Dating back to the 1860’s, traveling musicians performed on Beale Street to traders and merchants moving and selling their goods along the Mississippi River. As I walked this famed Memphis cobblestone street and the sun began to set, the night began to come to life. The neon lights started to glow, the smell of barbeque filled the air, and music began to spill into the street. I could hear the influence of legendary blues musicians like WC Handy, Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Memphis Minnie, and BB King. With the blending of gospel, jazz, and Mississippi Delta Blues a unique style of music was born on Beale St. that continues to influence musicians around the world today. I left Memphis knowing that Beale Street is the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock-n-Roll. - RF