How to Plan Your Tour of Memphis Stax Museum of American Soul Music

If you are a music lover, then there’s no better place to head to than the Memphis Stax Museum of American Soul Music. This museum is a true representation of the roots and evolution of soul music. The museum showcases the true birthplace of soul music – a modest country church – and pays homage to the legends instrumental in the rise of soul music. If you’re planning to visit the museum anytime soon, here’s how to plan your tour:

Experience

The tour of the Memphis Stax Museum of American Soul Music is an experience worth cherishing for every music lover. It is a guided tour that starts at a humble country church from the Mississippi Delta and ends with a trip to the world-renowned Stax Recording Studio. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the making of soul music, and the legends who made it happen.

Highlights

The tour showcases several highlights of soul music that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Here are some of the key highlights that you can expect on your tour of the Memphis Stax Museum of American Soul Music:

Learn about the Roots of Soul in the Sounds of Southern Gospel Music

The Memphis Stax Museum of American Soul Music showcases gospel music being the roots of soul music. You’ll see how African Americans incorporated gospel music into their worship services that eventually led to the evolution of soul music.

Behold Isaac Hayes’ Custom Cadillac Eldorado

If you’ve watched the 1971 classic movie Shaft, you’ll easily recognize the 1972 Cadillac Eldorado that Isaac Hayes drove in the movie. It’s now on display in the museum as part of the Isaac Hayes exhibit.

See the Instruments that Made Soul Music History

There’s no way you can talk about soul music without mentioning the instruments that made the genre happen. You’ll see a collection of some of the most iconic instruments in the history of soul music on display at the museum.

Show off Your Dance Moves on the Express Yourself Dance Floor

You can shake a leg on a dance floor designed in the likeness of the popular TV show Soul Train. The Express Yourself dance floor is the perfect place to showcase your dance moves while immersed in soul music.

Celebrate the 20th Birthday of Stax Museum of American Soul Music

2023 marks the 20th birthday of the Memphis Stax Museum of American Soul Music. That means next year is going to be one of the grandest celebrations of soul music in recent memory. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in soul music history.

Full Description

Your tour of the Memphis Stax Museum of American Soul Music starts at a country church from the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of soul music. This church has been carefully reassembled inside the museum to highlight how gospel music played an essential role in the evolution of soul music.From there, your tour moves on to the Isaac Hayes exhibit. Here, you’ll see the iconic 1972 Cadillac Eldorado that Isaac Hayes drove in the 1971 movie Shaft, in addition to other great memorabilia.Next up is the instrument exhibit. This exhibit showcases the instruments that created soul music history – instruments that were played by the likes of famous artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Booker T. & the MGs.After experiencing the instrument exhibit, you can show off your dance moves on the Express Yourself dance floor, designed to resemble the floor plan from the popular TV show Soul Train.Finally, your tour ends with a trip to the Stax recording studio. This studio is the birthplace of several iconic songs such as “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, and “Green Onions” by Booker T. & the MGs. You can see firsthand the amazing venue where these classic songs were recorded.

Booking the Tour

To book your tour of the Memphis Stax Museum of American Soul Music, simply head to the following link: book the tour here. The booking process is seamless, and you can book your tour in just a few clicks.

Conclusion

The Memphis Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a must-visit for anyone who loves soul music. It offers a one-of-a-kind experience into the roots, evolution, and legends of soul music. When you plan your tour, be sure to book it in advance and enjoy every moment of your journey into the soulful world of American music.

Discovering the Soulful History of America at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music holds an exceptional place for an American in the field of music. The museum presents a beautiful story of how a former movie theater transformed into the legendary recording studio that provided a platform to introduce the world to music and musicians who have left an indelible impression on American music history.If you’re planning a visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, you might have some questions in mind. This blog post provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about the museum.

What is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a celebration of African-American music, particularly soul music. It is a multicultural and multigenerational gathering place appealing to music lovers, tourists, and adherents of social justice, echoing this Memphis neighborhood’s soulful history. It was once a fledgling recording studio that became one of America’s most important music-making institutions from the 1960s through the 1970s.

What makes the Stax Museum of American Soul Music unique?

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is the only museum dedicated explicitly to soul music. It highlights the crucial role of soul music in American history, particularly in the American civil rights movement. The Stax legacy also provided hope and a sense of pride for African Americans across the country.The museum’s cultural significance cannot be overstated. It began during a time of racial turbulence and segregation in the South when white and black musicians were not allowed to interact with each other. Despite the limitations, the music that fostered inclusivity and harmony during this era came out of Stax.The museum contains artifacts of the legendary musicians who recorded at Stax, including Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, and Al Green. It’s also the site of various activities, including music festivals, live performances, and educational workshops.

What are the museum’s hours and admission fees?

The museum is open every day of the week, except for Mondays. The museum’s operational hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.General admission is relatively inexpensive, considering the experience it provides. Adult tickets cost $14.00, senior citizens (62 and up) can purchase tickets for $12.00, and children aged 9-12 pay $10.00. Children aged 8 and below go in for free. Group rates and private tours are also available.

What can I see at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

Visitors can explore and experience the legacy of American soul music through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, displays of original instruments, costumes, photographs, and other artifacts. The tour includes watching documentaries, dancing along to classic soul songs, and even walking into the studio’s precise room in which historic recordings were captured on tape.One of the highlights of the museum is Isaac Hayes’ gold-plated Cadillac Eldorado. Visitors can see the vehicle, which is adorned with an interior complete with a television and fur carpets, and associated with his iconic “Shaft” soundtrack. The museum’s expert tour guides give a detailed overview of the museum and the music and musicians’ stories.

How do I get to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

The museum is situated at 926 E McLemore Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106, just south of downtown Memphis. It is conveniently located off Route 61, which serves as a major east-west thoroughfare in the city. Visitors can access the site through the Main Street Trolley and by bus.Parking is available on-site and conveniently located adjacent to the museum’s entrance. The facility caters to individuals with disabilities, and all areas of the museum are easily accessible.

What else can I expect while visiting the Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

In addition to the exhibits and programs, visitors can enjoy shopping for souvenirs and gifts in the gift shop. The shop offers a wide variety of merchandise connected to soul music, including books, records, DVDs, and T-shirts, among other items.On special occasions, musical events, educational programs, and guided tours are available. The museum also collaborates with numerous educational institutions to host workshops and seminars focused on the significance of music and culture.

What are some tips for planning a visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

To get the absolute most out of your visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the following tips may be helpful:- Plan your trip in advance and check the museum’s website for any updates and relevant information.

– Arrive early to avoid long queues and parking difficulties.

– Dress comfortably and wear shoes that allow for plenty of walking.

– Bring extra cash for purchasing items from the gift shop or for purchasing food and drinks from the vending machines.

Conclusion

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a must-visit for all music lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the significance of soul music in American history. The museum offers a wealth of information, interactive exhibits, and inspiring programs that will leave visitors both entertained and enlightened. By providing answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the museum in this article, we hope to have enticed you enough to plan a visit soon.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Stax Museum of American Soul Music

If you are a music lover, you should definitely visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis. This museum is a tribute to the artists who recorded at Stax Records, such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, and Sam & Dave. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to spend your time at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Getting there

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is located at 926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38106. If you’re driving, there is free parking available in front of the museum. If you are coming from downtown Memphis, the easiest way to get there is by taking the 40-West towards Little Rock. Take exit 1C and turn right onto S 3rd St, turn left on Butler Ave, and then turn right on E McLemore Ave.

Opening Hours and Admission

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee for adults is $15, and $13 for seniors, students, and military personnel. Children under 12 can enter for free. You can purchase tickets online or at the museum’s entrance.

Guided Tours

If you want to learn more about the history of soul music and Stax Records, you should consider taking a guided tour. The museum offers daily guided tours that are suitable for all ages. These tours are led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides who will show you around the museum and provide you with interesting facts and stories about the exhibits.

Exhibits

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music offers a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of soul music and Stax Records. Here are some of the exhibits you should definitely check out:

Memphis Soul Music

This exhibit provides an in-depth look at Memphis soul music and the role of Stax Records in shaping the genre. You’ll find exhibits that showcase the music, the artists, and the culture of Memphis soul music.

The Stax Story

This exhibit tells the story of Stax Records, from its early beginnings as Satellite Records to its role as a major player in the soul music scene. You’ll learn about the artists who recorded at Stax Records and their contributions to the music industry.

Isaac Hayes

This exhibit is dedicated to the life and career of Isaac Hayes, who was one of the most famous artists to record at Stax Records. You’ll find exhibits that showcase Hayes’ music, his outfits, and his car collection.

Booker T. & the M.G.’s

This exhibit is dedicated to the legendary soul group Booker T. & the M.G.’s. You’ll find exhibits that showcase their music, their instruments, and their impact on the music industry.

Souvenir Shop

After you’ve finished exploring the exhibits, don’t forget to stop by the souvenir shop. Here you’ll find a variety of Stax Records merchandise, such as t-shirts, posters, and CDs. You can also purchase books about Stax Records and the artists who recorded there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

We recommend that you allow at least 2 hours to visit the museum. However, if you are a true music lover, you could easily spend the whole day exploring the exhibits.

Is photography allowed in the museum?

Yes, you can take photographs of the exhibits. However, flash photography is not allowed, and video recording is prohibited.

Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is accessible for people with disabilities. There is a wheelchair ramp at the entrance, and the exhibits are located on one level.

Can I bring food and drinks into the museum?

No, food and drinks are not allowed in the museum. However, there is a water fountain available for visitors.

Conclusion

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a must-visit destination for music lovers visiting Memphis. With its great exhibits, knowledgeable guides, and interesting history, it’s a fantastic way to spend a few hours or even the whole day. Whether you’re a fan of soul music or just interested in learning more about music history, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.