Given the sheer volume of action and stories coming out of the Memphis music scene over the past several weeks, this week’s news actually looks pretty tame in comparison. That said, there were still plenty of notable moments worth mentioning and undoubtedly many more headed our way as we quickly enter the dog days of summer. From a new music documentary to upcoming festival line-ups, here’s everything you may have missed over the past 7 days…
“Take Me to the River” gets a New Orleans-focused sequel
In 2014, the documentary “Take Me to the River” showcased some of Memphis’ finest old school soul artists (Mavis Staples, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Booker T. Jones, etc.) pairing up with more contemporary artists to remix and rework some of their most classic tracks. Eight years later, the Memphis-based team of director Martin Shore and producers Cody Dickinson and Boo Mitchell are back with a second edition focused on the music of New Orleans. The film features legendary performers such as The Neville Brothers, The Meters, and the late Dr. John. The film was released yesterday and so far is receiving glowing reviews. You can catch the trailer below.
Billboard Magazine shines a light on Yo Gotti’s CMG record label
This week, Billboard published a feature entitled “The Hardest Working Label in Hip-Hop: Inside the Rise of Yo Gotti and Collective Music Group,” an in-depth history of one of Memphis music’s biggest recent success stories. The label, which also features up-and-coming stars such as Moneybagg Yo, EST Gee and 42 Dugg, has a long and winding history that ends and begins with the relentless drive and laser-focused vision of Yo Gotti. If you’re a fan of Memphis hip-hop, then this is a must-read.
Sun Records legend Jerry Lee Lewis to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
While Jerry Lee Lewis may be the original bad boy of rock ‘n’ roll, “The Killer” also had a deep love of (and talent for) country music. After winning over legions of fans in the 1950s with rowdy songs like “Whole Lot Shakin’ Going On” and “Great Balls of Fire,” Lewis spent the next few decades largely focused on producing country music. This week, his efforts were rewarded with an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition for one of America’s greatest living artists.
