Music is the heart of Memphis, and its rich history plays out through the places that put it on the map. Think Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland; Sun Studio – which is officially the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll; and Satellite Records, which signed Tina Turner. All these places have been preserved just as they were for posterity, making Memphis the mecca of the music tourist. Here, Culture Trip lists the best museums to visit.
Birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and home to the “Million Dollar Quartet,” this is a must-see for any music lover’s itinerary. Sun Studio was the first label to record stars like Elvis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, and the walls of the building are littered with memories of these legends. The musical energy is palpable, and you can stand in the very spot that Elvis first recorded. It’s also a sort-of mecca for modern artists, with Def Leppard and U2 all heading to the studio to record their music. It’s in the middle of the Medical District and around the corner from Beale Street.