Year-Long Campaign Spotlights Soul Legends
Including Isaac Hayes, David Porter, Steve Cropper and Al Bell
NEW YORK, January 22, 2007 – The Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau marks a soulful milestone in 2007 and is inviting America to the party.
The city, a breeding ground for some of the greatest sounds in popular
music, today launched a national campaign celebrating 50 years of soul
music and spotlighting the city’s extraordinary musical roots.
“Memphis Celebrates 50 Years of Soul� underscores the city’s role as
both a contemporary and historical center of American music. The
anniversary coincides with the founding of legendary music label Stax
Records and Royal Studio, home to Hi Records. Both Stax Records and
Royal Studios were instrumental in shaping the Memphis soul sound and
the careers of such legendary figures as Booker T & the MGs, Al
Bell, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, Mable John, Ann Peebles, Otis Redding, Sam
& Dave, the Staple Singers, Rufus and Carla Thomas, and many, many
more.
“I am thrilled to be celebrating this important milestone,� said Isaac
Hayes. “I was part of Memphis soul from almost the beginning, and as
the story continues I am proud to help honor Memphis’ many remarkable
achievements and those yet to come.�
“Memphis Celebrates 50 Years of Soul� will spotlight a broad-range of
music-related landmarks in Memphis including the Stax Museum of
American Soul Music, Sun Studios, Graceland, Ardent Studios, the Rock
‘n’ Soul Museum and the Gibson Guitar Factory.
“A musical and cultural movement started in Memphis 50 years ago and
changed the world,� said Kevin Kane, President of the Memphis
Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to welcoming fans of
soul, rhythm and blues and rock to experience the city that gave birth
to popular music.�
Located at the original site of Stax Records, The Stax Museum
of American Soul Music pays tribute to all of the artists who recorded
there with a rare and amazing collection of more than 2,000 interactive
exhibits, films, artifacts, items of memorabilia, and galleries
designed to keep Stax alive forever.
“Memphis has stood at the crossroads of popular music, merging
influences from blues to rock and soul,� said legendary songwriter,
producer and guitarist, Steve Cropper. “No student of contemporary
music can ignore the influence and importance of this city and its
unique sound.�
For more information on the year and upcoming events, please bookmark www.StaxPodcast.com and visit www.memphissoul50.com.
