Beale Street Essay

Beale Street

Crazy neon lights, crowded walkways, the sweet aroma of Memphis barbeque, and the sound of soft blues and rock n roll is a taste of what Memphis’s Beale Street is made of. Memphis Tennessee is a home for exciting things to do within the surrounding metropolitan area. But first, what specifically brings civilians to Memphis? Memphis is a prime destination for tourist and residents of Memphis because of the great time, inexpensive attractions to visit, but most importantly Beale Street. Beale is a famous street located in downtown Memphis that is connected by three co-joining streets. Memphis’s Beale Street is one popular destination spot in downtown Memphis. On these streets are many tasty places to eat, local shops to visit,

and bars that are known for having a good time. Beale Street welcomes people of all ages. As the sun goes down, the setting of Beale Street begins to change. As many Memphians know, when the lights go down on Beale, the music goes up; transforming into a nightlife attraction displaying live bands and strong drinks.
However, some are unaware of the true history of Beale Street and what lies behind the flashy lights and wild nightlife. Beale Street has not always been known for a great night out. During the time of 1841 the most familiar streets that locals walk on today was most commonly known as a merchant center for African American families. Since this was the time of the Civil Rights movement blacks were unable to shop at white stores, thus leaving our commonly known Beale Street as their main source of shopping. It wasn’t until the 1900s that Beale Street started to welcome nightclubs and restaurants to join the most visited strip.
During that time, Beale Street began to thrive, from starting off with a few night clubs and a local café, to becoming one of the most visited places when touring Memphis.

This destination is home to tasty places to eat such as The Hard rock café, BB Kings, and Silky O'Sullivan's. The vivid neon flashy lights combined with the sound of sweet blues welcomes its visitors with a true Memphis vibe. Within these local eateries live bands perform weekly and even nightly. These bands offer a variety of music but predominately play blues and rock n roll. Not only does it gives Beale Street a true Memphis feel but also enhances the nightlife of Beale to be more inviting and exciting. Beale Street is known as However, one of Beale’s most famous places to eat is BB Kings, which has one of the most diverse and refined lineups of modern and mid- century blues and R&B in Memphis. BB Kings not only offers a variety of rock n roll but also a grand selection of delicious food and exotic drinks at the bar. Not only is BB Kings home for authentic food that will rock your taste buds, it also houses the reputation of being one of Beale Streets’ most visited restaurant on the strip. Their most visited band, known as their house band is the B.B. King All Star Band, and also regularly features Blind Mississippi Morris, Preston Shannon, and others. “Is Beale Street really Beale Street without the Hard rock café and its Elvis themed environment?” The beautifully decorated Hard Rock Café is commonly

known as the Elvis themed restaurant and is located in the heart of Beal Street. This attracts visitors from around the world to experience the appreciation of Elvis and the great music he left behind.
However the view of Beale Street may differ from one tourist to another and in some cases a few Memphians.

In other words, a regular tourist who visits Memphis from time to time may value Beale Street at a higher level versus someone who is just passing through. Everyone sees Beale through different lenses and endures different perspectives. But to a true Memphian Beale Street puts them at a loss for words. To local citizens that reside in the surrounding area of Memphis Beale Street is a part of their culture and in some cases “the holy grail of Memphis” On another note, some might say “Beale Street is Memphis” and plays a tremendous part on the overall perception on what Memphis is really like. For a Memphian, Beale Street is one of the most treasured landmarks in the world. To some, it may represent a monthly Friday night out with the girls or even a date with someone special. As a Memphian, steps foot on Beale excitement is sparked through their veins. Whether it’s the feeling of a warm summer night on Beale or the overwhelming smell of Memphis barbeque and cigars or even the crowded walkways forcing people to be uncomfortably close to strangers, or the unlimited amount of music of local bands that is crushed together to form and edge to the environment, people are drawn to Memphis for the overall unforgettable great experience that it

holds.
Not only is Beale Street known for the great times and food, it is also known as an important part of our history, especially in music. One of the most, if not the most important part about Beale Street is the music. The main strip of Beale Street is packed with anything to bars to local shops. However in between these two attractions lie the live bands playing at various venues offering a cluster of different music. Also an annual attraction that is held for the celebration of music is called the Memphis Beal Street Music Fest, or is commonly known as Memphis in May. This three day festival takes place the first week of May with a venue of various bands and artist consisting of all genres, but mainly stay true to represent Memphis’ true blues, rock n roll and rap. However, this festive can be portrayed as a discourse community as well. While Music Fest is open to all ages, the primary age groups are catergized as either older adults or wild teenagers. Artist and bands such as: Wale, Hoizer, Jucy J, Wezzer, Panic at the Disco, and many others travel miles to perform at this event that is held once a year. Within this attraction are various concession stands including Memphis’ famous barbeque and local shops from the area that have set up. Memphis’ love for music has spread drastically through other states as well as the country.
Beale Street’s significance differs from person to person, however to most it is known as their weekend spot, favorite places to eat or even Memphis’s best attraction. Not only does Beale Street offer a substantial amount of Memphis’ history and love, it welcomes not only tourist but those who reside in Memphis as a way to experience Memphis the way it is suppose to.
Beale Street gives tourist a piece of what greatness Memphis has accomplished and what is yet to come, sending tourist with Memphis love with the hopes of their return.