Memphis Musicology
48 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratings“Memphis Musicology” is a podcast from the Memphis Rock N Soul Museum that explores everything from Hi Records to the Hi Tone. Tune in and learn about the past, present, and future of the greatest music city on earth and stay up-to-date on all of the best that the Bluff City has to offer.
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Episodes
S3E7: The Names on the Sidewalk
August 26, 2020 19:46 - 59.4 MBOn 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. Vote Memphis Musicology for best podcast in this years Memphis Flyer Best Of!
S3E6: Memphis Uprising
July 20, 2020 15:21 - 54.7 MBSince 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.
S3E5: Coronavirus Blues
April 28, 2020 15:14 - 38.7 MBOn 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. If you’d like to donate to OAM to help with rent relief you can do so @ theoamnetwork.com/donate
S3E4: Jock Jams
February 27, 2020 19:53 - 52.3 MBOn 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.
S3E3: The Devil Don't Like It
February 07, 2020 16:52 - 47.5 MBOn 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.
S3E2: An Americana Christmas
December 23, 2019 18:05 - 24.8 MBHappy 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!
S3E1: “Can You Dig It?” The Music of Blaxploitation
November 21, 2019 21:28 - 34.5 MBOn 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.
S2E21: Trap Godfather: Tommy Wright III
October 21, 2019 13:53 - 49.1 MBOn 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. Sponsor Memphis Musicology! Email...
S2E20: The Quiet Revolution
September 18, 2019 05:00 - 40.2 MBOn 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.
S2E19: The Ghost in the Machine
September 05, 2019 15:25 - 45.8 MBOn 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.
S2E18: Leaders of the New School
July 29, 2019 18:49 - 66.5 MBOn 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 fut...
S2E17: Memphis Musicology Live! Ft. David Porter
July 24, 2019 19:28 - 26.8 MBOn 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.
S2E16: Yin & Yang
June 26, 2019 19:58 - 29 MBOn 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.” SPONSOR: Today’s episode is brought to you by Ronin Tattoo on 2615 Broad, the only five-star rated tattoo...
S2E15: The Last Man Standing
May 20, 2019 16:47 - 27.7 MBOn 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. Op...
S2E14: Spring Cleaning in 8 Acts
April 17, 2019 17:05 - 37.7 MBOn 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 ...
S2E13: WHER: “The Nation’s All Girl Station”
April 09, 2019 18:37 - 30.9 MBOn 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...
S2E12: Rosco’s Right Hand Reggae
March 08, 2019 17:31 - 33.1 MBOn 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!”
S2E11: Simply the Best
February 25, 2019 17:57 - 35.7 MBOn 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!
S2E10: Newborn Blues
February 05, 2019 16:13 - 38.5 MBOn 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.
S2E9: Speechless
December 07, 2018 16:37 - 35.8 MBOn 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.
S2E8: Furry & Sid
November 21, 2018 06:00 - 42 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we discuss the unique friendship that existed between blues legend Furry Lewis and folk singer Sid Selvidge, two musicians who navigated their vast differenced to forge one of the most storied partnerships in Memphis music history. We also head to The Crate to discuss Alex Chilton’s divisive solo album “Like Flies on Sherbert,” a messy, free-wheeling collection of songs whose merits are still debated to this day. SPONSOR: Subscribe to the FREE Choose...
S2E7: The Halloween Spooktacular
October 25, 2018 16:33 - 30.9 MBOn this very special bonus episode of Memphis Musicology, we survey some of the creepiest, coolest and corniest Halloween tunes to ever come out of the Bluff City, ranging from spooky country blues to over the top dance numbers and everything in between. Happy Halloween!
S2E6: Give a Damn!
October 19, 2018 01:46 - 38.1 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we sit down with the Stax Museum’s Jane White to discuss the new exhibit “Give a Damn!” on display now at Crosstown Arts. The exhibit focuses on Stax’s late-era legacy of political activism, both through the label’s music and direct action, and shines a particular light on co-owner Al Bell who spearheaded the change. Following the interview, we survey some of the best songs from this particular era from artists like the Bar-Kays, Johnnie Taylor...
S2E5: Mempho, MMHOF, & More
September 25, 2018 16:17 - 41.5 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we sit down with Diego Winegardner, the founder of Mempho Fest, to discuss this year’s festival and what guests can expect. We also survey the 7 newest inductees into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, who will be officially inducted on November 1st. Finally, we dissect Eddie Floyd’s 1971 album Down to Earth, a fascinating pairing of rock and soul.
S2E4: Rip It to Shreds
September 05, 2018 15:13 - 40 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we take a look at the role that Memphis has played in the development of punk and all of its subgenres. From the distortion-heavy rockabilly of the 1950s, to the infamous Antenna Club of the 1980s, to contemporary bands like NOTS and Negro Terror today, we’ll explore the many bands, venues, and individuals who helped make Memphis an unlikely mecca of punk rock.
S2E3: Under Covers
August 27, 2018 14:37 - 42.6 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we survey some of the greatest Memphis-related cover songs of the past 60 years, from classics like the Talking Heads version of Al Green’s “Take Me to the River” to hidden gems like Reigning Sound’s version of “Rainy Weather.” We also say farewell to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and dissect her 1967 classic “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You,” her breakthrough album and one of the most influential soul releases of all time.
S2E2: If These Wall Could Talk…
August 03, 2018 03:30 - 32.2 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we take a look at some of the most important and influential bars, clubs, saloons, and speakeasies in Memphis music history, from the cigar counter on Beale St. where W.C. Handy composed “The Memphis Blues” to the brothel where the Rolling Stones were inspired to write “Brown Sugar.
S2E1: Style & Design
July 20, 2018 13:45 - 26.6 MBIn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we explore the life of Style Wooten, an enigmatic and eccentric record label owner who specialized in vanity recordings. Although Style ran upwards of six labels at a time, his gospel label Designer has come to define his legacy. Uninhibited, authentic, and deeply soulful, the music of Designer Records is a window into a bygone era of Southern gospel and a further testament to the fact that some of the best music is buried deep underground.
S1E20: Ruffled Feathers
May 31, 2018 19:52 - 31.2 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we explore the strange and perplexing life of Charlie Feathers, a rockabilly pioneer whose penchant for telling tall-tales was the only thing bigger than his sound. We also head to The Crate to discuss The White Stripe’s 2001 breakthrough album “White Blood Cells” which was recorded right here at Memphis’ Easley-McCain Studio.
S1E19: DOUBLE DYNAMITE
May 08, 2018 02:25 - 36 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology we sit down and talk to Christian and Christopher Underwood, the twin brothers behind the soul and R&B duo The PRVLG, about their single “What You’re Missing” and their upcoming album. We also take a deep dive into the triumphant yet tragic story of the original dynamic duo of soul, Sam and Dave, who gave us the iconic hit songs “Hold On, I’m Comin’” and “Soul Man.”
S1E18: Memphis Jug Band
April 18, 2018 02:33 - 28.5 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we go back to the early 20th Century to a time when jug bands were the kings of the city’s party scene. Despite heavy competition, no other jug band was as popular or influential as Will Shade’s Memphis Jug Band, who were a favorite of high and low society alike. We also head to The Crate to dissect Al Green’s 1977 genre-bending classic The Belle Album.
S1E17: Enfant Terrible
April 05, 2018 21:42 - 31.5 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we explore the brief yet amazing life of James Lee Lindsey Jr., better known by the stage name Jay Reatard. Before his untimely death in 2010, Jay was a blazing force in the worlds of punk and garage rock who left behind a legacy of crass genius that won’t soon be matched. We also discuss musician Pat Hare, the man whose blistering and heavily distorted guitar playing from the 1950s helped to lay the groundwork for heavy metal.
S1E16: Buried Gold
March 29, 2018 01:41 - 32.8 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we explore the history of Goldwax Records, the largely forgotten soul label that was the home to deep soul legends like James Carr, O.V. Wright, and Spencer Wiggins. We also head over to The Crate to dissect the obscure yet influential 1973 concept album “Ghetto: Misfortune’s Wealth” from the Stax Records group 24-Carat Black.
S1E15: The British Are Coming!
March 09, 2018 20:36 - 31.6 MBThis week on Memphis Musicology, we discuss the symbiotic relationship that existed between Memphis and British musicians during the 1950s, ‘60s, and beyond. We begin with an in-depth look at The Beatles’ deep connection to the Bluff City, including their plan to record an album here, before heading to The Crate to dissect British soul singer Dusty Springfield’s seminal blue-eyed soul album “Dusty in Memphis.
S1E14: Why the Caged Bird Sings
February 14, 2018 03:20 - 26.9 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we go behind bars to explore the surprisingly long history of music created in and about prisons. We begin with an exploration of The Prisonaires, a doo-wop prison quintet who made waves during the 1950s, before heading to The Crate to dissect Johnny Cash's iconic 1968 live album "At Folsom Prison.
S1E13: Memphis Belles II 1960-1980
January 29, 2018 04:06 - 34.5 MBThis week on Memphis Musicology, we sit down with Music Export Memphis founder Elizabeth Cawein to discuss the many ways that MEM is working to showcase Memphis musicians outside the city while simultaneously bolstering the city’s brand. We also take a look at several women from Memphis’ “golden age” and explore how they helped to shape the city’s musical legacy, sometimes decades after their careers officially ended.
S1E12: Tribute to a King
January 15, 2018 20:28 - 26.3 MBIn honor of MLK Day and the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s death, we take a look at the special role that music played in Dr. King’s life and how it informed his worldview and his work during the Civil Rights Movement. We also review how Dr. King’s tragic death affected musicians and their art, particularly here in Memphis.
S1E11: Memphis Belles: 1900-1960
January 10, 2018 21:51 - 28.1 MBThis week on Memphis Musicology, we explore the invaluable role that Memphis women played in developing, refining, and crafting the earliest forms of American music. Through the stories of Memphis Minnie, Lil’ Hardin Armstrong, and Kay Starr, we’ll so how these women challenges the status quo and inspired generations of future musicians of every gender.
S1E10: The Memphis Musicology Holiday Extravaganza
December 19, 2017 23:59 - 35.1 MBOn this episode of Memphis Musicology, we survey some of the greatest holiday tunes to ever come out of the Bluff City, from John Lee Hooker to Reigning Sound. We also sit down with the founders of the Memphis Music Mansion, Kate Hackett and Bill Myers, to discuss what has become one of the hottest concert series in Memphis. Finally, we talk to Hunter Thompson of the band Detriment about their upcoming reunion show with Zigadoo Moneyclips
S1E9: The First Family of Funk
December 06, 2017 16:41 - 37.1 MBThis week, we sit down with some special guests debate the Commercial Appeal’s list of Memphis’ 60 greatest soul songs. We also take an in-depth look at Memphis soul and funk icon Rufus Thomas and his equally talented children, Carla and Marvell. Finally, we take a trip back to The Crate to dissect Albert King’s 1967 masterpiece Born Under a Bad Sign.
S1E8: Tainted Love
November 14, 2017 17:40 - 30.4 MBThis week on Memphis Musicology, we discuss the troubled yet astounding legacy of the psychedelic rock band Love, which was founded by Memphian Arthur Lee. We also sit down for a quick conversation with saxophonist Marqué Boyd about his monthly show “Trap Jazz."
S1E7: Mystery White Boy
October 25, 2017 18:28 - 16.3 MBThis week, we talk about the brief yet enduring legacy of Jeff Buckley’s life and death in Memphis. We also take a look at Isaac Hayes seminal album ‘Hot Buttered Soul.
S1E6: Sonosphere special "Sixty Soulful Years"
October 11, 2017 15:15 - 21 MBvia https://sonospherepodcast.com/2017/09/29/sixty-soulful-years-the-story-of-royal-studios/ This month Sonosphere teams up with the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Memphis Musicology podcast to bring you 60 years of Royal Studios. We visit with co-owner and music producer Boo Mitchell on a tour of Royal Studios in South Memphis. Royal turns 60 this year and in this episode we’ll reminisce with singer/songwriter Don Bryant on writing hit songs and singing with Willie Mitchell’s band; legenda...
S1E5: The Best of the Fests
September 25, 2017 21:06 - 30.5 MBThis week we talk to Zac Ives, the co-owner of Goner Records, who gives us his pro-tips for this year's Gonerfest. We also take an in-depth look into the Memphis Country Blues Festival, a culture-shifting showcase of Memphis talent that was held between 1966-1969.
S1E4: Tear Da Club Up Vol. 1
September 12, 2017 02:45 - 31.6 MBOn this episode, we take a deep dive into some of the biggest artists who helped shape and define Memphis rap in the 1990s, including DJ Spanish Fly, Tommy Wright III, and of course Three 6 Mafia. We also sit down with up-and-coming rapper Don Lifted who represents the exciting future of Memphis hip-hop.
S1E3: The Sultans of Soul
August 30, 2017 18:56 - 14.7 MBIn this episode, we talk about the enduring influence of Booker T. and the MGs, the integrated house band at Stax Records who did more to define the sound of Southern soul music than perhaps any other group in history.
S1E2: These Songs Of Freedom
August 16, 2017 02:43 - 22.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss some of the protest music and freedom songs from Memphis' past and present and reflect on the important role they have played in social movements for the past century.
S1E1: “Tell 'em Phillips sentcha!”
August 02, 2017 04:30 - 26.5 MBOn the first episode of Memphis Musicology, Ezra looks back into the strange past of legendary Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips!