Memphis, Tennessee

A pretty cool day. We got up way too early and took off to Memphis. I wrecked things a bit by suggesting we take the scenic route.  (If you want a macabre laugh, ask me about the Tourist Information Center.) 

Scenic Route

The good part about getting up too early was that we got there early. Our first stop was Sun Records.

Since the tour didn’t start for 45 minutes we decided to see other sights and drove to the Lorraine Motel, a depressing reminder that I’m glad is still there, exactly like we’ve seen it in so many photographs, but now a civil rights museum. 

We didn't go to the museum, but took note that Bob Lohr's favorite breakfast stop is close by. Thenback (life can be like this) to the place where Howlin’ Wolf recorded his first record, and, by chance, the first Howlin’ Wolf record I ever heard, “Ridin’ in the Moonlight.” (Okay, other important songs were recorded there, too.)

It was a great tour. Then off to Royal where we got the Royal tour. (Remember, Chuck Berry recorded "Back to Memphis" in that room!  And then there's the rest of them-- Al Green, and Ann Peebles, etc.)  Thank you Boo Mitchell.

We saw Stax, too, but I’ll wait until tomorrow to visit in more depth.


Then I rested while Doug shopped. He’s got carloads of stuff for his family. I better get busy.

Then back to Beale Street for ribs and catfish (fries, cole slaw and beans). Then across the street to B. B. King’s for a set of Memphis soul and blues.

I liked watching the drummer, who provided a graduate seminar for undergraduate me.

A pretty cool trip, and worth the drive.