By PhillyGroove (205.188.209.38) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 09:05 am:

We're taking a trip to Memphis for the first time. Any must see places or things to do of special interest to R&B fans? I'm sure a lot of things are in the guidebooks, but any suggestions for lower profile places or things to do? One thread mentioned an old record store, for instance.

By Fred (64.12.97.7) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 02:52 pm:

There is a great old store on Beale called Schwab's that looks like it probably did about 80 years ago. A weird collection of goods from housedresses to lawn ornaments, all cheaply priced.

The ribs at the Rendezvous and the ducks at the Peabody.

Check to see if the Stax Museum will be open by the time you get to town.

Fred W

By Bosstrainer (217.39.62.168) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 04:16 pm:

Hi PhillyGroove

Everything is happening in Memphis in the week beginning 28th April - the Stax museum opens that week. Here's a link to a great Stax site with info about the soulful side of Memphis:-

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/stax.site/todo.htm

There's also the Memphis In May Festival - check the site out:-

http://64.95.77.140/memphis/bealst/index.cfm

Here are some other useful links:-

http://www.memphisrocknsoul.org/coollinks/index.htm

http://www.bealestreet.com/around.shtml

This one is a great start for anything soulful in Memphis including info on the opening of the museum:-

http://www.curtisj.com/

There should be a big gathering of former Stax artists in Memphis for the opening - there is a large contingent coming over from Europe including myself.

Colin

By Jim G (205.188.209.38) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 06:20 pm:

And the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated. The room he was staying in has been left as it was that horrible day. The entire site is now a museum. A very moving exhibit.
The Peabody, as Fred pointed out, has its famous ducks. During the 1930s many jazz bands broadcast from the Peabody.
Schwab's on Beale is a real time warp. Mr Schwab, until his death around 1985, would give lectures about Beale Street history to interested parties. He was an amazing guy.
And don't forget Jack Teagarden's record of W.C. Handy's Beale Street Blues:
I'd rather be there, than any place I know,
Oh yes I'd rather be there, than any place I know.
New York might be allright, but Beale Street's paved with gold, I said it's paved with gold.

By Soulpuss (24.102.217.36) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 07:49 pm:

If you like downhome style barbecue try Nealys. You will be licking your fingers. as far as record stores go, try Ikes and Boss Ugly Bob. Ikes occupies the former home of Select-O-Hits which was run by Sam Phillips relatives. Boss Ugly Bob is on famed East McLemore. Where the mighty Stax was. When you get there please ask Ike about John Gary Williams present status. I'm presuming all these folks are still in business. I would suggest going to Willie Mitchell's studio. Ask Ike. It was on South Lauderdale. it was called Royal Recording Studios. I'm trying to recall all this off the top of my head.

By Soulpuss (24.102.217.36) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 08:03 pm:

Hey Phillygroove; Pay a visit to Ardent Studios. Some of the most soulful records were cut there. People always talk about Sun Studios , they always overlook Ardent and Royal.If you get to Willie's studio ask him about the status of then staff writer Earl Randle. He did some stuff with Ann Peebles, Quiet Elegance. Willie and Earl are very laidback.

By Soulpuss (24.102.217.36) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 09:26 pm:

Yo Phillygroove: Also ask Ike about Dee Harvey. He seems to have dropped off the face of the earth after that soulful single on Motown. If by chance you make a side trip to Little Rock, Arkansas, don't you want to see where Bill made his political debut, presuming you haven't been there, kill two birds with one stone, visit Soul Brother Record Shop on Martin Luther King Blvd. Then go across the street to Yancy's soul food rest. Great food. Ask Lee Anthony who runs the record shop about "Dimwitty" the sidewalk dancer.The last time I was there Dimwitty was dancing up a storm to a Miles Jaye release on Island. He was dressed like Sandman Sims from the Apollo. The guy that drags off performers that get booed off stage. Gaudy striped long socks and all.

By David Meikle (213.122.70.52) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 04:30 am:

Thanks to Bosstrainer.

So pleased to see that the Stax site has re-emerged (It seemed to be down for ages).

The photos on this site are a MUST.
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/stax.site/todo.htm

By PhillyGroove (152.163.213.192) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 07:48 am:

Just a thanks to all for the great leads! We're looking forward to a great first visit to Memphis.

By bosstrainer (217.39.71.6) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 01:19 pm:

There's been some movement on the official Stax Museum site:-

www.soulsvilleusa.com

I think the opening day - May 2nd - mentioned on the site is the one open to the public. There should be some official events beforehand which should be accessible to fans. I'll keep you posted.

Though you can keep in touch by joining Patrick Montier's discussion group on Yahoo called StaxRecords.

I recommend a visit to Patrick's site as suggested by David - his site and this one are the amongst best on the Net for real soul.

By altuna (205.188.209.38) on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 08:08 pm:

Don't forget Sun Records, take the tour ...it gave me goosebumps. Bob Dylan kissed the original tile floor in the recording studio on his pilgrimage there... Lansky Clothiers in the Peabody Hotel is awsome too, they were Elvis' tailor and have some fine threads for sale now. Great town !! Saw a killer blues band from Austalia playing in an alley bar for free one night, had my wife pinch me to make sure I wasn't dreaming.....only wish Stax museum was open at that time..will be soon!