In the southwestern corner of Tennessee, across the Mississippi River with a view of Arkansas’ state line, lies the great city of Memphis. As one, if not the most popular destination in the state, “Bluff City” immediately elicits sounds of gospel, R&B, hip-hop, rock n’ roll, and, of course, the blues in one’s head upon hearing the name.
Beyond the music, there is the food —lots of it. BBQ is the name of the game when dining in the city, but soul food also reigns supreme with generational and new soulful twists on down-home recipes that fuel the food scene that rivals that of neighboring Nashville, Little Rock, Arkansas and Jackson, Mississippi that are all within a 3-hour drive.
The story of Memphis is also told through its complicated yet rich history that is undeniably woven into American history. “Memphis is a vibrant, diverse city with a rich culture and history. From the iconic Memphis music scene to the stunning architecture of the downtown area, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Memphis,” shares Kirby Boyd, PR manager with Memphis Tourism.
The Memphis native is part of a larger team that ensures those visiting experience all that the city has to offer in a true and authentic way. She adds, “The city is also home to world-class museums, galleries and theaters, as well as unique restaurants and bars. With plenty of outdoor activities and green spaces, it’s easy to get out and explore the city. The locals are friendly, and the city is full of southern charm, making it a great place to live.”
Made in Memphis
The claim to fame for so many great things that come out of the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” is being able to say they were “made in Memphis.” The city is the birthplace and home to amazing talent and experiences that make Memphis what it is today. Whether you are coming for a quick day trip, three days or a week, with some planning, you can take in the history, enjoy the sights, shake a tail feather and eat well.
For many, the M in Memphis stands for music. Isaac Hayes, David Porter, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, B.B. King and Bobby “Blue” Bland created the soundtrack of so many lives with their honest account of love and life.
To take it back, get that head rocking and fingers snapping to the beat of “Shaft” as you walk through the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. First named Satellite Records in 1957 and then Stax in 1960, the record label is responsible for launching and nurturing the careers of Otis Redding, The Staple Singers, Carla Thomas and Booker T & The M.G’s.
Adding to the city’s musical legacy is a new generation of artists creating new sounds through their own life experiences. K. Michelle, Kirby, the late Young Dolph and Three 6 Mafia have all kept Memphis’ musical influences alive with more creating alongside or coming up behind, thanks to Songwriter Hall of Famer David Porter, who co-founded Made in Memphis Entertainment in 2015. Known as MIME, Porter and Tony D. Alexander have built a powerhouse that includes the state-of-the-art 4U Recording studio, MIME Records and MIME Publishing. With over 1700 songwriter and composer credits across musical genres for artists such as Isaac Hayes, the Eurythmics, Drake, Celine Dion, Wu-Tang Clan, ZZ Top and Bonnie Raitt, Porter’s presence in the industry and city is definitely felt.
Continue reading over at Cuisine Noir.
By V. Sheree Williams
Cuisine Noir Magazine is the country’s first Black food publication, launched in 2009 and dedicated to connecting the African diaspora through food, drink and travel. To read the rest of this article and more, visit www.cuisinenoirmag.com.
