Ever since Marc Cohn came out with “Walking in Memphis”, Beale Street has become a more well known and popular destination for travelers interested in American music. Perhaps music history would be a more apt description of what Memphis offers. Sun Studio discovered and recorded Elvis. Early clients also included Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Ike Turner. The museum tour is a reminder of how closely R&B was connected to country music.
Across town, Stax Studio gave birth to American Soul before Motown was even a consideration. Isaac Hayes, Booker T and the MGs, Sam & Dave and Otis Redding all called Stax home for their early days. The video of older Soul Train shows in the museum reminds all just how popular this music became in short order.
And then there are the Peabody Ducks. Each day at 11 AM and 4 PM the ducks at the Peabody Hotel march across the lobby to their spot in the big marble fountain to the thrill of onlookers, and even children. You can get a quick look at the Peabody Hotel Duck March here, but the process is where the real fun is. And it is a process.
If you love Americana, American music, a trip to Memphis is a worthy way to spend a few days. You can even get some barbeque.