Day two in Memphis.
Was up early and left room 132 at the Motel 6 and headed over to Stax Studio Museum just as they opened at 10am.
Just after I bought my ticket, Wonder High School, West Memphis class of 1966 arrived in their yellow shirts. I was the only white honky in the room!!
The museum started with a short film and I was with all of these African Americans and they were hilarious!! Singing along, cat calling when Isaac Hayes took his shirt off and remembering and knowing many of the people in the film.
The original Stax studio was demolished in the 1980s, but it has been rebuild using original blueprints. In fact Steve Cropper of Booker T and the MGs said that the only thing different from the original studio was the lack of cigarette burns!!
The Stax story is interesting because it was originally set up by two white bank clerks, but the organisation was truly multi racial, with no regard for colour at a time when segregation was in full force in the USA. Showing that music crossed racial divides. You also have to remember that Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis.
Enough of the lesson!! Lets look at the pix!!
Ike & Tina Turner recorded here. Ike Turner is often credited with Rocket 88 being the first rock n roll record which was actually recorded at Sun Studios.
The main studio which still has a sloping floor. The building was originally a cinema!
Steve Cropper's Tele, used for recording "Green Onions" and countless other hits
The original Hammond organ used on "Green Onions" and other hits.
Musical instruments were not the only thing on show at Stax. Isaac Hayes, who started off in Stax and had a number of hits there, had his Cadillac on display. A classic 1970s black pimp car.
The original wah wah used on "Shaft", which won Isaac Hayes the first ever Oscar for a movie theme won an African American. This wah sound typified soul and disco tunes of the period.
Fascinating visit, made great by the Wonder High School Class of 66!!
Onwards to Gracelands, which is not too far away.
Was up early and left room 132 at the Motel 6 and headed over to Stax Studio Museum just as they opened at 10am.
Just after I bought my ticket, Wonder High School, West Memphis class of 1966 arrived in their yellow shirts. I was the only white honky in the room!!
The museum started with a short film and I was with all of these African Americans and they were hilarious!! Singing along, cat calling when Isaac Hayes took his shirt off and remembering and knowing many of the people in the film.
The original Stax studio was demolished in the 1980s, but it has been rebuild using original blueprints. In fact Steve Cropper of Booker T and the MGs said that the only thing different from the original studio was the lack of cigarette burns!!
The Stax story is interesting because it was originally set up by two white bank clerks, but the organisation was truly multi racial, with no regard for colour at a time when segregation was in full force in the USA. Showing that music crossed racial divides. You also have to remember that Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis.
Enough of the lesson!! Lets look at the pix!!
Me looking particularly rough!
Otis Redding's suede jacket and other artefacts
Studio control room
Musical instruments were not the only thing on show at Stax. Isaac Hayes, who started off in Stax and had a number of hits there, had his Cadillac on display. A classic 1970s black pimp car.
Loads of tacky gold and white shag carpet!!
Fascinating visit, made great by the Wonder High School Class of 66!!
Onwards to Gracelands, which is not too far away.
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