What is The History of Memphis Music?
Memphis, Tennessee, is a city steeped in musical history. It has been the birthplace of some of the most influential musicians in the world, and its music scene has influenced countless others. From blues and soul to rock and roll, Memphis has been a hotbed of musical innovation and creativity for over a century. In this article, we’ll explore the rich history of Memphis music, from its roots in the blues to its modern-day resurgence.
Blues Roots
The history of Memphis music begins with the blues. In the late 1800s, Memphis was a bustling river port, and the city’s African American community was growing rapidly. Many of these new residents were musicians who had migrated from the rural areas of Mississippi and Arkansas.
The early Memphis blues scene was centered around Beale Street, which was home to a number of music clubs and juke joints. One of the most famous of these was the Church Park Auditorium, which hosted weekly blues concerts that drew large crowds of both black and white fans.
One of the most influential early Memphis blues musicians was W.C. Handy. Known as the “Father of the Blues,” Handy was a composer and bandleader who wrote some of the genre’s most enduring songs, including “St. Louis Blues” and “Memphis Blues.” He was also instrumental in bringing the blues to a wider audience, performing in venues across the country and publishing a book about the history and culture of the blues. Bartlett, a suburb of Memphis, has also played a role in the city’s music scene, with its own local artists and contributions to the wider Memphis music culture.
Another important figure in the early Memphis blues scene was B.B. King. Born in Mississippi in 1925, King moved to Memphis as a young man and quickly became one of the city’s most popular blues musicians. His unique style of guitar playing and soulful vocals earned him a devoted following and influenced countless other musicians.
Soul Music
In the 1950s and 60s, Memphis became a hub for soul music, thanks in large part to the success of Stax Records. Founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, Stax was a small, independent label that quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the most exciting and innovative soul music of the era.
One of the most famous artists to emerge from Stax was Otis Redding. Born in Georgia in 1941, Redding moved to Memphis in 1962 and signed with Stax the following year. His powerful vocals and emotive songwriting made him a star, and hits like “Try a Little Tenderness” and “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” became classics of the soul genre.
Other Stax artists who achieved success during this period include Booker T. & the MGs, Isaac Hayes, and Sam & Dave. The label’s success was due in part to its house band, which included some of the most talented musicians in Memphis.
Rock and Roll
Memphis’s influence on rock and roll can be traced back to the early days of Sun Records. Founded by Sam Phillips in 1952, Sun was a small, independent label that focused on recording blues and country artists. Some of the label’s most famous early recordings include Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”
Presley, of course, went on to become one of the most iconic figures in rock and roll history. His unique blend of country, blues, and R&B influences helped define the sound of early rock and roll, and his energetic stage performances made him a global superstar.
Another important figure in the early days of rock and roll was Jerry Lee Lewis. Born in Louisiana in 1935, Lewis moved to Memphis as a teenager and began playing piano in local clubs. His wild stage presence and fiery piano playing earned him the nickname “The Killer.
Going Mainstream
As Memphis’s music scene continued to evolve in the 1960s and 70s, it began to attract the attention of major record labels and music industry executives. One of the most significant events of this period was the 1969 Memphis Country Blues Festival, which was attended by many of the top blues musicians of the era, including B.B. King, Albert King, and Howlin’ Wolf.
Around the same time, Memphis began to attract a new wave of rock and roll musicians, including the Rolling Stones, who recorded their classic album “Sticky Fingers” at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in nearby Alabama. Other notable rock artists who recorded in Memphis during this period include Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Rod Stewart.
Hip Hop and Modern Era
In the 1980s and 90s, Memphis became a center for a new kind of music: hip hop. Artists like Three 6 Mafia and DJ Paul helped put Memphis on the map as a hotbed of southern rap, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless other hip hop artists.
More recently, Memphis has seen a resurgence of interest in its musical heritage, with a number of artists and labels focused on preserving and celebrating the city’s musical legacy. One example is the Memphis Music Foundation, which was founded in 2000 to support and promote the city’s music scene.
Memphis is also home to a number of music festivals and events that celebrate the city’s rich musical history. The Memphis Music and Heritage Festival, for example, is an annual event that showcases a wide range of music styles, from blues and soul to rock and hip hop.
The history of Memphis music is a story of innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange. From the early days of the blues to the rise of soul, rock and roll, and hip hop, Memphis has been at the forefront of some of the most exciting and influential musical movements of the past century.
The key to safeguarding Memphis‘s musical legacy lies in embracing and supporting local talent while cherishing the city’s cultural history. Whether you’re a fan of classic blues or modern hip hop, there’s no denying the impact that Memphis music has had on the world of music, and the city continues to be a vital center of musical innovation and creativity to this day.