Stax Records

Stax Records is the other big recording studio in Memphis. Synonymous with "Southern Soul music", the company was originally founded in 1957 as Satellite Records by Jim Stewart and his sister, Estelle Axton. The name was changed to "STAX" in 1961 as a combination of the brother and sister's last names. Their integrated staff and performers was completely unheard of in those early days. Stewart and Axton set up shop in the Old Colonial theater ( six miles from downtown Memphis on the number 4 bus) because they liked the acoustical sounds of the old building. Artists, such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Rufus and Carla Thomas, recorded on their label. The house band was Booker T. And the M.G.'s. Many of these artists lived in the neighborhood of the old Colonial theater, so they were easily attracted to the studio for recording their songs. The museum is a wonderful history of Stax Records and of Soul music in general. We were thrilled to have been able to visit it.

www.staxrecords.com

Stax Records studio at the old Colonial Theater.

The memorial plague outside the studio was erected by the city of Memphis.

Although "officially" under contract to Atlantic Records, the group, LED ZEPELIN (1968-1980) recorded some songs here.

Soul music developed out of the sounds of Gospel songs. The African Methodist Episcopal church in Memphis was one of those places where Gospel music was often heard. This Hoopers Chapel of the AME church was donated to the Stax Records Museum to commemorate the link between Gospel and Soul music.

The original African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church.

The museum traces the history of Soul, as well as Rhythm and Blues, music in exhibits like this one of Ike and Tina Turner.

Many of the artists that recorded at the Stax Records studio grew up in the neighborhood surrounding the old Colonial Theater.

Aretha Franklin's home not far from the Stax Records studio.

Jim Stewart, founder of Stax Records, at the control panel.

His sister, Estelle Axton, co-founder of Stax Records, was a driving force in the management of the office. She was affectionately known as "Lady A."

The first piece of recording equipment used by Stax Records.

The recording studio ( which was the Colonial theater's auditorium) as seen from the control booth.

Wall display of some of Stax Records recordings.

More records display by Stax Studio.

Isaac Hayes' 1972 Peacock blue Cadillac, leased by Stax Records for his exclusive use. It had a refrigerated bar, a television set, and 24-carat gold plated exterior parts.