known as Soulsville, USA. Look for photographs and samples of your favorite soul artists!
The historical insight that Memphis possesses will keep you busy for as long as you have in the city. Take the chance to spend the last days of your 2010 summer in Memphis.
Rock Through the Ages with Memphis Musical History!
Memphis is nicknamed Music City for a reason, and these activities will give you a chance to truly learn everything you’ve wanted to know about famous music artists that started their careers here. Walk through the buildings where some of the most famous tunes in the U.S. were first played. In addition to this wonderful summer trip, there is lodging nearby to keep you comfortable and well rested.
Experience the Sun Studio Guided Tour, memorializing such Rock n’ Roll greats such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, BB King, and others. Inside, you’ll be able to look at some of the greatest artifacts of the 50s, 60s, and beyond, featuring the work of the greatest names in show business. Feast your eyes on one of the highlights of the tour, a 1954 microphone used by Presley when he first recorded his hit, “That’s All Right.”
Keep in the musical mood with a look through the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, boasting a 40-year historical record starting in the 1930s. Started by the Smithsonian Institute, the museum has only the highest quality artist artifacts and records. You may look through over seven galleries and an additional Smithsonian gallery labeled, “Social Crossroads,” to receive the most comprehensive look at this fascinating world.
For a more diverse look at these musical greats, the Gibson Guitar Factory Tour provides the information on the instruments that jump started their careers. Take a leisurely walk through the factory to learn the fascinating process that these instruments go through, such as binding, painting, and buffing.
Each one of these experiences promises an artistic look at the most influential stars that ever stepped foot in Memphis. Learn more about this fantastic city through these tours!
Explore Memphis Museums and City History
Your favorite vacation destination in Memphis presents some of the most influential history in the 20 century through its wide selection of museums available to visit. Learn more about the Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., or discover exhibits of the pioneers of modern rock and soul. Its all available in Music City, the landmark of many of the top hits of the 1900′s.
Your first stop may be at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institute and featuring a 40 year history of top musical influences starting in the swinging 30′s. The musicians spoke life into their lyrics as they worked through tough economic, social, and racial barriers that constantly surrounded them. Also, you may spend hours exploring the vast selection of facts from artists in the “oldies” era.
For those interested in the Civil Rights Movement, you may want to visit the National Civil Rights Museum, the most prominent museum dedicated to the movement in the U.S. Walk to the Lorraine hotel within the museum, and see the balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The four acre museum commemorates both King and the movement he led, honoring equality.
Take one last gander into the discovery of American heritage with a visit to the Stax Museum of American Music, home of famous artist artifacts from great musicians like Isaac Hayes and Booker T. The Stax helped boost their careers, entertaining thousands of music lovers through several generations.
You’ll love your summer excursion down to Memphis, home to both great music and a friendly, energetic atmosphere!
Museums in Memphis, TN are Diverse and Entertaining
For some educational fun, visit the variety of museums in Memphis, TN. These musuems offer everything from a children’s museum where children can play and learn through hands-on experience to exhibits at The Pink Palace where there are displays on the Piggly Wiggly and dinosaurs. There is something for everyone at the Memphis museums.
The Children’s Museum of Memphis is the perfect place to take your children while on vacation in Memphis. This museum features a hands-on experience that will allow you and your children to stay entertained while learning. There are fun exhibits like the City Friends exhibit which gives information on police officers and firefighters. There is painting, scultping and performing at the Smart Arts center at the museum. Play with your children or watch as they perform for you!
For an exploration of the musical history of Memphis, go to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. This museum was created by the Smithsonian Institute and is dedicated to musicians who overcame racial prejudice and socioeconomic challenges to create beautiful music that is still loved today. The exhibits at this museum are rich in the history of the growth of American music.
Another museum that has a great history of American music is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. This museum has over 2,000 artifacts for you to examine throughout the museum. The whole of this museum is dedicated to soul music and its journey in America. This is an interactive museum that music lovers of all ages can enjoy.
The National Civil Rights Museum is a landmark museum in the city of Memphis. This museum is was once the Lorraine Hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4th in 1968. It was renovated in his memory and now holds exhibits dedicated to the National Civil Rights movement. The people who shaped the Civil Rights Movement are represented there in various exhibits and artifacts.
The museum to visit if you really enjoy getting a wide variety of information in one place is the Pink Palace Museum. It’s name is a hint of the fun you’ll find inside. You can learn about the revolutionization of grocery stores, see dinosaur exhibits, and even see a miniature circus. This museum offers its visitors a little bit of everything.
Memphis’ International Blues Challenge Set for Feb. 4 – 7
There’s never a shortage of quality music to be heard along Beale Street, but during this year’s International Blues Challenge Memphis locals and visitors alike will be blessed with the ability to take in some of the greatest blues performances from around the world from February 4 – February 7! This is annually the largest blues gathering in the world, with last year’s festival showcasing over150 acts. Whether you’re a true blues aficionado or simply looking to experience Beale Street at its peak, you’ll definitely want to visit Memphis during the International Blues Challenge!
Located directly on Beale Street, Blues City Cafe offers an authentic taste of some of the city’s popular barbecue, and is a convenient stop during the International Blues Challenge. Ribs are obviously at the front of the menu when you visit Blues City Cafe, though visitors will also find other area favorites including fried catfish and live music served up at the Cafe as well. If you’re looking for great food and great times that represent the culture of Memphis, then look no further than the Blues City Cafe.
And for those that want to do more than merely hear the sounds of Memphis during their visit, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum can help by providing an detailed look into Memphis’ music history. As part of the Smithsonian Institute, you’ll already find the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum to be a credible source before even stepping foot inside. And once inside you’ll find seven galleries that run through everything from the music itself to the social and racial boundaries it broke.
