Reflecting on Memphis’s musical legacy during the holiday season, it’s worth remembering that some of our city’s greatest gifts did not come from solo stars. Many of them emerged from families whose shared bloodlines and bonds amplified their music, influence, and cultural resonance. Across decades and genres, these clans shaped what we think of as the Memphis sound, passing on traditions, evolving together, and often redefining entire musical movements. As the city pauses for reflection, here are ten of the most influential musical families connected to Memphis’s past and present. Their voices, instruments, and stories still echo…
The Burnettes: Rock n Roll Rebels
Brothers Johnny and Dorsey Burnette stood at the center of the Rock and Roll Trio, one of the first groups to fuse country, blues and emerging rock and roll into something wild and electrifying. Their unpolished and rebellious style became a prototype for rockabilly, inspiring countless musicians across the South. Although their careers fluctuated, the trio’s reputation grew with time as listeners recognized the group’s influence on early rock foundations. Johnny and Dorsey performed with the kind of instinctive unity that only siblings seem to possess, giving their sound an urgency that still feels striking today. The Burnettes helped write an early chapter in the story of family-driven music tied to the Memphis region and to the birth of rock and roll.
The Dickinsons: Southern Roots Innovators
Luther and Cody Dickinson created North Mississippi Allstars as an extension of the musical world they inherited from their father, Jim Dickinson. Jim was a prolific producer and musician whose work throughout Memphis and North Mississippi exposed his sons to a wide spectrum of roots traditions. The brothers combined hill country blues, Southern rock and folk textures in ways that honored their upbringing while still moving boldly forward. Their sound carries the grit of the region, shaped by years of experimentation and deep respect for local musical history. The Dickinsons stand as a family whose creativity and regional pride continue to shape modern Southern music.
The Hodges Brothers: The Heartbeat of Hi Records
Charles, Leroy and Teenie Hodges formed the rhythmic heart of the Hi Rhythm Section, the band that powered many of the most iconic soul recordings of the 1970s. Their playing supported artists such as Al Green, Ann Peebles and Syl Johnson, elevating each song with a warm, steady groove that became synonymous with Hi Records. The brothers shared a musical intuition that gave their arrangements a distinctive subtlety and depth. Although they rarely appeared in the spotlight, their contributions shaped an entire era of Memphis soul. The Hodges family created a rhythmic foundation that continues to influence musicians around the world.
Juicy J and Project Pat: Kings of Memphis Rap
When discussing Memphis rap, the names Juicy J and Project Pat belong at the center of the conversation. The brothers, part of the Houston family, became major architects of the sound that reshaped Southern hip hop in the 1990s. Juicy J brought dark production and hypnotic beats into the mainstream through his work with Three 6 Mafia, while Project Pat developed a gripping storytelling style that resonated deeply across the South. Their careers often unfolded along separate paths, yet their shared roots and creative instincts shaped a movement that continues to influence artists internationally. Together they helped define Memphis hip hop as a cultural force that is both innovative and unapologetically raw.
The Mitchells: Stewards of the Memphis Sound
The Mitchell family stands among the most enduring dynasties in Memphis music. Willie Mitchell, a visionary producer and bandleader, crafted the smooth and refined sound that made Hi Records a global name. His influence stretched far beyond his own era as he passed his knowledge to his children. Boo Mitchell carries the family legacy forward as the owner of Royal Studios and as a producer who works across several contemporary genres. Ana Mitchell has also contributed to maintaining the creative atmosphere of Royal. Through their combined efforts, the Mitchells continue to guide Memphis soul into new territory while honoring its past.
The Newborns: The First Family of Jazz
The Newborn family introduced a sophisticated blend of jazz, blues and early rhythm and blues into the cultural bloodstream of Memphis. Patriarch Phineas Newborn Sr., a drummer and bandleader, provided the earliest stage for his sons by placing them in his ensemble throughout their young lives. Pianist Phineas Newborn Jr. and guitarist Calvin Newborn built their musical identities through these early performances in Memphis and West Memphis, where they often played as the house band at the Plantation Inn. Phineas Jr. became known for extraordinary virtuosity and technical brilliance, while Calvin developed a style that blended jazz finesse with blues feeling. Their individual careers reached far beyond the region, yet both carried with them the musical grounding they received from their father. As a family, the Newborns represent one of the most accomplished and influential lineages in the history of Memphis instrumental music.
The Selvidges: Southern Storytellers
Sid Selvidge earned deep respect within Memphis for his plaintive voice, thoughtful songwriting and dedication to the preservation of roots and folk music. His son, Steve Selvidge, absorbed that world while growing up and later expanded it by moving confidently into rock, alternative and Americana circles. Steve played key roles in bands such as Big Ass Truck and eventually The Hold Steady, broadening the family’s creative footprint far beyond Memphis. Although their musical styles differ, both father and son value the spirit of authenticity that defines much of the city’s music. The Selvidges reflect a multigenerational commitment to artistic honesty and exploration.
The Staple Singers: Voices of Faith and Freedom
Roebuck “Pops” Staples and his children created a sound that wove together gospel, soul and messages of social justice. The Staple Singers carried spiritual traditions into secular spaces in ways that felt fearless and timely during the 1960s and 1970s. Their harmonies, guided by Pops’s expressive guitar, made their music instantly recognizable. After joining Stax, they produced unforgettable anthems such as “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There,” songs that became rallying cries far beyond Memphis. Their commitment to faith, family and advocacy continues to inspire musicians and activists today.
Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton: Architects of Southern Soul
Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton used their shared vision to build Stax Records into one of the most important recording institutions in American music. Their partnership created a welcoming environment in which emerging artists could experiment, collaborate and define the soul sound of Memphis. Although neither sibling performed as a star, both played essential roles in developing the careers of the singers and musicians who passed through their doors. Their bond brought stability and clear direction to the label during its rise from a small enterprise to a cultural powerhouse. Together, they demonstrate that some of the most influential musical families are those who build the platforms on which others shine.
The Thomases: Funk and Soul Pioneers
Rufus Thomas and each of his children contributed significantly to the development of Memphis soul. Rufus, already known as a radio personality and early talent at Sun Records, recorded the single “’Cause I Love You” with his daughter Carla in 1960. The song helped spark the early success of Stax Records and opened the door to Carla’s national recognition as the “Queen of Memphis Soul.” The family legacy expanded further through siblings Marvell Thomas, a skilled keyboardist and arranger, and Vaneese Thomas, a dynamic singer and producer. Each member pursued a distinct path, yet all contributed to the rich, interconnected world of Memphis music. The Thomases remain one of the city’s most beloved and influential musical families.
As we look toward the present, Memphis’s musical bloodlines continue to grow through younger family groups who are shaping the scene in real time. Southern Avenue, formed around the chemistry between Ori Naftaly and vocalist Tierinii Jackson along with Tierinii’s sister Tikyra, brings a vibrant blend of soul and modern blues to the stage. The group Mak Ro, made up of cousins Eric Makapugay and Kristoffer Ruaro, introduces a fresh mix of pop, R&B and electronic influences that reflects the direction of contemporary Memphis music. Aquarian Blood, powered by the experimental instincts of spouses Laurel and JB Horrell, pushes into punk and psychedelic terrain with fearless energy. Together, these emerging families show that Memphis’s musical heritage is not just a story of the past. It is a living, evolving continuum shaped by new generations who carry the spirit forward every day.
