Hunter S.
Yelp
As I began on my review of the Memphis Museum of Rock n Soul, there are several museums that are fairly similar or overlap in content matter and style. The Rock n Soul Museum and Stax are similar, but just different enough that both are worth your time.
While the museum of Rock n Soul is more generalized, Stax is very in-depth about the Stax music company and its history/stars.
While the museum of Rock n Soul peppers in a little Elvis and some early pioneers, while also discussing Stax artists like Isaac Hayes, the Stax museum tells a story.
This museum starts with a film, which helps inform, summarize, and set the mood. Then you start with the first stars on the label and how the label was founded, and make your way through the label's history. You learn about lesser known, yet pivotal acts that influenced the entire music scene. You learn about the big acts, like Ike and Tina Turner and Isaac Hayes.
There are two things I really loved: one is that this museum is in the actual studio and soundstage of Stax. There are actual artifacts, such as records and mixing boards and instruments from the building's use at that time. Secondly, I really loved how the museum integrated social justice and black rights into the mix.
Stax wasn't just a music label--it was seen as progressive at the time. Black and white artists usually got along and collaborated, and eventually Stax had integrated ownership. And when the civil rights movement became prominent, it strained those relationships, especially as black artists and executives became part of the movement and began to speak up on civil rights.
As compared to the museum of Rock n Soul, this museum gets deeper into issues I find interesting and important, rather than glossing over things.
There is a lot, A LOT, of reading to accompany the music and videos. So much that after a while I chose to take some photos of some plaques to read later. But that doesn't take away from the experience.
They also have rotating exhibits at the end of the main part of the museum. Plus, you get to see Isaac Hayes's 24 karat gold plated Cadillac!
If you can do this, the rock n soul museum, and the blues hall of fame (which only takes a short amount of time, also reviewed separately), then see them all.
If you have to choose one, do Stax.