Comfort Inn Downtown - Picture 1
Beale Street: The name alone brings to mind the sweet strains of blues music, the image of smoky jazz clubs filled with people and a place called the "Crossroads of American Music." In the 1920s, Beale Street became a famous area for music, gambling, drinking, nightclubs, theaters, and mischief. Today, this redeveloped entertainment district still brings about a special feeling of excitement. The area has gone through updates and remodeling, and the efforts to renovate such an important part of American music history have been very successful. All music lovers will want to spend some time in this place where the Blues was born.
Memphis' Beale Street in the Early 20th Century
In the early 20th Century, Memphis and Beale Street was the place to be for aspiring musicians. W.C. Handy wrote the first blues song, "Boss Crump Blues," also called "Memphis Blues," here in 1909. Soon after, Blues bands and jazz orchestras filled the area in clubs, theaters, and parks. You can still hear these sounds today, and you have to remind yourself that you are indeed living in the 21st Century, because it is easy to get swept back to that magical time when this music was evolving. Many great blues musicians have graced Beale street, but some of the most famous ones who helped this revolution in music take off were Furry Lewis, Albert King, Alberta Hunter, Memphis Minnie McCoy, and Riley "Blues Boy" King, who you may know better as B.B. King. You will see their influence everywhere as you visit this remarkable place.
Memphis' Beale Street Today
Today, Beale remains a significant place for all who enjoy music. In 1966, Beale Street was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beale Street was renovated and you will appreciate the efforts to preserve this important piece of American music history. The center of many outside concerts is now Handy Park, an area dedicated to the man who wrote that first blues song all those years ago. There are many clubs, restaurants, shops, fortunetellers, and other stops along Beale that you won't want to miss. The Blues can still be heard today on Beale Street, but there are also newer kinds of music to hear, like Soul, Rock, Fusion Jazz, Reggae and Gospel. You will find enough music to keep your feet tapping all day and all night long. To visit this area and other Memphis attractions, sign up for the Beale Street and Blues Music Package. And for a great place to stay after enjoying great music and food all day, check out the Comfort Inn Downtown. After your stay in Memphis, you will have a new appreciation for the people and places that were so influential in bringing about the music we all love so much today.
