The city of Memphis is known historically for a wide variety of cultural, artistic and political influences. Originally the bluff location was settled by Native Americans. After colonial presence was established, the city was formally founded. Through hardships of Civil War, economic collapse and the Civil Rights movement, Memphis has become one of the most important locations to the history and development of the music industry.
Memphis has been home to music legends such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Issac Hayes. Many local and visiting artists alike recorded for the very first time in Memphis' historical Sun Records studio. Mississippi Delta natives also flocked to the city and were first recorded by the Sun Records studio. Delta Blues and Southern Rock 'n' Roll's presence to the mainstream were made possible by the exposure Sun Records provided. The studio still stands to this day. If you ever visit Memphis, then a tour of Sun Records should be on your to do list.
The home of the blues is a well known nickname for Memphis among it's locals. Although the city brought blues to the mainstream, it also took the mellow Motown sound to an entirely different level. Soul music was made popular by another historical Memphis studio. Stax Records gave birth to greats like Issac Hayes and Otis Redding. During this era, the Soul music from Stax was considered a more powerful and raw alternative to Motown music of the time. The original Stax studio was tore down, but the Stax Museum was later constructed in the same location. It's still in operation today as one of the most musically historical sites in the city.
These locations are important for remembering the role Memphis played in the music industry, but nothing beats historical nostalgia and the music to go with it. Memphis' most historically significant location to music is alive and well. Beale Street is as rich in history as it is musical diversity. Classic artists like Bob Dylan, John Lee Hooker and Jerry Lee Lewis have performed at Beale's famous New Daisy Theatre which still holds concerts even today. Beale Street visitors can visit W.C. Handy's historical home or have lunch at B.B. King's Blues Club. Regardless of your preference, Beale Street is home to music of all genres. History, music, restaurants and shops make Beale Street the most visited location in the city of Memphis.
