Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, The Rolling Stones and more were all influenced by what is widely known as the ‘Muscle Shoals’ sound – a studio and back up set of musicians actually. The Muscle Shoals Museum and Sound Studio is the place to visit, located in Sheffield, Alabama.
Sam Phillips bought and managed a recording studio at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, TN in the early 50s, working with a handful of regional stars before Elvis walked in to record a song for his momma. If you want to visit the birthplace of rock and roll, be sure to stop by the Sun Studios and breath the same air as the King.
If you’re a fan of the Blues, then you must visit the Delta Blues Museum located in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The building houses all the important pieces of blues history, from Buddy Guy to Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton to Ike and Tina Turner, and more.
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