When classic soul music is thought of Motown Records is usually the first thought in somebody's head, not to far away though there was a respected rival producing Memphis soul songs. These songs were produced by Stax records and were coined the Memphis soul sound. This music had a distinctive sound that was much different than that of Motown and other African American music.
Organs, bass and driving beats gave this music its unique sound. Every region of artist always had their own unique sound and the artist from this area had a sweet sound of music that was loved by their fans. When listening to artist from this group the unique sound can easily be noticed from others.
This music was very successful up until the 1970's. During that time music went through a dramatic change as disco took over the airwaves. This music as well as other types of music all faded with the emergence of disco. True fans of this music did not take notice of any of that though and continued to enjoy this music.
There is a great sense of pride in this music when talking to locals. They have what can be called Memphis pride whenever soul style of music is talked about. They know that many of the greatest artist to ever live came out of Stax Records and Hi Records.
It would be easy for anyone to make a list of a Memphis song list. One of the most popular artist of all time named Percy Sledge came from these talented artist. His hit "Sitting on the dock of the bay" and "These arms of mine" took the world by storm. Other great artist to come out of this group included Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd and Wilson Pickett.
The most successful singer was probably Al Green. Even though most think he was with Motown due to them re-releasing his music in the 1980's, he actually made his recording much earlier in the 1970's under Hi Records. "Let's stay together", "Love and happiness" and "Call me" were some of his biggest hits.
Stax records had to file bankruptcy in 1976 and the building was bought and used for some time before being torn down in 1989. The area became known as "Hitsville USA" and plans were made to construct a Stax museum to honor music artist from the past. The museum opened its doors in 2003 and celebrates not only Memphis soul songs, but also the music of all African American music artist of the past.
Organs, bass and driving beats gave this music its unique sound. Every region of artist always had their own unique sound and the artist from this area had a sweet sound of music that was loved by their fans. When listening to artist from this group the unique sound can easily be noticed from others.
This music was very successful up until the 1970's. During that time music went through a dramatic change as disco took over the airwaves. This music as well as other types of music all faded with the emergence of disco. True fans of this music did not take notice of any of that though and continued to enjoy this music.
There is a great sense of pride in this music when talking to locals. They have what can be called Memphis pride whenever soul style of music is talked about. They know that many of the greatest artist to ever live came out of Stax Records and Hi Records.
It would be easy for anyone to make a list of a Memphis song list. One of the most popular artist of all time named Percy Sledge came from these talented artist. His hit "Sitting on the dock of the bay" and "These arms of mine" took the world by storm. Other great artist to come out of this group included Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd and Wilson Pickett.
The most successful singer was probably Al Green. Even though most think he was with Motown due to them re-releasing his music in the 1980's, he actually made his recording much earlier in the 1970's under Hi Records. "Let's stay together", "Love and happiness" and "Call me" were some of his biggest hits.
Stax records had to file bankruptcy in 1976 and the building was bought and used for some time before being torn down in 1989. The area became known as "Hitsville USA" and plans were made to construct a Stax museum to honor music artist from the past. The museum opened its doors in 2003 and celebrates not only Memphis soul songs, but also the music of all African American music artist of the past.
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