We decided to stop in Memphis, TN only because it was on the way to our final destination in Arizona. I had no idea what a rich history this city has.
Memphis is located on the Mississippi River. The campground where we stayed is located right on the river in West Memphis (which is actually in Arkansas).
Many famous musicians had their start or spent time in Memphis.
We took the “Big Mojo” bus tour. The tour guide played music along the way.
One stop on the tour was Sun Studio where we got to stand in the studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other famous musicians recorded. Great visit!!
A great story from Sun Studios is the recording of “Rocket 88”. On the trip to Memphis a guitar amp was damaged when it fell off the band’s truck. When they got to the studio they repaired it by stuffing newspaper inside to hold the loose parts in place. This caused the guitar sound to be strangely distorted but they used it anyway. It was the first example of distortion or fuzz guitar and was a big hit. The repaired amp is in the upstairs museum at Sun Studio.
I got to pose with the very microphone that was used by Elvis and many others who recorded there.
Memphis was also at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement and is the location of the National Civil Rights Museum. What an incredible experience. If you ever have the chance to visit Memphis do not miss this. In addition to all the wonderful exhibits that tell the story of racial struggles in our country it is also the location of the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King was assassinated.
One last site we saw in Memphis was a giant Bass Pro Shop store that is designed as a big glass pyramid.
