Introduction
Memphis-style blues blends Delta grit with urban sophistication. It features strong rhythms, prominent brass, soulful vocals, and danceable grooves, creating a vibrant, celebratory sound rooted in Beale Street.
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1. W.C. Handy – “Beale Street Blues” (1917)
The anthem of Memphis’s most famous street, written by the “Father of the Blues.”
2. Memphis Minnie – “Me and My Chauffeur Blues” (1941)
A pioneering blueswoman with bold guitar work and commanding vocals.
3. B.B. King – “Three O’Clock Blues” (1951)
Recorded in Memphis, this breakout hit crowned King the “King of the Blues.”
4. Howlin’ Wolf – “Moanin’ at Midnight” (1951)
A Sun Records recording that captured Wolf’s fierce, growling voice.
5. Junior Parker – “Mystery Train” (1953)
The original version that inspired countless covers, with a rolling Memphis rhythm.
6. Ike Turner & His Kings of Rhythm – “Rocket 88” (1951)
Cut in Memphis, often credited as the first rock ’n’ roll record.
7. Bobby “Blue” Bland – “Farther Up the Road” (1957)
Soulful and fiery, Bland’s performance bridged blues and gospel intensity.
8. Little Milton – “Grits Ain’t Groceries” (1969)
A playful, bluesy groove steeped in Memphis humor and swagger.
9. Otis Rush – “Homework” (1962, recorded in Memphis)
Blues guitar power with Memphis session magic behind it.
10. Albert King – “Born Under a Bad Sign” (1967)
A Stax masterpiece, horns and blues guitar blended perfectly.
11. Rufus Thomas – “Walking the Dog” (1963)
Danceable, funky blues with irresistible Memphis energy.
12. Otis Redding – “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” (1965)
Not strictly blues, but Memphis soul drenched in blues emotion.
13. William Bell – “You Don’t Miss Your Water” (1961)
Early Stax release, mixing blues heartbreak with soul tenderness.
14. Booker T. & the MG’s – “Green Onions” (1962)
An iconic instrumental with deep Memphis blues roots.
15. Furry Lewis – “Casey Jones” (1928)
A Memphis street singer weaving folk storytelling into blues rhythm.
16. Sleepy John Estes – “Milk Cow Blues” (1930)
A raw, plaintive performance that became a blues standard.
17. Frank Stokes – “Downtown Blues” (1928)
One of the earliest urban Memphis blues recordings.
18. Willie Mitchell – “Soul Serenade” (1968)
Horn-driven blues-soul from the man who shaped Hi Records.
19. The Bar-Kays – “Soul Finger” (1967)
Playful, funky, and rooted in Memphis’s blues-soul fusion.
20. B.B. King – “The Thrill Is Gone” (1969)
His timeless anthem, forever linked with Memphis roots.