On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we take a deeper look into the brass notes that line Beale Street, choosing seven relatively obscure names to delve into. We also take a listen to two new songs from some of Memphis' finest up-and-coming groups.
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Since protests broke out nationwide in the wake of the death of George Flloyd, Memphis musicians of all stripes have been responding with music that speaks directly to our current moment. On today's show, we survey some of these songs from artists such as Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, Aktion Kat, Jordan Occasionally, and MonoNeon.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we play some of our favorite Memphis tunes relating to the themes of our current troubled time: madness, isolation, illness, etc. In the meantime, take care of yourselves and each other and please remember to continue to support your local music scene, now more than ever.
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On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we sit down with Graham Winchester, a prolific singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who discusses two upcoming projects: His self-titled solo 45 and the debut album “Cut You Off” from his band Turnstyles. Following that, we take a look at the relationship between sports and Memphis music, from Jerry Lawler’s singing career to Rufus Thomas’ role in the invention of the touchdown celebration.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we discuss the role that Memphis played in the development of gospel music, which forms the backbone of the “Memphis Sound.” From early pioneers like Lucie Campbell to rising stars like the Sensational Barnes Brothers, it’s clear that Memphians make sanctified music with the best of them.
Happy holidays, ya’ll! On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we check out some of the best Americana Christmas tunes from Memphis, including offerings from Valerie June, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Dale Watson, and many more!
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we discuss the role that Memphis played during the Blaxploitation film explosion of the 1970s. From Isaac Hayes’ iconic Shaft soundtrack to the new
Dolemite Is My Name soundtrack from Scott Bomar , it’s clear that the genre wouldn’t have been the same without the contributions of some of the Bluff City’s best.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we’re joined by hip-hop pioneer Tommy Wright III, an artist who helped to define the Memphis rap sound of the ‘90s with his lo-fi production, fast flow, and DIY aesthetic. Today, TW3 is finally receiving some much-deserved recognition and enjoying a career resurgence that has allowed him to travel the world. We discuss his career, influences, and impact, as well as his upcoming show at the Black Lodge on October 26th.
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On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we discuss Memphis’ role in the birth and development of power pop, a quietly influential subgenre of rock n’ roll that was spearheaded by local bands such as Big Star, Zuider Zee, and Cargoe during the 1970s. Prior to that, we sit down with musician Jeremy Scott of the band Toy Trucks to discuss their excellent new album “Rockets, Bells, and Poetry,” which in many ways carries on the city’s legacy of power pop greatness.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we sit down with musicians Robby Grant and Jonathan Kirkscey to talk about their new album Mellotron Variations, a collection of original songs performed on obscure electro-mechanical keyboards known as mellotrons. We also survey the 2019 Memphis Music Hall of Fame class, who will be inducted in a ceremony on November 8th.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we survey some of the hottest and most interesting artists helping to define Memphis’ hip-hop scene in 2019. We kick things off with an interview with The Poet, Havi, who debuts his new song “Shea Butter (Heart of Darkness)” and discusses the plans for his new recording studio Studio 88. Then, we check in with rappers like Daz Rinko, Preauxx, Co Cash, and others to see what direction the future of Bluff City hip-hop is headed in (Spoiler alert: The future looks bright, indeed).
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On this very special live episode of Memphis Musicology, we sit down with the legendary songwriter, producer, and musician David Porter, who penned some of the biggest hits of the Stax era and who currently managed Made in Memphis Entertainment, to discuss his long and winding career.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we discuss the music and career of the Memphis Horns, the duo of saxophonist Andrew Love and trumpeter Wayne Jackson who helped define the “Memphis Sound” of the ‘60s and ‘70s before going out on their own to become some of the most coveted session players on earth. We then head to The Crate to dissect Otis Redding’s 1965 masterpiece “Otis Blue.”
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Today’s episode is brought to you by Ronin Tattoo on 2615 Broad, the only five-star rated tattoo shop in Memphis. Open Tuesday through Saturday 4 to midnight, Ronin is a judgment-free shop with affordable pricing and high-quality tattoo work. Make your appointment Today at roninmemphi[email protected] or call (901) 371-6923. Mention OAM and get 10% off.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we chat with the excellent Memphis garage-punk band Model Zero, whose impressive debut album will be released later this month. Then, we go into the story of Roland Janes, a legendary (yet largely unknown) guitarist and producer whose 60 year career found him at the forefront of rockabilly, garage rock, and even hip-hop.
SPONSOR:
Today’s episode is brought to you by Ronin Tattoo on 2615 Broad, the only five-star rated tattoo shop in Memphis. Open Tuesday through Saturday 4 to midnight, Ronin is a judgment-free shop with affordable pricing and high-quality tattoo work. Make your appointment Today at roninmemphi[email protected] or call (901) 371-6923. Mention OAM and get 10% off.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we do a bit of spring cleaning and present 8 fascinating mini-stories from Memphis music history that have been sitting on our desk for months. Which Memphis musician had a love affair with Bob Dylan? What happened in the hours after Three 6 Mafia won an Academy Award? Which Memphis radio DJ scored an accidental #1 hit? Tune into find out!
SPONSOR:
Today’s episode is brought to you by Ronin Tattoo on 2615 Broad, the only five-star rated tattoo shop in Memphis. Open Tuesday through Saturday 4 to midnight, Ronin is a judgment-free shop with affordable pricing and high-quality tattoo work. Make your appointment Today at roninmemphi[email protected] or call (901) 371-6923. Mention OAM and get 10% off.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we discuss the legacy of Memphis radio station WHER, which holds the distinction of being America’s first “all-girl” radio station. We also discuss Alberta Hunter’s 1978 comeback album “Remember My Name.”
SPONSOR:
Today’s episode is brought to you by Ronin Tattoo on 2615 Broad, the only five-star rated tattoo shop in Memphis. Open Tuesday through Saturday 4 to midnight, Ronin is a judgment-free shop with affordable pricing and high-quality tattoo work. Make your appointment Today at roninmemphi[email protected] or call (901) 371-6923. Mention OAM and get 10% off.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we explain how a little-known Memphis pianist named Rosco Gordon played a crucial (albeit accidental) role in the birth of ska and reggae in Jamaica. We also head to The Crate to dissect Toots Hibbert’s 1988 reggae classic “Toots in Memphis,” a soul-reggae hybrid that featured some of the best talent from two distinct but intertwined cultures. “Up up!”
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we survey Memphis musicians about what they consider the best song from Memphis’ musical history, regardless of era or genre. Tune in as we hear from members of The Box Tops, Big Star, Unapologetic, and many many explaining their choices!
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we discuss the profound legacy left by Phineas Newborn Sr. and his two sons, Phineas Jr. and Calvin. Beginning in the 1940s, these men changed the face of Memphis music for decades and had direct ties to the blues, soul, and rock n roll revolutions that sprung out of Memphis in the ensuing years. We also take a trip to The Crate to explore one of the stranger albums we’ve ever covered on this show.
On this episode of Memphis Musicology, we take a survey of some of the most dynamic and important instrumental tracks to come out of the Bluff City in the past 60 years, from early rockabilly numbers all the way up to modern hip-hop beats. We also head to The Crate to dissect Gimmer Nicholson’s 1968 instrumental masterpiece Christopher Idylls, an album that despite being unreleased for years still managed to deeply influence the music of Big Star and others.