The talent at Stax and other famed Memphis labels, such as Hi Records, would become some of America's most revered and exciting artists. Otis Redding, Al Green, Booker T. & the MG's, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, the Staple Singers, Wilson Pickett and Isaac Hayes are just a few of the artists who, at least for a time, called Memphis home as they spread their music throughout the globe. For more in-depth information about the artists whose music and enthusiasm have touched our souls, please follow the link to our featured artist.

Estelle Axton
Co-owner of Stax Records, Estelle Axton mortgaged her home to help her brother, Jim Stewart, build a recording business. - read more

Al Bell
Al Bell revolutionized marketing and promotions work at Stax; a force that put Stax on the map. - read more

Booker T. & the MGs
Booker T. & the MGs began accidentally, but became, arguably, the most important group in the history of soul. - read more

Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke was one of the first gospel artists to cross-over to what would become soul music. - read more

Steve Cropper
Extraordinary mega-talent only begins to describe Steve Cropper who, with Booker T. & the MGs - read more

Donald "Duck" Dunn
Donald “Duck” Dunn held down the bottom end of one of the most distinctive and enduring sounds in popular music. - read more

Isaac Hayes
Now a soul music icon and film and television star, Isaac Hayes was integral to the early development of Stax Records. - read more

The Mar-Keys
Recording "Last Night" as an afterthought, the Mar-Keys landed then Satellite Records a major hit. - read more

Willie Mitchell
Willie Mitchell is often credited as being the creator of the oft-copied and instantly recognizable Hi sound, - read more

Don Nix
An original member of the Mar-Keys, Don Nix went on to become a music producer, and an influential force behind popular music. - read more

Otis Redding
Picking up the micophone to sing his own song after his boss had finished a recording session at Stax, Redding was on his way. - read more

Sam & Dave
The duo of Sam Moore and Dave Prater, Jr., were the voices in front of another duo, songwriters Isaac Hayes and David Porter. - read more

Carla Thomas
As a teenager, Carla Thomas’s work gave young Stax Records higher visibility buy attracting the attention of Atlantic Records. - read more

Rufus Thomas
One of the most recognizable and beloved soul artists, Rufus Thomas was the first to record in the Stax Records studio. - read more