{"id":30231,"date":"2020-02-21T21:29:01","date_gmt":"2020-02-21T21:29:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=30231"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:28:24","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:28:24","slug":"memphis-playlist-music","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/memphis-playlist-music\/","title":{"rendered":"Memphis Playlist – Great Music by Musicians from Memphis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Memphis<\/a> is often overlooked by its more glamorous neighbors. It lacks the polish of Nashville, or quirky bohemian vibe of Austin. But beneath its humble exterior lies one of America\u2019s most musically influential cities. Blues, rock and roll and R&B could all claim Memphis as an early parent. The city was instrumental in the development of American popular music, and this playlist shows all the icons that not only shaped Memphis, but the larger musical globe.<\/p>\n

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1. Green Onions \u2013 Booker T. & the M.G\u2019s \u2013 1962<\/h2>\n

The Booker T. & the M.G\u2019s were an early R&B funk band that focused on instrumentals. They are credited with helping to shape the sounds of Southern soul and especially, soul and funk music in Memphis. Their single Green Onions<\/em> was their most successful composition and remains a classic of the genre. Arguably the most popular rock and R&B instrumental ever, Green Onions<\/em> also brought the organ into the family of popular music.<\/p>\n

2. Hound Dog \u2013 Elvis Presley \u2013 1958<\/h2>\n

Regarded as the king of rock and roll, Elvis often went simply as \u201cThe King\u201d. One of America\u2019s most influential cultural icons, Elvis brought African American rhythm and blues to a global audience. His provocative performance style also helped bring about widespread cultural transformations as well as influencing a future generation of artists and musicians. Universally the best-selling musician of all-time, he was successful in pop, blues, country and gospel. Though he died in 1977, he remains a Memphis icon with his Graceland mansion a common tourist attraction.<\/p>\n

3. Walk On By \u2013 Isaac Hayes \u2013 2000<\/h2>\n

An American legend in Southern soul, Isaac Hayes was responsible for many of the biggest hits in the genre. He was awarded both three Grammy\u2019s as well as an Oscar for his work in music and remains an enduring legacy in R&B and soul music.<\/p>\n

4. Folsom Prison Blues \u2013 Johnny Cash \u2013 1968<\/h2>\n

Another American icon of multiple genres, Johnny Cash had chart-topping hits in country, rock and roll, blues, folk and gospel. He has been inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll and Gospel Music Hall of Fame\u2019s and remains one of his generation\u2019s best-selling artists. He was also noted for his unique stage demeanor. In contrast to the rock stars of the period, Cash was noted for his somber and humble disposition as well as his all-black outfits. He routinely gave free prison concerts and used Folsom Prison Blues as one of his signature songs. He wrote over one thousand songs and released dozens of albums. He was award the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and remains one of the most critically acclaimed artists of all-time.<\/p>\n

5. St. Louis Blues \u2013 W.C Handy \u2013 1955<\/h2>\n

Cited as the \u201cFather of the Blues\u201d, W.C Handy was one of the most influential songwriters in American history. One of the first to transcribe blues music for a larger audience, W.C Handy brought Mississippi Delta blues to a much wider level of popularity.<\/p>\n

6. Groovin\u2019 \u2013 Willie Mitchell \u2013<\/h2>\n

A noted trumpeter, bandleader, record producer and arranger, Willie Mitchell was one of the most popular Memphis soul artists of the 1970\u2019s. He released over a dozen albums and collaborated and produced countless more.<\/p>\n

7. Sprained Ankle \u2013 Julien Baker \u2013 2015<\/h2>\n

A rising star from Memphis\u2019 DIY scene, Julien Baker has won accolades for her clear vocals, honest emotional songwriting and cathartic performances. She has released two studio albums along with a third with her side project, super group boygenius.<\/p>\n

8. I\u2019m Afraid the Masquerade is Over \u2013 David Porter \u2013 2008<\/h2>\n

Consistently viewed as one of the greatest songwriters of all-time, David Porter collaborated on hits such as Soul Man, Dreamlover, Getting Jiggy wit It<\/em>, and Hold On, I\u2019m Comin<\/em>. He has over one thousand, seven hundred songwriter credits and worked as a singer, arranger and producer.<\/p>\n

9. Judge Harsh Blues \u2013 Furry Lewis \u2013 2005<\/h2>\n

A country blues guitarist and singer from Memphis, Furry Lewis was one of the first musicians from the 1920\u2019s to reexperience success during the 1960\u2019s folk blues revival.<\/p>\n

10. Hey! Little Child \u2013 Alex Chilton \u2013 2005<\/h2>\n

Starting out as a teen vocalist for the Box Tops, Chilton later developed into an influential rock artist who had a later influence on a generation of musicians.<\/p>\n

11. Drink \u2018Till We\u2019re Gone \u2013 Lucero \u2013 2001<\/h2>\n

Alternative country band Lucero has been called \u201cone of the hardest working bands today\u201d, noted for their lengthy tour schedules and prolific recording histories. They have released twelve albums in just under eighteen years of being together.<\/p>\n

12. Ring My Bell \u2013 Anita Ward \u2013 1979<\/h2>\n

Singer and musician Anita Ward is best known for her song Ring My Bell<\/em> which reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for both the US and UK.<\/p>\n

13. Let\u2019s Get Happy Together \u2013 Lil Hardin Armstrong \u2013 1940<\/h2>\n

Pianist, composer, arranger, singer and bandleader Lil Hardin Armstrong was the second wife of Louis Armstrong and a common collaborator for the jazz sensation. She also wrote many of her own compositions and was inducted into the Memphis Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n

14. The Letter \u2013 The Box Tops \u2013 1967<\/h2>\n

Formed in Memphis in 1967, The Box Tops were one of the first American pop rock groups and combined elements of pop with soul music. They released five studio albums in their time together.<\/p>\n

15. Milestones \u2013 Booker Little \u2013 1958<\/h2>\n

A jazz trumpeter and composer, Booker Little was one of the most successful jazz artists to come out of Memphis. He worked as both a musician and bandleader.<\/p>\n

16. Don\u2019t Give Up \u2013 Southern Avenue \u2013 2017<\/h2>\n

A blues and soul band from Memphis, Southern Avenue has been one of the most successful contemporary blues bands. Their debut album came out in 2017 and reached number one on many blues billboard charts.<\/p>\n

17. Call the Police \u2013 Oblivians \u2013 2013<\/h2>\n

Garage punk trio Oblivians has been releasing music since 1993. They have recorded four studio albums along with a number of singles and EP\u2019s.<\/p>\n

18. Speed of Sound \u2013 Chris Bell \u2013 1978<\/h2>\n

One of the forgotten icons of pop music, Chris Bell was a successful guitarist and singer-songwriter. Although he was commercially unsuccessful and died tragically young at the age of twenty-seven, Bell\u2019s work continues to influence artists and musicians today.<\/p>\n

19. What\u2019d I Say \u2013 Steve Cropper \u2013 1969<\/h2>\n

Considered one of the greatest guitarists in history, Steve Cropper worked in R&B, soul, funk and blues rock. He was a guitarist for the Stax Records house band, Booker T & the M.G\u2019s, Otis Redding and the Blues Brothers band.<\/p>\n

20. Workin\u2019 Woman Blues \u2013 Valerie June \u2013 2013<\/h2>\n

Valerie June\u2019s music draws from elements of folk, blues, gospel, country and bluegrass. After self-releasing her first three albums, June finally broke through with her 2017 album The Order of Time<\/em>. It won her critical acclaim and plaudits from luminaries such as Bob Dylan.<\/p>\n

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