Memphis has played an important role in the history of blues, rock and roll and soul music. Host Jacob Edgar witnesses the meeting of young and old when blues veteran Bobby “Blue” Bland jams with 17-year-old guitar wizard Will Tucker. The elder statesman schools the young Tucker in the finer points of the blues, before a scorching performance at the B.B. King nightclub on Memphis’s famous Beale Street. Brandon Bailey's unique blend of harmonica with beat boxing illustrates blues' new directions while blues-rockers North Mississippi All Stars jam at one of Memphis’ hippest record stores. Jacob arrives in Memphis during “Elvis Week”, an annual remembrance of the "King of Rock and Roll" centered on the anniversary of his death. He visits Sun Studios, where Elvis made his first recordings, and discovers the Bluff City Backsliders, the band of the studio’s current sound engineer. He attends the candlelight vigil in front of Graceland, interviews some of Elvis' most devoted fans and enjoys a gospel tribute by the Spirit of Memphis Gospel Ensemble. Later, he explores the sound of Memphis soul music with The Bo-Keys and a visit to the Stax Museum. Young singer-songwriter Amy Lavere demonstrates the diversity of the contemporary Memphis music scene, while up-and-coming hip-hop stars Freesol, recently signed to Memphis-native Justin Timberlake’s label, discuss the local urban sound.
"Memphis: Tennessee Special - Round" on Music Voyager airs on Thursday, December 27th at 9:00 pm.