Memphis, TN

In the early 70's the US Navy maintained it's primary enlisted aviation training center in Millington TN about 30 miles south of Memphis. We of course headed into Memphis when time permitted. Memphis holds a lot of fond memories for me save for the humidity. To this day I don't know why but Beale Street was off limits and as a young sailor they made it very clear you were not to be there. As a young man raised very near San Francisco and the music that was created there I was very curious about the legends of Beale Street, Sun Records and their affect on music. I tried twice to get over Beale Street but was turned away by the Shore Patrol on both occasions. Mr. Greenspan's story as well as his photo's have made me again wonder what I missed.

If you are wondering what you are missing on Beale Street, let me assure you that it is one of the most enjoyable places on the planet. During the day, you can explore the history of Blues music and and night, the place turns into something that can only be described as a street party. Live music spills out onto the street from almost all of the places that line Beale Street and in front of most of them you can find a smaller outdoor version of the bar inside. On Beale Street you can find the sultry, sexy sound of Blues, along with any drink you can imagine; an unreal variety of people of every age, class and and background; and a lot of other things that might tickle your fancy. Make sure you stop into the Rum Boogie Cafe; don't forget to walk past the bandstand where the best in blues can be experienced at no charge; and find out what the future holds for you by having your palm read at the Beale Street Psychics. Whatever you do, make time to go to Memphis - I guarantee you'll never forget it!

I lived in the Millington, Tn. area in the early 1980`s. We went to Graceland the second day it was open; but far as we got was the gift shop across the street. The waiting time was 4 hours. The tour guides had to get the tour from the gift shop and you walked rest of the way. My daughter`s class took a field trip there. They brought a lot of the most important things outside for everyone to see. It was really great seeing the beauiful pictures. I wish there was some of Mud Island. We watched it being built. Really neat.

I grew up in Little Rock, but my mother's sister and her family lived in Memphis. I spent most of my summers and many winter holidays in Memphis. I loved the pictures of Memphis, but you missed the Pink Palace. The Pink Palace was a wonderful museum. I spent many days on the grounds and remember my aunt taking me and my cousins fishing there. During the fifties and sixties, Beale Street was not the pleasant place it is now. The music was there, however the area was one of the poorest in the city and had all the problems that come with poverty.

My aunt would also take me out to Graceland to see Elvis. We would stand at the gate and he would walk down and shake hands and sign autographs. I remember a soft spoken very polite young man. He was always very kind and sweet to everyone who came by his home.

Millington, TN is actually North of Memphis. If you go South, you're in Mississippi.

Rendezvous is a very good place to get ribs. The location (in an alley across from the Peabody Hotel) and stately atmosphere are unsurpassed. But the ribs are only the second best, from what I've tried. Corky's (arguably the most popular) is third best, but the best ribs in Memphis are at Willingham's World's Champion Barbeque on Brookhaven Circle (in East Memphis near the Clark Tower). They are also less expensive than Corky's or Rendezvous, and the house band is a couple of old guys that play 24-inch harmonicas.