Credit Memphis Travel
Founded on McLemore Avenue as Satellite Records in 1957, Memphis-based Stax records went bankrupt in 1976; the legendary studio and label that signed phenomenal American singer-songwriter, record producer, arranger and talent scout Otis Redding and released his first single and debut album was sold and allowed to deteriorate to the point it was torn down in 1989. Today, Stax Museum of American Soul Music is an exact replica of the original Satellite/Stax Studio – a wonderful 17,000-square-foot museum opened in 2003, showcasing more than 2,000 videos, films, photographs, original instruments, stage costumes, interactive displays, and other Stax – related artifacts, with featured exhibits including an authentic 101-year-old Mississippi Delta church, the Soul Train dance floor, Isaac Hayes’ 1972 gold-trimmed, peacock-blue Cadillac El Dorado; and a gallery of special exhibits that change five times per year. As one of a mere handful of museums in the world dedicated to soul music, Stax not only celebrates the rich legacy of Stax Records and its artists such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Albert King but features other soul music labels such as Motown, Atlantic Records, and Muscle Shoals, as well, and thrilled visitors are treated to fantastic vintage video footage of greats Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Patti LaBelle, Ike & Tina Turner, and others. Groups on Blues City getaway visiting Stax will likely feel the call to partake of some authentic Memphis-style eats to round out a classic experience; a few great places are conveniently situated nearby , including the Four Way Restaurant, a cherished “Soulsville, USA” institution and icon where civil rights leaders, political figures, industry bigwigs , folks from the neighborhood and hungry tourists, alike, have enjoyed the original home style menu of favorites like salmon patties, fried or baked catfish and chicken, yams, okra, greens, fried green tomatoes, homemade turkey and dressing, pinto beans, sweet potato pie, lemon meringue pie and peach cobbler for almost 75 years!
