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Memphis: Attractions for Music Enthusiasts

Most of the “big six” cities like Los Angeles and NYC have their claim to fame, but Tennessee holds its own in the music department. Nashville might be home to country music, but Memphis is where musicians came and blended together. There are a number of museums and studio tours in the city that cater to the music enthusiast, and we’ve highlighted some of the best places you must visit!

Blues Hall of Fame

Preserving the heritage of blues music, The Blues Hall of Fame celebrates the legendary artists and their contributions. Annually, the foundation will induct new artists that have made their own impact and influenced the genre. The Blues Hall of Fame Museum opened in 2015, in Memphis highlighting these fantastic artists and celebrating their contributions.

There are ten different galleries guests can view. Each one is comprised of an interactive display with touch screens and a master database of music associated with the gallery. With videos, music, and stories, the visit is all-encompassing and helps bring the stories to life. Additionally, you can see iconic pieces such as:

• R.L. Burnside’s guitar
• Koko Taylor’s dress
• Otis Spann’s piano
• Eddy Clearwater’s Indian Headdress
• Charlie Musselwhite’s harmonica
• Mavis Staples GRAMMY® gown

Memphis Music Hall of Fame

The Memphis Music Hall of Fame is one of the most engaging and interactive museums on our list. What started out as a dedication to the artists who have come out of Memphis, the museum is now focusing on all artists who are just as legendary and outrageous as the original inductees. What is impressive about this space is the dedication to providing visitors with rare memorabilia, rare videos, performances, and interviews. All exhibitions are interactive and educational.

It’s not just the museum that is amazing. The location itself is spectacularly situated between the new Hard Rock Cafe and the legendary Lansky’s clothing store. If you aren’t familiar, Lansky’s has dressed Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Rufus Thomas, and more.

The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

If you want to indulge in music history that spans decades, you’re in for a treat at The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. First opened in 2009, the exhibitions take you from the fields of the 1930s to the Sun, Stax, and Hi Records of the 70s. Over one million visitors have been treated to an audio tour that has over 300 minutes of content and over 100 songs. Don’t worry though. You can tour the museum at your own pace. The galleries include three different audiovisual programs, instruments, and costumes from some of your favorite artists.

According to the museum’s website, the Smithsonian declared “the “Rock ‘n’ Soul: Social Crossroads” exhibit is the story of the body of music that had the most influence on the culture and lifestyles of the world from the middle of the 20th Century until today. It has affected the way we walk, the way we talk, the way we comb our hair, and the way we dress– not only in Memphis but in the entire world.”

Learn more about The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Stax is a legendary recording studio founded by Jim Stewart with help from his sister Estelle Axton. Jim was a music fan but without any particular skill. So, he decided to approach it the next best way he knew how by becoming a producer. The only issue is he needed equipment. That’s where his sister came in. She helped him buy an Ampex 350 console recorder to get everything started. The two went into business together and three years later got their first hit record with “Cause I Love You” by Rufus and Carla Thomas.

From there they started cranking out the hits. During your tour of the Stax Museum, you’ll start at the beginning inside the church that inspired the genre of music they worked with, from there you’ll move on to interactive displays where the best of the songs that came from the studio is played over the loudspeaker. If you’re interested in dancing along (and it will be hard not to), there’s a dance floor dedicated to doing just that. You’ll see all the hit records and memorabilia associated with their superstardom.

Sun Studio

Sun Studio is one of the bigger studio names in Memphis. Any fan of music will want to make sure they stop by to get more information and experience what it was like to work with some of the biggest names in music. While it’s called the “Birth Place of Rock n Roll,” almost all genres were recorded in the studio from blues to country.

When you visit the studio, you can stand in the very same spot that Elvis did to record his first record. Tours are guided and full of information about singers such as B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison. Along the way, you can take in the priceless artifacts from these musical legends. Visitors can also hear the outtakes from recording sessions. Tours last about 45 minutes.

Graceland

The home Elvis owned before his passing was known as Graceland. It was a 500-acre farm built in the early 20th century that was later bought by The King. In 1957, when Elvis bought the mansion, he was only 22-years old and paid $100,000. After successfully purchasing the property, Elvis continued to find even more fame by making memorable TV appearances, record-breaking performances, and winning many awards.

Upon his passing, the house transferred to his daughter Lisa Marie. At the time she was only 25. After much consideration, Lisa Marie decided to open the home to the public and allow guests to come and view where Elvis had lived. In 2005, however, she sold a majority of the estate. While some family members still use the house, the rest has been turned over to visitors. Graceland is the second most popular home visited in the U.S. The first is The White House.

You can experience all this and more with the Sweet Magnolia Tours “Elvis - The Beat Goes On” package. Awaken your inner music enthusiast and book your tours today.

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