Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum, Music museum in Memphis, United States
The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum documents the musical journey from rural field recordings in the 1930s through the innovative sounds of 1970s Memphis. The focus centers on original recordings and instruments that shaped this evolution.
The institution grew from a Smithsonian research initiative that explored musical connections between black and white artists across the Mississippi Delta region. This work revealed how local musicians created genres that influenced popular music throughout the nation.
The building showcases instruments and personal items belonging to musicians who shaped the local sound. The exhibits reveal how different musical traditions met and merged here to create new genres.
The building sits near Beale Street and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors receive digital audio guides with over 100 songs that match the different exhibition areas and enhance the experience.
A standout is Ike Turner's original piano, which traces the roots of rock and roll. Also on display are the handwritten original lyrics to Elvis Presley's famous hit, offering a direct look into how these artists worked.
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