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the full tilt boogie — the memphis music itinerary Memphis music is a magical stew of people, cultures and beliefs, blended together in an unmistakable sound that changed more than a recording industry. It changed the world — the way we dressed, talked and danced. Remarkably, none of this was planned, and today, we are proud of our historic music attractions that collectively tell the story of Memphians striving for the American dream through music. SMITHSONIAN ROCK ’N’ SOUL MUSEUM — The story of Memphis music is about people connecting. Black, white. Rich, poor. Country folk, city folk. And no place better dramatizes and organizes the cultural and social ramifications of Memphis’ musical connection to the world than this Smithsonian-crafted, seven-gallery chronicle. American Songwriter magazine calls the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum perhaps “the single best exhibition of American musical history in the country.” SUN STUDIO — Ground zero for rock ’n’ roll’s explosion, Sam Phillips’ studio is packed with memories and memorabilia, allowing visitors to experience the stories that put legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis on the map. STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC — This 17,000-square-foot museum houses over 2000 cultural artifacts, celebrating the music made famous by Otis Redding, Booker T. and the MGs, Isaac Hayes, Al Green and many more. GRACELAND - No musical pilgrimage would be complete without a trip to the second most popular home in America. The legendary empire takes visitors back in time to see how Elvis lived, touring his private jets, automobile collection, the legendary Jungle Room and more. LAUDERDALE COURTS (THE ELVIS SUITE) — From 1949 to 1953, Gladys, Vernon and teenage Elvis called Apartment #328 home. Restored to reflect the Presley family’s simple life and times, The Elvis Suite is the only place in town where visitors can sleep exactly where the King did. CENTER FOR SOUTHERN FOLKLORE — Celebrating the people, history and cultures of the South, the Center for Southern Folklore showcases original music, books and works by local artists, as well as an entertainment hall featuring live jazz, blues, rockabilly and soul performances. BEALE STREET — Home to the best live blues, R&B and rock anywhere, Beale Street Entertainment District is a must-see and includes W.C. Handy House, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rum Boogie Café, Alfred’s Bar & Grill on Beale and over 26 restaurants, clubs and shops. GIBSON GUITAR FACTORY — Right off Beale, Gibson’s Memphis factory offers tours of its state-of-the-art production facility, home of the revered ES-series guitars, which have been played by the likes of B.B. King, Scotty Moore, Carl Perkins and Chuck Berry. W.C. HANDY HOUSE/MUSEUM — William Christopher (W.C.) Handy’s modest Beale Street home-turned-museum may be small, but it quietly captures the flavor and spirit of Old Beale like no other place on Earth. AMERICAN DREAM SAFARI — Not your usual tour. Not your usual guide. Explore the legends and myths of Southern culture and music from the inside of wayward soul Tad Pierson’s 1955 Cadillac. BACKBEAT TOURS — Led by Memphis musicians, Backbeat Tours provides a rocking ride through Memphis music history in their vintage 1959 GM transit bus, “Miss Clawdy.” ULTIMATE ROCK ’N’ ROLL TOUR, BY SHANGRI-LA PROJECTS — Dive below the surface of Memphis music, and experience the sights, sounds and stories of rock ’n’ roll, blues, rockabilly, soul, R&B, gospel and jazz. For more information, please contact |
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