Page 89 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2019

blues as the foundation of American music, celebrates the genre’s
various styles and recognizes the musicians who created, sustain
and continue to advance the art form.
TENNESSEE
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423/266-8658 - www.bessiesmithcc.org
Chattanooga-born Bessie Smith, “The Empress of the Blues,”
forever changed the game for African American blueswomen. In
addition to featuring artifacts and exhibits about Smith and other
notable figures, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center preserves and The Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, TN. Photo by Ronnie Booze
celebrates African American history and culture in Chattanooga
through art, education, research and entertainment. The Stax Museum offers a tremendous experience that
includes state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, music videos,
Blues Hall of Fame Museum instruments, items of stage clothing, records, filmed interviews,
Memphis, TN vintage recording equipment and other items of memorabilia that
Phone: 901/527-2583 - blues.org/hall-of-fame-museum tell the story, from beginning to present, of American soul music,
The Blues Hall of Fame Museum features robust exhibits and
in-depth history. It exposes, educates and entertains visitors with “all with particular focus on Stax Records – which also released
gospel, funk and blues recordings.
that is blues” culture, while highlighting over 400 inductees. There
are 10 individualized galleries with interactive touchscreen displays, Sun Studio
along with three master databases to hear music, watch videos and Memphis, TN
read the stories of each inductee. In addition, each gallery houses Phone: 901/521-0664 - www.sunstudio.com
one-of-a-kind iconic memorabilia. You’ll enjoy viewing hard-to-find Sun Studio is known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock ‘n’
album covers and photographs, important awards, unique art, Roll.” It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of
musical instruments, costumes, tour jackets and more. the 1950s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley, to Johnny Cash and
Graceland Jerry Lee Lewis; from blues and gospel to country and rock ‘n’ roll.
In addition to hearing the inside stories of B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf,
Memphis, TN Ike Turner, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis
Phone: 901/332-3322 - www.graceland.com and Roy Orbison, view priceless memorabilia, hear the voices of
The blues was Elvis Presley’s earliest musical influence. Visit musicians from outtakes of recording sessions, and feel the energy
Graceland to fully immerse yourself in the life and career of the rock of the music created here by the musical legends who were all
star he would become – explore the beautiful mansion, walk the drawn to the “Sun Sound.”
gardens, tour his aircraft and be sure to visit Elvis Presley’s Memphis
entertainment/exhibit complex featuring legendary costumes, W.C. Handy Memphis Home & Museum
artifacts and personal mementos from Elvis and his family. Memphis, TN
Phone: 901/527-3427 & 901/522-1556
Memphis Rock & Soul Museum www.wchandymemphis.org
Memphis, TN Step back to Old Beale Street in a tour of W.C. Handy’s
Phone: 901/205-2533 - www.memphisrocknsoul.org turn-of-the-century home, which depicts the humble beginnings
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, created by the of the “Father of the Blues” through artifacts, memorabilia and a
Smithsonian Institution, presents the birth of rock and soul music featured exhibit.
and the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music,
overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music TEXAS
that shook the world. The museum’s 300+ minute digital audio Houston Blues Museum
tour – spanning Memphis’ musical history from the rural field Houston, TX
hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930s, to the explosion of Sun, Phone: 713/489-4628 - houstonbluesmuseum.org
Stax, and Hi Records, to Memphis’ musical heyday in the 70s, The Houston Blues Museum is dedicated to the acquisition,
to its global musical influence – guides visitors through seven historical preservation, study and education of art and
galleries featuring three audio-visual programs, over 100 songs, artifacts honoring the rich blues heritage in Houston, TX, and
30+ instruments, 40 costumes and other musical treasures. the surrounding area. While working to secure a permanent
Stax Museum of American Soul Music space, the museum sponsors temporary exhibits in the Houston
Memphis, TN area and increases community awareness and involvement by
Phone: 901/942-7685 - staxmuseum.com collaborating with local institutions.

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