Our visit to Memphis was chock full of memories that will continue to lighten and inspire our hearts.
Our visit to the National Civil Rights Museum was a powerful testament to the overall fight for civil rights and the struggles and triumphs of African-Americans in particular. It is housed at the Lorraine Hotel, the location where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically murdered in 1968 and this photo is of the balcony on which he last stood. The museum is a compelling witness that both chronicles history and compels us to reach higher so that freedom rings true for all.
The musical heartbeat of Memphis has a vibe and positive spirit that is contagious and the focus of so much of that energy is Beale Street. It is the home of the blues. We sure enjoyed strolling up and down the street and soaking up all that energy. Plus, the Memphis style ribs and catfish were top notch. We happened to be there during the ‘Bikes on Beale’ event so there was plenty of extra fun to be had.
Another highlight of our time in Memphis was the opportunity to visit the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis. This is the birthplace of rock ‘n roll — where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, BB King, and other innovators — were recorded by Sam Phillips and started their careers. During the tour, we learned that Sun Studio was on the cutting edge to record black artists.
This city is sacred ground in the music world, and Sun Studio is the holy altar where it truly began. Bob Dylan came here to kiss the floor where Elvis once stood. U2, and lots of famous musicians, recorded in this room, simply because of its historical significance. What a wonderful treat to take it all in today and even have fun ‘singing’ with the same microphone used by Elvis and the rest.
While in Memphis, it was truly special to stand in the shadows of these legends, both in the old, original, Sun Studio, and at the Civil Rights Museum.
Today also marked a milestone for Sue as she completed her bucket list goal of visiting each of the fifty states!