Armchair Explorer

The Birth of Soul and Rock N' Roll: On Location in Memphis, Tennessee

01.15.2024 - By Aaron MillarPlay

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"It was here, on the banks of the Mississippi River, where music changed the world."

In Memphis, music has always been more than a melody and lyrics - it's a movement. This is a city that launched some of the world's most beloved musicians, from Otis Redding to Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas, Elvis Presley, and more. And in the midst of segregation and racial tension, the music of Memphis became a powerful tool for bringing people together - and creating the sound of a civil rights movement that would move the world.

Join host Aaron Millar and step into some of the world's most famous recording booths all around the city. It's in these rooms where the greats of soul and rock n' roll have shed blood, sweat and tears for decades. You'll hear how Elvis Presley was discovered completely by accident at Sun Studios; learn about Otis Redding and the joyous growth of soul at the Stax Museum; and go behind the scenes of pop music with Bruno Mars at Royal Studios.

WANT MORE TENNESSEE MUSIC?

Tennessee Music Pathways is a guide that connects visitors to the rich musical heritage of the state. Visitors can curate their own path based on interests using an interactive guide at TNmusicpathways.com. Follow the conversation on social using or searching hashtag #tnmusicpathways.

Thank you to our guests and musicians:

Hal Lansky, Lansky Brothers Clothing lanskybros.com

Crockett Hall, Sun Studio sunstudio.com

Jeff Kollath, Stax Museum of American Soul Music staxmuseum.com

Boo Mitchell, Royal Studios boomitchellmemphis.com and royalstudios.com

Dr. Noelle Trent, National Civil Rights Museum civilrightsmuseum.org

Visit Memphis memphistravel.com

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