Soulsville: Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Frommer's Review

Groove on down to Soulsville USA, one of the city's best attractions, which celebrates Memphis soul music. Opened in spring 2003, the museum sits near the site of the original (sadly, long-ago demolished) Stax recording studio, which during the 1960s and 1970s cranked out world-famous hits by Otis Redding; Booker T and the MGs; The Bar-Kays; Al Green; Aretha Franklin; Earth, Wind & Fire; and others. Don't miss Isaac Hayes's (of Shaft and South Park fame) gold-plated, shag-carpeted Superfly Cadillac, which is on display. First-rate multimedia exhibitions, beginning with a thrilling video introduction in a darkened theater, take visitors back to a place and time when racism deeply divided the South. Stax, however, was an anomaly, a virtually colorblind collaborative where black and white musicians, staff, and studio executives worked together in a shared musical passion. At interactive kiosks, you'll get a chance to hear hundreds of songs and watch archival video. Stax ties to Elvis, The Beatles, and Elton John are mentioned. Elsewhere, Aerosmith, Elvis Costello, U2's Bono and scores of others offer heartfelt tributes to the lasting legacy of Stax (and Memphis's Sun) recording studios. Allow at least 90 minutes -- or an entire afternoon, if you're a true soul sister -- to tour the museum. And if the spirit moves, you can also cut loose on its psychedelic dance floor.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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