Locals in Memphis love the unique culture, the vibrant music scene, the delicious food, the friendly people, and the sense of community. The city is full of life and outdoor activities, from hiking the trails at Shelby Farms to exploring the Shelby County grounds. Plus, the city is home to several top-notch museums and attractions, such as the National Civil Rights Museum and the Memphis Zoo. Memphis is a great place to live and work, and locals enjoy all of the amazing things the city has to offer.
Musical Homestead
Memphis is the birthplace of the blues and is widely known as one of the most musical cities in the United States. The blues in Memphis began to take off in the early 1900s with the arrival of many African American musicians from the Mississippi Delta.
As these musicians found their way to Memphis, they began to mix the styles of blues that were popular in the Delta with the more country-fused blues that was popular in the city. This new sound often referred to as Memphis Blues, combined the Delta blues with a more upbeat and danceable style. As the musicians spread the style throughout the city, more and more people began to take notice and the popularity of the Memphis Blues began to explode.
During the 1960s and 70s, artists such as Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Aretha Franklin recorded at Sound Studio. The studio was also home to classic albums from a variety of genres, including Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Street Survivors”, and the Staple Singers’ “Let’s Do It Again”.
In the 1980s and 90s, the studio hosted a wide range of artists and bands, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to George Michael and Boyz II Men. Over the years, the studio has continued to develop and expand its capabilities and today it is still a world-renowned recording hub. With its classic sound, and its long history of producing hit songs, Sound Studio in Memphis is rightfully considered one of the most iconic recording studios in the world.
Populous and Poppin
You may not be expecting this, but Memphis is the largest city on the Mississippi River. It’s a vital bit of information to know if you’re checking into Memphis real estate. You may arrive and expect it to be a sleepy town or at least nothing on the scale of Nashville. However, you would be sorely mistaken.
Memphis is the largest city on the Mississippi River due to its strategic location at the river’s lowest point. Founded in 1819, Memphis was the perfect trading hub between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. This allowed Memphis to become a major port for trading goods and resources. Additionally, the city became an important transportation hub in the late 1800s when the railroads were built, connecting Memphis to other parts of the nation.
As a result, Memphis experienced a large population growth as businesses and people moved to the city to take advantage of the bustling economy. This population growth, combined with its advantageous location, led to Memphis becoming the largest city on the Mississippi River.
Historically Vital
Not only is Memphis the home of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll music, it is considered the birthplace of rock and roll as well! Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion is located in Memphis and is one of the most visited homes in the world. Built in 1939, the estate is now a museum that attracts over 600,000 visitors each year.
The mansion is filled with the King’s memorabilia, including his famous gold and diamond-studded jumpsuits, his cars, his stage costumes, and his guitars. The grounds of Graceland are also home to a chapel, a meditation garden, a pool and cabana, and a racquetball court. The estate also features the original recording studio where Elvis recorded many of his most iconic songs.
Memphis is also home to the National Civil Rights Museum which is built around the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Through immersive exhibits, educational programs, and other interactive experiences, the museum tells the story of the civil rights movement, from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to modern-day issues of civil and human rights. The museum also provides programs and resources to help people understand and appreciate the importance of civil rights in our society today.