Miles away when Motown was producing mega artist under their label, there was another music label called Stax records that was creating Memphis soul songs. Big artists who had super hits were made in this town. The sound was very unique in comparison to other similar music that was being made at the time by other artist from other regions.
The unique sound featured organs, bass and a driving beat of the drum sound. These sounds can be easily heard when listening to these artist. It is easy to distinguish the sound of this music from other similar artist from other areas.
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.
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 a top act from all of these talented artist. The majority of people think that he came from the Motown sound due to them re-releasing his music in the 1980's. He made his recordings though with Hi Records and was one of the main artist out of this very talented group of music artist.
Stax records had to close its doors in 1976. By 1989 the area had become known as "Hitsville U. S. A. And plans were made to make a Stax museum at that very same building that had closed down in 1976. In 2003 the museum was opened and it honors all of the artist who created the beautiful Memphis soul songs. It also honors other artist from other labels in the past who had a major influence on music. Motown artist, Philadelphia sound artist and all other African American artist are honored in this museum.
The unique sound featured organs, bass and a driving beat of the drum sound. These sounds can be easily heard when listening to these artist. It is easy to distinguish the sound of this music from other similar artist from other areas.
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.
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 a top act from all of these talented artist. The majority of people think that he came from the Motown sound due to them re-releasing his music in the 1980's. He made his recordings though with Hi Records and was one of the main artist out of this very talented group of music artist.
Stax records had to close its doors in 1976. By 1989 the area had become known as "Hitsville U. S. A. And plans were made to make a Stax museum at that very same building that had closed down in 1976. In 2003 the museum was opened and it honors all of the artist who created the beautiful Memphis soul songs. It also honors other artist from other labels in the past who had a major influence on music. Motown artist, Philadelphia sound artist and all other African American artist are honored in this museum.
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