Tribute to Memphis
Before I get too ahead of myself with albums, I thought this would be an appropriate time to pay homage to something that has probably instilled more musical appreciation in me than any one album. As I sit and listen to the relaxing sounds of B.B. King, I am compelled to write of where my life began. That place is Memphis, Tennessee.
I’m sure as most of you read those words you immediately knew how this entry would go. The legend of Memphis is forever ingrained into the history of Rock n’ Roll. It continues to be a haven for all things blues and is a Mecca of sorts for anyone who count themselves as a rock enthusiast. It also played a large part during the Civil Rights Movement, and is the site of Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination. Yes, on March 1st, 1986, I entered the world through the gateway of Memphis. Was it even possible that I not be into music?
Before I get into the glamorous side of Memphis, I think it is important to describe exactly how it was to grow up there. Memphis has some incredible places to explore as a tourist, but step outside of known “tourist” areas and you are met with nothing more than your stereotypical inner city projects. I have done no specific research on the political side of the city, but whatever they are doing it is definitely not 100% effective. The city is run poorly and in quite a corrupt manner. Money is continuously pumped into said tourist spots and the “projects” of the city are continually neglected. It also keeps getting worse. Areas known to be prosperous and safe are eventually overrun with crime and turn into projects themselves. Racism is still a very real problem. For a place with such a vibrant history, these aspects truly break my heart.
Of course, in my youth I was blissfully unaware of anything I mentioned in the previous paragraph. Race and religion were nothing to a small child, and experiencing it as I got older gave me true insight into the problem of racism. It is truly a product of one’s parents. All of my friends didn’t care if I was white or black. However, these issues slowly crept into my peers’ minds and as I entered the 5th grade, comments like, “You can’t be on my team, whitey” were commonplace. In the classes where white children were in the majority, the black children were blatantly ostracized. The teachers were paid a pittance and could care less what happened. These tensions continue into adulthood, and you can feel the way people think while walking in some parts of the city. My neighborhood slowly degenerated into a crime filled haven for drug addicts, and at one point had a known brothel. That is when my parents felt it best to move away.
Though the ugly side of Memphis is there (and quite obvious to those who visit and venture out deep into the city), there is a reason I and countless others still feel so connected to it. I’ve been to many big cities in the U.S., but one thing about Memphis that sets it apart from the others is the presence of a true culture. Most places I see within the country seem very neutral and quite void of a personality, to me. Memphis, however, feels like Memphis. It is unlike any other city in the country. What is the culture? The music, of course. That is why I am writing this, after all. You can feel the blues walking down the street. Even if there were no blues playing, you wouldn’t be able to help but imagine it playing (but there is always blues playing, so imagining is not necessary). The Cajun influence is also incredibly apparent from the catfish to the accent some people adorn. And the BBQ ribs. Words can’t describe how amazing Memphis ribs are. If anyone reads this and takes a trip to Memphis, go to the B.B. King Blues Club and get a full rack of ribs and a pint of B.B. King’s Blues Ale. Trust me on this. I have never seen a place since where music pervades the atmosphere so deeply.
I doubt Memphis’s contribution to the world of music needs to be stated, but for the sake of completeness, I think it is important to mention. Blues, heavily inspired by the songs sung by slave laborers got its roots in the Mississippi delta in the early 1900s. Harsh economic and race related conditions led those early blues artists directly the Memphis. Blues may have not started "in" Memphis, but it definitely evolved and gained it first piece of recognition there. Beale Street became a haven for every blues artist in the south. And who doesn’t know Sun Studios? Many a famous artist got their start in that tiny studio (Elvis being the most known). Countless others (some still going strong) started in Memphis. B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Robert Johnson…the list could go on. Anytime I put on some blues it takes me back there. I can’t help but to think of Memphis and walking down Beale Street. Memphis even has its own brand of blues, rightfully dubbed "Memphis Blues". It emphasizes a more danceable rhythm and is more heavily influenced by jazz than other forms. It is hard to find genuine blues these days. In fact, I find myself going back to the classics more than trying to discover a new blues artist. However, visiting Memphis reminds me the blues is alive and well. The blues, regardless of how popular it is anywhere else, will forever be a part of Memphis. It is the soul of the city, and anyone needing to hear some new blues need look no further than there.
So, would I recommend visiting? Most definitely. Every city has an ugly side. It just so happens that the history, culture, and atmosphere of many of the places in Memphis make it worth seeing. If you are feeling really touristy go check out Graceland. Growing up in a place like that ingrained music as a vital need in my life, not just a pleasure. I still visit Memphis a lot, as I still have family there and each time I go, I take a day to walk around Beale Street and do nothing but sip some beer, eat some ribs, and get lost in the blues.
EDIT: I revised a bit above, changed the BB King vid to what I originally thought it was and added a classic example of pure Memphis Blues (yep..all the way back to 1928). Enjoy!