The story
The Smithsonian's first permanent exhibition outside Washington, celebrating Memphis's role in creating rock and soul music.
Everything that was here
- 2000–present · still open
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul MuseumMuseum
The Smithsonian's first permanent exhibition outside Washington, celebrating Memphis's role in creating rock and soul music.
See the map in 2001 → - 1991–present · still open
B.B. King's Blues ClubMusic Venue/Restaurant
The flagship club bearing the King of the Blues' name that anchored Beale Street's rebirth and introduced millions to Memphis music.
See the map in 1992 → - 1985–present · still open
Rum Boogie CafeMusic Venue/Restaurant
The Beale Street cornerstone that houses over 200 autographed guitars and the original neon signs from Stax Records.
See the map in 1986 → - 1946–present · still open
Lansky BrothersClothing Store
Bernard Lansky 'put Elvis in his first suit and his last'—dressing the King from his pink prom outfit to his burial clothes.
See the map in 1947 → - 1946–present · still open
Lansky Brothers ClothierClothing Store
Bernard Lansky told a 17-year-old Elvis Presley 'Don't buy me out, buy from me!' and then dressed him for life—first suit to last.
See the map in 1947 → - 1941–present · still open
New Daisy TheatreTheater/Music Venue
The larger, more modern sister to the Old Daisy that became a premier stop on the Chitlin' Circuit before reinventing itself as a live music venue.
See the map in 1942 → - 1913–present
Old Daisy TheatreTheater
Memphis's first African American theater hosted Bessie Smith's only film premiere and was a key stop on the Chitlin' Circuit.
See the map in 1914 → - 1876–present · still open
A. SchwabGeneral Store
The only surviving original Beale Street business sells voodoo supplies and the world's largest overalls from a store that quietly served all races during segregation.
See the map in 1877 → - 1876–present · still open
A. Schwab Dry Goods StoreRetail Store
The only original business remaining on Beale Street, this 150-year-old general store survived yellow fever, urban renewal, and sold blues records before anyone else.
See the map in 1877 → - 1913–2006
Daisy TheatreTheater
Bessie Smith and W.C. Handy appeared together at this theater for the premiere of her only film—one of the earliest 'talkies.'
See the map in 1914 → - 1920–1962
Palace TheatreTheater
The Thursday 'Midnight Rambles' at this Black vaudeville theater were so risqué that white patrons—normally banned—sat in the balcony to watch.
See the map in 1921 → - 1909–1918
W.C. Handy House MuseumMuseum/Historic Home
The tiny shotgun shack where the 'Father of the Blues' wrote 'Memphis Blues,' 'St. Louis Blues,' and other songs that defined American music.
See the map in 1910 →
Nearby history
Pee Wee's Saloon
Palace Theater
Club Handy (Mitchell Hotel / Domino Lounge)
Lansky Brothers (original Beale Street store)
Clayborn Temple
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
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