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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
About the Author:
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment