Stax Museum of American Soul Music
A celebration of Memphis’ soul music, this museum sits near the site of the original, but long-ago demolished, Stax recording studio. During the 1960s and '70s, this powerhouse of soul cranked out world-famous hits by Otis Redding, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, The Bar-Kays, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire, and so many others. First-rate multimedia exhibitions, beginning with a video introduction in a darkened theater, take visitors back to a place and time when racism deeply divided the South. And they show how Stax 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, and learn about Stax ties to Elvis, the Beatles, and even Elton John. Elsewhere, Bono, Elvis Costello, and scores of other rock stars offer heartfelt tributes to the lasting legacy of Stax (and Memphis’ Sun) recording studios, while exhibits like the Women of Rare Soul shine a light on lesser known artists. My favorite piece of memorabilia? Isaac Hayes’ (of “Shaft” and “South Park” fame) gold-plated, shag-carpeted “Superfly” Cadillac. Allow at least 90 minutes, and if the spirit moves, use some of that time to cut loose on the psychedelic dance floor.
A celebration of Memphis’ soul music, this museum sits near the site of the original, but long-ago demolished, Stax recording studio. During the 1960s and '70s, this powerhouse of soul cranked out world-famous hits by Otis Redding, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, The Bar-Kays, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire, and so many others. First-rate multimedia exhibitions, beginning with a video introduction in a darkened theater, take visitors back to a place and time when racism deeply divided the South. And they show how Stax 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, and learn about Stax ties to Elvis, the Beatles, and even Elton John. Elsewhere, Bono, Elvis Costello, and scores of other rock stars offer heartfelt tributes to the lasting legacy of Stax (and Memphis’ Sun) recording studios, while exhibits like the Women of Rare Soul shine a light on lesser known artists. My favorite piece of memorabilia? Isaac Hayes’ (of “Shaft” and “South Park” fame) gold-plated, shag-carpeted “Superfly” Cadillac. Allow at least 90 minutes, and if the spirit moves, use some of that time to cut loose on the psychedelic dance floor.
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