The “Queen City of the South” is the birthplace of Memphis blues, popular in vaudeville shows of the early 20th century. Future president Andrew Jackson cofounded the city in 1819. With its strong trade in agricultural goods and other natural resources, it grew into one of the South’s largest commercial centers. Experience the music, cuisine and character of Beale Street. A straight path stretching nearly two miles from East Street to the Mississippi, Beale Street is renowned as the intersection of American blues, country, gospel and rock ’n’ roll music. This is where Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Memphis Minnie, B. B. King, Rufus Thomas and many other legends helped create a uniquely American and universally beloved musical genre. Explore Beale Street’s music venues, browse its record shops, see its historic monuments or satisfy your cravings for Tennessee’s best barbecue. Today, you will explore the city at leisure and take an included tour to Graceland, where Elvis Presley, “the King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” spent his final days. On an optional tour to the National Civil Rights Museum, learn about civil rights history and see the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination.
