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If you’re a fan of rock and soul music, then the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is a must-visit destination. Located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, this museum is dedicated to telling the story of the birth of rock and soul music. The exhibition is based on the one created by the Smithsonian Institution in 2000, and it tells the story of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world.
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and it offers visitors a chance to explore the history of rock and soul music uniquely and engagingly. The museum’s exhibits are designed to take you on a journey through time, from the early days of blues and gospel music in the Delta to the birth of rock and roll in Memphis. Along the way, you’ll learn about the musical icons who paved the way for future generations, including B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Otis Redding.
One of the highlights of the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is the “Rural Culture” gallery, which explores the roots of rock and soul music in the rural communities of the Delta. Here, you’ll discover how blues, country, and gospel music came together to form a unique palette of musical genres that led to a musical revolution. The museum also features a 12-minute video that dates back to 2000, as well as photos and paraphernalia from artists during the heyday of Memphis 50-60 years ago.
History
Origins
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum was established in 2000, based on an exhibition created by the Smithsonian Institution in 1996. The exhibition was titled “Rock ‘n’ Soul: Social Crossroads” and was created to honor the Smithsonian’s 150th anniversary. The exhibition explored how Delta blues, country, and gospel music fused with the sounds of Memphis’ Beale Street to form new genres inside the city’s Sun, Stax, and Royal Studios.
Evolution
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum’s exhibition about the birth of rock and soul music tells the story of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world. The museum features seven galleries that take visitors on a journey through the history of Memphis music, from the rural field hollers and sharecropper songs of the 1930s to the soulful sounds of Stax Records in the 1960s.
The museum’s exhibits showcase the instruments, clothing, and personal items of many of the great Memphis musicians, including B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Otis Redding. Visitors can also listen to rare recordings and watch vintage video footage of performances by these and other legendary Memphis musicians.
Impact on Memphis
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is one of the only institutions in the country that tells the complete story of rock and soul music. The museum’s exhibits and programs have had a significant impact on the city of Memphis, helping to preserve the city’s rich musical heritage and attract visitors from around the world.
The museum is located at 191 Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, and is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you’re a music lover or interested in the history of rock and soul music, a visit to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is a must.
Exhibits
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is home to a fascinating collection of exhibits that tell the story of the birth of rock and soul music. The exhibits are divided into two main categories: Permanent Collection and Special Exhibitions.
Permanent Collection
The Permanent Collection at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is a must-see for any music lover. The collection features seven galleries that take you on a journey through the history of rock and soul music. Here are some highlights of the Permanent Collection.
- Rural Culture Gallery: This gallery showcases the roots of rock and soul music in the rural South. You’ll learn about the blues, country, and gospel music that formed the unique palette of musical genres that unexpectedly came together to start a musical revolution.
- Sun Records Gallery: This gallery is dedicated to the legendary Sun Records, the birthplace of rock and roll. You’ll see artifacts from some of the biggest names in rock and roll history, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
- Stax Records Gallery: This gallery is dedicated to Stax Records, the home of soul music. You’ll see artifacts from some of the biggest names in soul music history, including Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and The Staple Singers.
Special Exhibitions
In addition to the Permanent Collection, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum also hosts a variety of Special Exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibits showcase different aspects of rock and soul music and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the history and impact of these genres. Here are some examples of past Special Exhibitions.
- Rock ‘n’ Soul: Social Crossroads: This exhibition explored how Delta blues, country, and gospel music fused with the sounds of Memphis’ Beale Street to form new genres inside the city’s Sun, Stax, and Royal Studios.
- Wattstax: The Living Word: This exhibition celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Wattstax music festival, which took place in Los Angeles in 1972. The festival was organized by Stax Records and featured performances by some of the biggest names in soul music.
Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just looking for a fun and educational experience, the exhibits at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum are not to be missed.
Visitor Information
If you’re planning to visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, here’s what you need to know.
Location and Hours
The museum is located at 191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, just south of Beale at FedExForum. It is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tickets and Pricing
General admission tickets to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum cost $16 for adults and $12 for children (age 5-17). Children under 4 and under are free. Discounts are available for AARP, AAA members, Smithsonian members, and members of the military.
An advanced audio gallery guide is offered free with every admission and shares 300 minutes of information, music, and never-heard-before interviews with dozens of famous figures in rock ‘n’ soul history.
Accessibility
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals are welcome. Large-print guides are available for the exhibit. If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact the museum staff at 901-205-2533.
That’s all the information you need to plan your visit to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Enjoy your trip!
Community Involvement
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is an integral part of the Memphis community, and it has a strong commitment to community involvement. The museum offers a variety of educational programs, events, and performances that engage the community and promote the rich musical heritage of Memphis.
Educational Programs
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum offers a range of educational programs for visitors of all ages. The museum’s educational programs are designed to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the history and culture of rock and soul music.
- Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours that provide visitors with an in-depth look at the exhibits and the history of rock and soul music in Memphis.
- Classroom Programs: The museum offers classroom programs that are designed to complement the school curriculum and provide students with a hands-on learning experience.
- Workshops: The museum offers workshops that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about various aspects of rock and soul music, such as songwriting, recording, and performance.
Events and Performances
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the year. These events and performances are designed to celebrate the rich musical heritage of Memphis and to promote community involvement.
- Concerts: The museum hosts concerts featuring local and national musicians. These concerts provide visitors with the opportunity to experience live music in an intimate setting.
- Festivals: The museum hosts festivals that celebrate the music and culture of Memphis. These festivals feature food, music, and other entertainment.
- Community Events: The museum hosts a variety of community events, such as art shows, book signings, and film screenings. These events provide visitors with the opportunity to engage with the community and learn more about the rich history and culture of Memphis.
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is committed to community involvement, and its educational programs, events, and performances reflect this commitment. Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Memphis, the museum offers something for everyone.
Future Plans
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum has exciting plans for the future. The museum constantly strives to improve visitors’ experiences and expand its exhibits. Here are some of the plans for the museum:
New Exhibits: The museum plans to add new exhibits that showcase the rich musical history of Memphis. The museum’s curators are always researching and discovering new stories to tell, and they plan to incorporate them into the museum’s exhibits.
Interactive Displays: The museum plans to add more interactive displays that allow visitors to engage with the exhibits. These displays will provide a hands-on experience that will enhance visitors’ understanding of Memphis’s music history.
Virtual Exhibits: The museum plans to create virtual exhibits that will allow people from all over the world to experience the museum’s exhibits. These virtual exhibits will provide an opportunity for people who cannot visit the museum in person to learn about Memphis’s music history.
Expanded Hours: The museum plans to expand its hours of operation to accommodate more visitors. This will provide more opportunities for people to visit the museum and learn about Memphis’s music history.
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is committed to preserving and sharing the musical heritage of Memphis. With its exciting plans for the future, the museum will continue to be a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of American music.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
What is the difference between the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Stax Museum?
The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Stax Museum both celebrate the rich musical heritage of Memphis, but they focus on different aspects of it. The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum tells the story of the birth of rock and soul music, while the Stax Museum is dedicated to the legacy of Stax Records and its artists.
What other music museums are there in Memphis?
In addition to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Stax Museum, Memphis is home to several other music museums. These include the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Sun Studio.
What is included in the Memphis Music Attraction Pass?
The Memphis Music Attraction Pass is a great way to save money while exploring the city’s musical heritage. It includes admission to several top attractions, including the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the Stax Museum, and Graceland.
How long does it typically take to go through the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum?
Most guests spend between 1 and 1.5 hours exploring the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. However, the Smithsonian-developed exhibition includes over 300 minutes of information and almost 100 songs, so some guests have spent several hours within our galleries.
Who were the two pioneers of the Memphis soul sound?
Isaac Hayes and David Porter were two of the pioneers of the Memphis soul sound. They were both songwriters and producers at Stax Records, and they wrote many of the label’s biggest hits.
Why is Memphis considered the birthplace of rock and roll?
Memphis is considered the birthplace of rock and roll because of the city’s rich musical heritage and the influence of its musicians. Many of the early rock and roll pioneers, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, got their start in Memphis. Additionally, the city’s radio stations played a key role in spreading the new sound to a wider audience.
