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W.C. Handy and Memphis Minnie were pioneers of the blues. In 1909, W.C. Handy, “Father of the Blues,” moved to Memphis and scored “The Memphis Blues.” He played Beale Street regularly, and his frequent use of minor third and seventh notes became…
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With influential hits like "Rockin' the House," "Messin' Around," and "Nobody Loves Me" (better known as “Every Day I Have the Blues”), Memphis Slim is remembered as blues royalty and one of the genre’s greatest pianists. John "Peter" Chatman grew…
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While Memphis isn’t the birthplace of the blues, it is the genre’s home. W.C. Handy launched the blues into the mainstream when he published the first blues song, “Memphis Blues,” in 1912. Ever since, Memphis has been a hub for the genre and its…
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Women of Memphis’ music scene, including producer Deanie Parker and artists Ann Peebles and Carla Thomas, have helped shape the city’s iconic music heritage. From songwriter Bettye Crutcher's contributions to Johnny Taylor's "Who's Makin Love," to…
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After losing most of the Stax catalog when its relationship with Atlantic Records ended, Stax Vice President Al Bell set out to rebuild the catalog. In 1969, Bell recorded 30 singles and 27 albums in eight months, a period of time known as THE…
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With hits including “Walking the Dog” and “Do the Funky Chicken,” singer, songwriter, DJ and dancer Rufus Thomas was one of the most influential entertainers to come out of Memphis. Thomas had both the first hit for Sun Records (with "Bear Cat")…
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One of America’s most iconic streets, Beale Street has always been a hub for recreation, culture and, of course, music. Artists including W.C. Handy, B.B. King, Memphis Minnie and Bobby “Blue” Bland were among those to help Beale earn its nickname…
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Memphis has been shaped by its civil rights history, and that crosses over into its music tradition. Artists including Isaac Hayes and The Staple Singers used their music to inform and influence listeners on civil rights and social issues of their…
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Memphis music has always had roots in the gospel tradition. From iconic artists including The Staple Singers, Al Green and Elvis Presley, to the genres they helped define (including rock 'n' roll and soul), gospel has long been a source of…