A Musical Visit to Memphis Sure Sounds Good

Love American music? Then get yourself to Memphis, Tennessee where the roots of rock ‘n roll, country, blues and soul are on dynamic display for you see and of course to hear!

Have a look at this list for some of the best music related attraction in town and start planning your trip now!

Something of an open air museum, historic Beale Street in the heart of Downtown Memphis is the state of Tennessee’s official home of the blues. For some of the city’s best and most popular music venues, head to Beale!

Located next to the National Civil Rights Museum on South Main Street, the Blues Hall of Fame offers visitors a chance to learn about the music, traditions and greatest performers and songwriters behind the blues.

How can you head to Memphis without going to Graceland? Whether you’re a major fan or simply curious to see the castle of the King of Rock ‘n Roll, a pilgrimage to Elvis Presley’s Graceland will not disappoint or underwhelm and is worth the visit alone for a looksee at the King’s infamous Jungle Room. .

The Memphis Music Hall of Fame honors Memphis musicians for their lifetime achievements in music. If you can make it to town — and get tickets — for the annual induction ceremony/concert (usually held in October) consider yourself among the lucky few. 2015 inductees included Justin Timberlake (who put on a smoking performance), Sam & Dave, Alberta Hunter, Al Jackson Jr, Charlie Rich, and Scotty Moore (guitarist for Elvis Presley) and presenters for the ceremony included Keith Richards and Jimmy Fallon. List of past inductees reads like a who’s who of American music with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Al Green, BB King to name but a few of the top local talent!

Rock is just one half of the equation of Memphis music. This town is also the home of soul music, and of course the famous ‘Memphis Sound.’ For a funky and informative dose of soul, be sure to check out the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum on Beale Street, where the aim of its exhibits is to tell visitors the full music story.

This fun and hands-on museum aims to tell the story of how fundamental Memphis has been – and continues to be – in shaping the music we listen to through interactive exhibits and an exceptional collection of memorabilia, ephemera and lots of opportunities to listen to music.

Elvis, Jerry Lee, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and a number of influential Memphis musicians recorded here unwittingly making history while laying down firm foundations for rock ‘n roll, country, and R&B. A tour of the studio would make the day of any music fan. Do not miss a chance to visit next time you’re in Memphis.

Located at the original site of the Stax Records studio where some of soul music’s biggest stars (Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T & the MGs, Rufus Thomas, and on and on and on) made some of the best music and biggest hits of the last 60 years, this place is an awesome and lovingly presented shrine to local talent and the famous Memphis Sound.