Even though Motown is usually noted as the supreme label when somebody thinks about classic soul music, the Memphis soul songs that came out of Stax Records and Hi Records gave Motown a run for their money. The music that came from this area became known as the Memphis sound. There was a unique and different sound that this music presented and was much different than Motown, southern, northern, Philadelphia or any other type of soul music.
Bass, organs and driving beats made this music sound different than others. This sound was loved and adored by its fans as it could not be duplicated anywhere else. The sweet sound of this music can easily be heard when listening to it.
The sound was successful up in to the late 1970's. That is when disco took the music world by storm and when this music and a lot of other types of music took a back seat. Even though it lost popularity; hardcore fans of this music continue to enjoy today.
Locals have always had their pride in the music that came out of their town. Most describe this feeling as Memphis pride. They have a reason to be prideful though as so many great artist came from Stax Records and Hi records.
If you had to make a Memphis song list of hits it would be easy. Percy Sledge emerged as one of the all time most successful singers and made hits such as "Sitting on the dock of the bay" and "These arms of mine." Other great artist that came from this area included Wilson Picket, Sam and Dave, Booker T and Eddie Floyd.
Al Green was also one of the most successful acts to come out of this group of artist as he recorded his music with Hi Records even though most people think he was part of the Motown sound. The reason for this is because Motown did own his records in the 1980's. They ended up re-released his classics leading some people to believe that he recorded the songs with Motown even though they were recorded with Hi Records.
Stax Records went bankrupt in 1976 and the building was bought and used by other business until it was finally torn down in 1989. The area coined the area as "Soulsville U. S. A." and construction was began in 2001 to build the Stax museum and preserve the Memphis soul songs. The museum opened in 2003 and celebrates all other African American artist of the past.
Bass, organs and driving beats made this music sound different than others. This sound was loved and adored by its fans as it could not be duplicated anywhere else. The sweet sound of this music can easily be heard when listening to it.
The sound was successful up in to the late 1970's. That is when disco took the music world by storm and when this music and a lot of other types of music took a back seat. Even though it lost popularity; hardcore fans of this music continue to enjoy today.
Locals have always had their pride in the music that came out of their town. Most describe this feeling as Memphis pride. They have a reason to be prideful though as so many great artist came from Stax Records and Hi records.
If you had to make a Memphis song list of hits it would be easy. Percy Sledge emerged as one of the all time most successful singers and made hits such as "Sitting on the dock of the bay" and "These arms of mine." Other great artist that came from this area included Wilson Picket, Sam and Dave, Booker T and Eddie Floyd.
Al Green was also one of the most successful acts to come out of this group of artist as he recorded his music with Hi Records even though most people think he was part of the Motown sound. The reason for this is because Motown did own his records in the 1980's. They ended up re-released his classics leading some people to believe that he recorded the songs with Motown even though they were recorded with Hi Records.
Stax Records went bankrupt in 1976 and the building was bought and used by other business until it was finally torn down in 1989. The area coined the area as "Soulsville U. S. A." and construction was began in 2001 to build the Stax museum and preserve the Memphis soul songs. The museum opened in 2003 and celebrates all other African American artist of the past.
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If listening to Memphis soul songs gives you a thrill, we have the perfect resource for you. Visit our site for a comprehensive Memphis song list.
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