Memphis Travelers Recommend

Whether you’re into blues, soul or rock’n’roll, Memphis is a must-see destination. Come to the city on the Mississippi to see and hear the places where musical history was made.

Day 1: You-know-who Even if you’re not an Elvis fan, how can you not be intrigued by the myth and the even more amazing reality of America’s uncontested all-time number one superstar? Though he was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis moved to Memphis in his early teens, and the city remembers him fondly. You can visit Sun Studios, where he made his first recordings (not forgetting other rock’n’roll and country greats who recorded there, like Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins). The real enthusiasts can climb aboard a 1950s bus and follow the stages of Presley’s life throughout the city, while there’s something for everyone at Graceland, the King’s last home.

Day 2: Rock’n’soul Of course Elvis is just one piece of Memphis’s amazing musical legacy. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a tribute not just to Stax recording artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and the Staple Singers, but to a whole galaxy of soul stars. The Rock’n’Soul Museum celebrates the Memphis melting pot that is Beale Street; after dark the whole street comes alive with jumping bars and top-notch blues bands. Alternatively, catch the Mojo Music Bus, grab a tambourine and play along with the band as you tour the landmarks of musical Memphis.

Day 3: Mississippi We’re heading for the river today, stopping in at the National Civil Rights Museum and/or the Center for Southern Folklore on the way. Take the monorail to Mud Island and find out more in a museum dedicated to the river, or sit and watch the real thing with downtown Memphis as a backdrop. Paddle steamers work the river giving you some great vistas and the city’s history thrown in. Then in the evening, learn about the dark side of that history as you move among the undead on a Memphis Ghosts Walking Tour.

When it comes to music history, few cities can rival Memphis, Tennessee. Also known as Soulville, USA, Memphis is home to The King's Graceland and the birthplace of the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. Here are some of the city's top music sites.

Graceland

You can't come to Memphis without paying a visit to Graceland, the quirky home of Elvis Presley. In addition to exploring the Graceland mansion, you can get an in-depth look at Presley's life through a variety of exhibits, including one featuring his extensive car collection, another covering his comeback performances in Las Vegas, and one on his love for Hawaii.

Beale Street Historic District

The heart and soul of Memphis' live music scene lies on Beale Street. The clubs and restaurants lining this historic district have played host to legends B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, and Muddy Waters.

Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum

Pay a visit to the Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum for a comprehensive overview of the city's storied music history. Just off Beale Street, the museum features seven galleries and three audio-visual elements that tell of the development of rock and soul in Memphis.

Sun Studio

Sun Studio, known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, was where Elvis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded some of their first tracks to launch their music careers. Today, the humble studio is a museum and national historic landmark offering tours every half hour.

Memphis Music Hall of Fame

A sister site to the Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame pays tribute to the city's many influential native sons, including Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, and Justin Timberlake.

Gibson Guitar Factory

Set on Beale Street, the Gibson Guitar Factory is where some of the world's finest guitars are crafted. Tour the facility to see the process firsthand, from binding to tuning.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Housed in the former home of Stax Records, where Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Isaac Hayes once recorded, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music traces the history of this important house of music.