The Memphis Music Scene

Elvis Presley's Graceland Platinum Experience

Graceland Mansion

Settled on 14 acres, the mansion that the Presleys called home is the second most famous house in America and one of the most visited homes in America today.

More than just a city, Memphis is history itself. Home of the Blues and the birthplace of rock and roll, this city has a heartbeat all its own - and it sounds alot like a beating drum and guitar strings thrumming. Many of America's musical roots can be found here, from Elvis Presley to Otis Redding.

Elvis Presley's Graceland

No trip to Memphis could be complete without a visit to Elvis Presley's Graceland. The home of the "King" is situated on 14 acres of beautiful rolling Tennessee soil and is the second most famous house in America. On a tour of this spectacular mansion, you'll visit the living room, music room, Elvis' parents' bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room, and "jungle" den in the main house, and, behind the house, Elvis' racquetball building and his original business office. Then its on to the magnificent trophy building which is home to Elvis' gigantic collection of gold records and awards. You'll see many mementos of his career, including stage costumes and jewelry. Aside from tour of his home, you can also visit the grounds, his famous 1955 pink Cadillac, the Automobile Museum, Custom Jets, and Sincerely Elvis.

Memphis Rock 'N' Soul Museum

Take a trip into the history of Rock, Gospel and Blues at the Memphis Rock 'N' Soul Museum. Highlighted artists include Elvis, W.C. Handy, Otis Redding, Earth Wind and Fire and many more. You'll visit Social Crossroads, the Smithsonian Institution's first ever exhibit outside of Washington D.C. and get lost in time with photographs, never before seen interviews and artifacts from the history of American music and this amazing city.

Soulsville, USA: Stax Records

In the heart of "Soulsville, USA", better known as Memphis, you'll find the hub of Soul. Stax Records is second only to Motown in the popularity of Soul recording labels. With more than 167 hits on the top 100 pop charts and 243 on the top 100 R&B charts, Stax has launched the careers of stars such as Otis Redding, Booker T. & the MG's and Isaac Hayes. Showcasing more than 2,000 exhibits the Stax Museum of American Soul Music will give you a fascinating and interactive look back through the history of Soul and R&B. You'll see Isaac Hayes' 1972 gold-trimmed, blue "Superfly" Cadillac, Phalon Jone's saxophone which was recovered from the lake where the plane of Otis Redding and the Bar-Kays crashed, Albert King's famous purple "Flying V" Guitar, Otis Redding's favorite suede leather jacket and much more! It's a must see experience for any visitor to the Memphis area.

Memphis Sun Studio

Visit the studio where Elvis got his start and see that there is more history behind Sun Records than you may have thought. A Visit to Sun Studio will tell you the stories of how Rock and Roll got its start right here with exceptional talent from performers such as Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. As you tour the studio you'll feel the thrill of walking in the footsteps of some of the greatest entertainers in history and seeing where it all began.

Memphis Beale Street

As one of the most famous streets in America, Beale Street has to live up to its reputation. Stroll the walks and browse the shops and learn about the history of this great area by day, but once the sun goes down its time to party! As you walk along Beale Street you'll be drawn inside at least one of the many clubs by the alluring rhythms coming from inside. There's never a dull moment on Beale Street and you're sure to find something to entertain you from mouthwatering food, art galleries, shops and fortune tellers to some of the best music in the world. This place is a non-stop party with dozens of great attractions to keep you dancing and having fun throughout the day and into the night.

From the fields of the Mississippi Delta onto the streets of this extraordinary city, the histories of Blues and Rock and Roll come alive in Memphis. The music scene of this city is a whirlwind that will leave you breathless yet wanting more. With so much to see and do, the only dilemma you'll face on this vacation is where to start!