Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

09/02/2026

This week we are shining a spotlight on Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee Johnnie Taylor. Taylor’s versatile voice and dynamic career spanned nearly five decades, encompassing gospel, R&B, soul, blues, pop, doo-wop, and disco. Known as “The Philosopher of Soul” by Stax Records and “The Blues Wailer,” Taylor’s ability to blend the emotional depth of gospel with the raw energy of blues and the sophistication of soul made him a pivotal figure in 20th-century black music. To learn more about Johnnie Taylor and his amazing career, check out his new tribute page: https://memphismusichalloffame.com/inductee/johnnietaylor/

08/26/2026

This week, we are celebrating Wendy Moten, a 2025 inductee of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Known for her powerful vocals and versatility in R&B, jazz, country, and soul, Wendy began singing in church choirs in Memphis, Tennessee, and later honed her skills at Overton High School. She gained recognition in the early 1990s with her debut album, which featured the hit single "Come In Out of the Rain," reaching the Top 10 in the UK and number one in Japan. Wendy has performed on Broadway and toured with artists like Julio Iglesias, Martina McBride, and Tim McGraw. In 2021, she garnered national attention as a finalist on "The Voice." With a career spanning decades, Wendy continues to perform and record, showcasing her impressive vocal range across genres. To learn more about her career, check out her new tribute page: https://memphismusichalloffame.com/inductee/wendymoten/

08/20/2026

The next Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee to be featured is Denise LaSalle. LaSalle’s career, spanning nearly five decades, left an indelible mark on blues, R&B, and soul music. Known for her powerful voice, candid lyrics, and unapologetic persona, she broke barriers as a Black female artist in a male-dominated industry. Her songs, often drawn from the experiences of women she met in nightclubs, addressed themes of love, betrayal, and empowerment with humor and honesty, resonating with audiences worldwide. To learn more about her amazing career, check out her new tribute page: https://memphismusichalloffame.com/inductee/deniselasalle/

08/19/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Frank Beard, the legendary drummer for ZZ Top. Beard was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame with ZZ Top during our first ceremony in 2012.

“The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished,” founding member Billy Gibbons said.

08/16/2026

Today we honor ELVIS PRESLEY, the "King of Rock 'n' Roll."
Long Live the King
(January 8, 1935-August 16, 1977)

08/12/2026

This week, we will shine a spotlight on Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee Robert Johnson, an iconic blues musician and songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of blues and rock music. Johnson's life is shrouded in mystery, with legends suggesting he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his musical talent. He passed away at the age of 27 under unclear circumstances, which adds to his enigmatic status in music history. To learn more about Robert Johnson, visit his new tribute page.
https://memphismusichalloffame.com/inductee/robertjohnson/

08/11/2026

LAST DAY TO VOTE!
Please consider helping us with just one minute of your time… and just one single vote for the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum as Memphis’ “Best Museum” for the annual Memphis Flyer poll. Simply click this link, sign in, and give us your vote.

https://bom26.memphisflyer.com/arts-and.../best-museum

Your one minute… and your one vote… will be hugely appreciated and will help us continue to grow this great museum for tourists, for musicians, and for students.
Thank you!

08/07/2026

Please consider helping us with just one minute of your time… and just one single vote for the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum as Memphis’ “Best Museum” for the annual Memphis Flyer poll.

Simply click this link, sign in, and give us your vote.
https://bom26.memphisflyer.com/arts-and.../best-museum

Your one minute… and your one vote… will be hugely appreciated and will help us continue to grow this great museum for tourists, for musicians, and for students.

Thank you!

08/06/2026

Meet Cordell Jackson, also known as "the Rock 'n' Roll Granny." She was a true trailblazer in the male-dominated music industry of the mid-20th century, leaving a distinctive mark on rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll with her raw, energetic guitar style and bold approach to music. To learn more about her groundbreaking career, visit her new tribute page: https://memphismusichalloffame.com/inductee/cordelljackson/