Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum’s exhibition about the birth of rock and soul music involves much more than guitars and drumsticks. It tells the complete Memphis music story, showcasing the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook and shaped the entire world. The museum’s exhibit was researched and developed by the world-famous Smithsonian Institution, tracing the origins of America’s musical genres of rock ‘n’ roll and soul music. Performing Songwriter Magazine wrote that it “may be the single best exhibition of American musical history in the country.” The museum has also been recognized as one of Globus’ “American Icons,” joining such prestigious destinations as George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, Alaska’s Denali National park, and others. The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is located at 191 Beale Street, on the corner of legendary Highway 61, “The Blues Highway,” at the FedExForum sports and entertainment complex in downtown Memphis. The museum offers a comprehensive Memphis music experience from the rural field hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930s, through the explosion of Sun, Stax and Hi Records and Memphis’ musical heyday in the 70s, to its global musical influence. The museum also administers and houses the prestigious Memphis Music Hall of Fame, which pays tributes to many of the greatest musicians of all time, all of whom helped place Memphis, Tennessee on the world map. You’ll rock with the likes of Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Howlin’ Wolf, Johnny Cash, Sam & Dave, Al Green, The BarKays, Booker T. and the MGs, and others. The museum’s self-guided digital audio tour is packed with over 300 minutes of information researched by the Smithsonian Institution, including over 100 songs, and takes visitors at their own pace through the ultimate Memphis music pilgrimage, including seven galleries featuring 3 audio visual programs, more than 30 instruments, 40 costumes and other musical treasures, including original sound consoles from legendary Sun Records and Ardent Studios. Audio guides are available in English, Spanish and German.  The museum also offers unique walking tours of historic Beale Street, one of the most musically significant boulevards in the world, as well as a free air-conditioned shuttle service between the museum, Elvis’ Graceland Mansion and Sun Studios.