MEMPHIS
City guide
There are plenty of reasons to get all shook up in Memphis, Tennessee’s most soulful music city, says Zoey Goto
S
ituated on the banks of the mighty Mississippi
stop-off at Elvis Presley’s Graceland to pay your
River, Memphis is a medium-sized American
respects to The King. Here, you’ll wander through
city with a larger-than-life reputation.
Elvis’s wonderfully theatrical home, including the
Offering a heady combination of barbecue,
notorious Jungle Room lounge complete with shagpile
blues and Elvis Presley, the city has been attracting
wallpaper, before being dropped off at the recently
visitors like a magnet for decades.
added complex of shops, restaurants and museums to
But Memphis has recently regenerated many of its neighbourhoods, adding new hotels and attractions
admire the wonder of his bedazzling jumpsuits. Hip swivel across town to Sun Studio, the hit
into the mix. And with Viking announcing the launch
factory that brought us the first rock ’n’ roll single in
of its first US river cruise between New Orleans and
1951 with the release of Rocket 88. This small but
Memphis, there’s never been a better time to discover
mighty recording studio launched the careers of B.B.
the Bluff City’s charms.
King, Johnny Cash and Elvis and you’ll even get a lip-curling photo-op with their original microphone.
What to see
Any Memphis musical heritage trail should also
For an all-singing, whistle-stop tour to understand the
include a pitstop at the Stax Museum to explore
music history of Memphis, hop on board the vintage
the dawn of soul music at this movie theatre
Backbeat Tours bus. Local musicians lead the tours,
turned hugely influential recording studio, which
cruising around the city’s highlights while singing
has Isaac Hayes’ outrageously flamboyant gold-plated
spirited renditions of Memphis’s greatest hits. But be
Cadillac on display.
warned, crowd participation and tambourine shaking are actively encouraged! Many of the Backbeat Tours also include a
Over in the historic South Main district, you’ll find the must-visit National Civil Rights Museum, encompassing the original Lorraine Motel where Bottom row, from left: Graceland Mansion; The King’s dazzling attire; Sun Studios; International Blues Challenge; Bishop brasserie at the Central Station Hotel; neon lights of Beale Street
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| M AY/J U N E 2022
