Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Sep 1, 2022 | Historical Site, Museum, USA: Tennessee

Located on the original site of the Stax Records studio in Memphis, the Stax Museum pays special tribute to the artists who recorded there, as well as other American soul legends.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music: 926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Stax launched and supported the careers of artists such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, the Staple Singers, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Wilson Pickett, Albert King, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, Jean Knight, Mable John, and many others.

Next to the museum is a music school for urban youth.

What is Blues music?

Blues’ origins can be found in African-American communities’ religious and work songs. It started in the rural parts of the southern America at the beginning of the 20th century. Blues expresses the melancholy and the yearnings of the African-Americans that suffered slavery and segregation for more than 200 years.

The characteristic of blues music is a melancholic musical style expressing harshness of everyday life. In this genre, musicians use guitars and harmonica, a 12-measure melodic structure, and lyrics that talk about issues such as poverty, hard work in the fields, and violence by the police and white people.

What is Rhythm-and-blues Music?

It is Blues-based music with humorous lyrics and upbeat rhythms

What is Soul music?

It is rhythm and blue music mixed with Gospel music.

What is Rock-and-roll music?

It is rhythm and blues mixed with country music.