INTRODUCTION

Home to the birthplace of Rock and Roll, Memphis, Tennessee, commands front stage center for many other influences in our history like music, literature, and movies.

Named after the ancient capital of Egypt, Memphis plays a vital role in the culture of the United States.

A major cotton trading center in the 1800s because of its geographic location on the Mississippi River, it became the leader in transportation, shipping, and in more recent years, air cargo.

Many famous musicians got their start in Memphis in the 1950s and 1960s. You’ll recognize these luminaries – Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Isaac Hayes, Al Green, B.B. King, Otis Redding, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many more. American music genres such as gospel, blues, soul, rock and roll, and country music were founded here.

The Civil Rights movement was centered in Memphis during the 1960s. The city sanitation workers strike in 1968 brought Martin Luther King, Jr. out in support. He was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel, which is now part of the Civil Rights Museum complex.

The Civil War historian, Shelby Foote, and novelist, John Grisham, hail from Memphis. Popular movies like The Client, The Firm, and The Silence of the Lambs were also set in Memphis.

Graceland is a substantial element in the Memphis scene. It is an unexpectedly well-done attraction in the landscape and well worth a visit.

With the regional food favorites of bbq, fried green tomatoes, and fried chicken, combined with so many exciting and entertaining things to do, Memphis should be in your travel plans. Whether passing through on a road trip or a final destination, plan to spend at least three days to get the full flavor of this impressive Mid-South city. 

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