Delve into the world of funk, soul and rhythm and blues at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Set in the one-time recording studios of Stax Records, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music honors the music legends that gave the area the “Soulsville USA” nickname. Step into the shoes of Carla Thomas, Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding for a foot stomping musical journey.
The museum begins in the replica of an early 20th-century Mississippi Delta church, where soul music was created out of gospel roots. Browse a wall adorned with the vinyl records of albums and singles recorded by Stax artists between 1957 and 1975. See the clothes worn on stage by Otis Redding and Ike and Tina Turner, among others. An exhibit dedicated to Isaac Hayes features his 1972 Academy Award for Best Original Song and a custom-built Cadillac Eldorado.
Let the rhythm of soul music take over you in the Express Yourself exhibit. Here you can groove to Stax songs on an illuminated dance floor while footage of the television show Soul Train plays on a big screen.
Step inside an exact copy of the famous Stax Records studio. It’s set up with the instruments of Southern soul band Booker T. and the M.G.’s.
Music fanatics can pick up Stax souvenirs, such as baseball caps, posters and T-shirts, in the museum shop. Ask about a schedule of current events. These range from live music performances every Tuesday in June and July to talks with authors and music icons.
You’ll find the museum located in the northeastern corner of the South Memphis district. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Downtown Memphis and free parking is available. Next to the museum is Memphis Slim House, the house museum of local blues pianist Memphis Slim.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music is open from Tuesday to Sunday and there’s an admission fee. It’s closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
