Let’s face it, when people mention Memphis and music, people think of the history but often disregard the current scene. I think that’s a mistake.
It’s true that Memphis often doesn’t get the big names in music. Many of the top artists in the country according to Billboard have never performed on a Memphis stage.
Having Nashville — also known as Music City — as our in-state neighbor, means the most popular musicians of the moment rarely add the Bluff City as a stop on their tours.
If you want to see Sabrina Carpenter in Memphis, I guess that’s frustrating. But when I hear people complain about how no one comes here, I think about the ignored musicians that don’t require a three-hour drive to Nashville to see. They are here. In Memphis.
Memphis is one of seven cities that reshaped American music. It is the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, thank you very much.
Some of the nation’s most popular jazz and blues music emerged from Memphis, and the city is home to seven music-related museums: Graceland, the Blues Hall of Fame Museum, Sun Studios, the Rock and Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis Music Hall of Fame and the WC Handy Home and Museum.
Names like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Al Green and Johnny Cash are featured on street signs, historical markers and museums all over the city.
Memphis wouldn’t be the same culturally or even economically without its music. There are over 10 active recording studios — some with a notable history — and at least seven record stores. (My personal favorites: Shangri-La Records on Madison and Goner Records on Young Avenue).
Justin Timberlake, Three 6 Mafia and GloRilla – who just received the key to the city — all called Memphis home.
Beyond big Memphis music names, several highly recognizable stars have performed in Memphis many times over the past few years. The FedEx Forum and the Orpheum have had some pretty great lineups these past few years.
I have been lucky enough to see Stevie Nicks, Lionel Richie, Earth, Wind & Fire and Bob Dylan each on a Memphis stage. I swear, Memphis gets the big names too.
And of course, our festival scene is great. Memphis has nine fabulous music festivals that offer perfect opportunities to hear the music you love and find some new favorites. I’ve only been to Mempho Music Festival, RiverBeat Music Festival and some of the shows at the Overton Park Shell, but at these, I have been introduced to some of the best tunes.
But, it’s the smaller venues that make this a special place.
Not only are they much cheaper — the best concerts I’ve been to in Memphis were under $30 — but the experience is much more personal. The crowds are smaller, which allows for a more individual and interactive experience. Especially on a weekday, Memphians don’t
normally show up in swarms, so it is easy to squeeze into the front. During a Rayland Baxter concert at Minglewood Hall — with 50 people, tops — I managed to enjoy the show up close, and it became a completely different experience. Not only could I see better, but everyone was singing along and dancing together. The front is often more energetic no matter the concert.
You’ve never heard of the musician? So what. You do not need to know the music by heart to go to a concert. Local shows are the best way to encounter new music and artists. I have found and even met some of my favorite artists in Memphis because of the smaller crowds.
I aim to be part of the reason artists come back to Memphis as their fame grows, and we all should.
Memphis has the music, we just have to go listening for it.
