Iconic Spots of Memphis' Music Legends

Seeker Editors

Have you ever wondered where Elvis ate his fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches? Where Johnny Cash performed his first gig? Where Al Green sang the gospel every Sunday? Behind every music legend is a legendary spot that inspired, fueled, and even launched some of Memphis' most famous artists. You won't find these places on a basic music tour. Let's explore.

Hernando's Hideaway, Goner Records, B.B. King's Blues Club, Overton Park Shell, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Catherine & Mary's, Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, Cooper-Young, Earnestine & Hazel's, Sun Studio, Coletta's, The Arcade Restaurant, Marlowe's Ribs & Restaurant

  • Hernando's Hideaway in Memphis, United States

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      Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash are just a few of the legendary Memphis musicians who once frequented Hernando’s Hideaway. Today, it's a moody restaurant and bar with low-key food and live music.

  • Goner Records in Memphis, United States

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      Since 1993, Goner Records has been at the epicenter of Memphis’ punk and garage rock scene, releasing music from local legends like Oblivians and Jay Reatard (and many, may others).

  • B.B. King's Blues Club in Memphis, United States

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      In 1991, "Beale Street Blues Boy", or B.B. King, opened B.B. King's Blues Club on Beale Street and it's become one of Memphis' most popular music venues ever since. Swing by for the history and memorabilia, stay for the music.

  • Overton Park Shell in Memphis, United States

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      In July 1954, an unknown trio of musicians took the stage at Overton Park Amphitheater and put on a show so epic that it’s now referred to as “the first rock ’n’ roll show ever.” One of the band members, reportedly nervous at the time, vigorously shook his legs up on stage and the crowd went wild. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, the amphitheater presents more than 50 free concerts throughout the year, featuring national and international artists.

  • Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, United States

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      Stax Museum is located in the former home of Stax Records, a record label and recording studio that fostered some of Memphis’ most famous talent, including Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. Jones, Sam & Dave, and The Staple Singers.

  • Catherine & Mary's in Memphis, United States

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      The first time the world heard Elvis' landmark recording "That's All Right Mama" was when it was broadcast from inside this building. Today, Catherine & Mary's offers cozy comfort food that fuels the body and soul.

  • Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis, United States

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      Founded by R&B singer Al Green in 1976, this small church still features his gospel music weekly.

  • Cooper-Young in Memphis, United States

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      This iconic statue of Johnny Cash can be found in Cooper-Young, just a few feet away from where he played his first paying gig at Galloway Church in 1954.

  • Earnestine & Hazel's in Memphis, United States

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      Memphis' most famous (or infamous) dive bar is known for its music connections: Little Richard once stayed here for three weeks while he was broke AF and ate only chili, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were inspired to write "Honkey tonk Women" and "Brown Sugar" while visiting in the 60's. Today, it's your typical dive with sticky floors, cheap beer, and immaculate vibes.

  • Sun Studio in Memphis, United States

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      Sun Studio is known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll”. It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50’s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock’n'roll. Sign up for a tour and you’ll get the chance to stand in the very same spot that Elvis first recorded.

  • Coletta's in Memphis, United States

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      In the 1950's, Coletta's introduced pizza to Memphis and convinced people to try it by adding a southern flair (topping it with BBQ, a Memphis staple). It quickly became a best seller and the BBQ pizza from Coletta's is famous for being of Elvis' favorite foods.

  • The Arcade Restaurant in Memphis, United States

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      Elvis' go-to spot for his fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Want to walk in his shoes? When you enter the restaurant, turn to the left and follow that row to the booth at the very end. That's where Elvis sat and ate, with his back to the door.

  • Marlowe's Ribs & Restaurant in Memphis, United States

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      Elvis ate his way around some of the best restaurants in Memphis, and Marlowe's is no exception. If you’re a fan, stop by and chat with the the owner, who knew Elvis personally, and has no problem 'talking Elvis' for hours and hours. They also have a room where you can buy Elvis memorabilia if you’re looking to pick up a quick souvenir.

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