Southern Roots | Memphis, TN

A music lovers’ paradise, Memphis had been on my must-visit list for years.

I have been fascinated by the story of how rock ‘n’ roll emerged from the South and took over the world’s airwaves. Visiting during the annual Memphis in May Festival was a logical choice. 

Memphis local entrepreneur and music industry insider Charlie Ryan, explains that: “Memphis is geographically in the middle of a bunch of musical traditions: country and folk from the Appalachian Mountains to the east, blues from the Mississippi delta to the south and jazz from St. Louis to the north. It all came together right here in Memphis and evolved”. Most historians agree that the first rock ‘n roll song was Rocket 88 recorded at Sun Studio in 1951 by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats. Though the sound was like other rhythm and blues songs of the era, an amplifier that was damaged on the way to the studio session resulted in guitar distortion—creating something new and edgy. A few years later Elvis took this melding of musical styles into the stratosphere and onto the airwaves of America and then the world. His first big single was “That’s Alright” in 1954.

Rocket 88 was recorded at Sun Studio in 1951.

The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is the perfect place to start any musical pilgrimage. The Smithsonian-aligned museum does an excellent job of illuminating the history and interconnectedness of the various musical genres and characters that came together in Memphis to form the basis of modern music. The Stax Museum is also great and focuses on soul music. A trip to Sun City Studio is essential. The still-in-use recording studio is as it was in the 50’s with original mics and equipment still in place. The room has an aura, and you can stand on the spot where many of the greats recorded their first hits, including Elvis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is a music industry snapshot in time.

Elvis’s Graceland can be busy, but I found it fascinating and well worth it. The house itself is just as Elvis left it: shag carpet and all. The museum is packed full of remarkable artifacts including guitars, cars and a whole lot of one-piece suits. VIP tours are available.  

From out of the way authentic BBQ joints to high-end modern cuisine, Memphis has an appealing range of culinary options. Beale Street is the heart of the entertainment district and you will find a number of spots including the famous Blues Street Café with its take on southern BBQ. Make sure to check out the Band Box next door for some live music in an intimate venue. Other popular spots include Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, A&R Bar-B-Que and Gus’s Fried Chicken. The charming diner-style Arcade Restaurant is the oldest in Memphis and serves up quality breakfast classics including boozy milkshakes. On the other side of the spectrum is the uber hip Beauty Shop Restaurant and Lounge. Located in the must-visit neighbourhood of Cooper and Young, their dinner and cocktail menus are creative and eclectic “New American”. The Copper and Young neighbourhood is another entertainment district of Memphis and a bit more relaxed than the often-hectic Beale Street. You will find a charming mix of historic buildings, artsy shops, stylish restaurants and live music venues.

Diner-style Arcade Restaurant is the oldest in Memphis.

For a craft distillery and good ole Tennessee whiskey experience, the Old Dominick Distillery has a great tour and fantastic cocktail lounge space.           

Accommodations are as varied as the music scene in Memphis. With views of the Mississippi River, The River Inn provides an elegant, European-meets-South boutique hotel experience. Their in-house restaurant Paulette’s serves a French inspired menu. Located in another charismatic neighbourhood – The South Main Historic Arts District – The Central Station Memphis is a re-imagined art deco transportation hub.  It has a lounge and common areas inspired by vinyl records and the city’s rich music pedigree. It is within walking distance of various attractions, galleries and shops and you can also catch a ride on the century streetcar outside. For a historic luxury experience, The Peabody Memphis is downtown and close to Beale Street. The famous Peabody ducks make a daily trek from their rooftop abode to the lobby of the hotel.

Blues City Band Box features live music in an intimate venue.

Music aficionados and foodies will be delighted with the authenticity and southern charm that this town has to offer.