Memphis, Tennessee – Blues City, Elvis Presley & Graceland

Rollin’ On The River

Chapter 9

Mississippi River Cruise 2025

Tuesday, July 22

As noted in Chapter 8, for those who had early morning Memphis shore excursions, they were still able to complete those tours. This was accomplished by adding an unplanned docking at Tunica, TN allowed those people to board buses, waiting at the dock, to take them the 40 miles to Memphis for their tours. Those folks then would meet up again in the afternoon at the boat when it was docked at Memphis.

Though we did not leave the ship, the dock area of Tunica was impressive – modern/futuristic looking and the most remarkable of the stops on the trip. Perhaps the casino there has helped influence the towns prosperous looking waterfront.

By early afternoon we docked at Memphis on a rough concrete landing that sloped off into the river. Walking out on the gangway onto the landing and up to a parking lot, we boarded buses. Those buses ran a loop drive from the boat to Beale Street, an auto museum, and the Memphis pyramid originally planned as a sports and entertainment center, but it now houses a massive Bass Pro Shop store, a hotel, restaurants, and other attractions.

The day was hot and muggy. The first stop was at the Elvis Presley statue on famous Beale Street, known for is many music venues, neon signs, restaurants  and upbeat atmosphere.

Mark and I went to stop 2, the Auto Museum. It was interesting with a small collection of mostly sports cars.

Just up the street was Sun Studio known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll”. It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50’s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock’n’roll. We did not enter the studio, opting instead to walk to the active and lively part of Beale Street. However, we both misjudged how far it was from where we were. It was a long walk, at least 1 mile.

Sweaty in the hot and humid weather, we found that this end of Beale Street was not the best of neighborhoods where weed gorged lots, scattered trash, abandoned scooters laying on the sidewalk, closed businesses, shabby houses and a few unsavory looking people were all we saw as we trudged along toward Beale Street.

Tired and overheated, we headed to the first bus stop to catch a ride back to the boat. We were too hot to bother with going inside the Pyramid. Opting instead, we just stayed put in the air-conditioned bus. Besides that, the pyramid didn’t hold much interest for either of us to go inside. Its distinctive outer appearance was enough. Been there, done that.

Aboard ship, we enjoyed dinner and the half portions ending the day attending our last onboard entertainment, The Brad Birkendahl Band, outstanding musicians, playing a variety of blues, rock and roll, rock-a-billy and Dixieland all very upbeat, foot tapping, energetic music. Brad has played extensively in the US and Europe. In the movie “Walk the Line” about Johnny Cash, he played the part of Cash’s guitar player.

After the performance he invited passengers who were staying over in Memphis to come see he and his band play at Blues City Café. I approached him as they packed up and got more information, telling him we would try to stop by. Blues City Café also serves up the best BBQ ribs he told me. Well, how could we NOT pass on that opportunity – Blues music, Memphis BBQ ribs, and Beale Street?

Following the evening’s entertainment, a disembarking announcement informed us to have our bags packed and outside our doors before bed to facilitate everyone a timely and orderly departure in the morning.

Bags packed, set in the hall, it was our last night sailing on the Mississippi River onboard The American Splendor.

As others thoughts were of their returns home, Mark and I were thinking about another night and day in Memphis, Tennessee – Beale Street at night, BBQ ribs, music and visiting the home of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Ah yes, Elvis Presley and Graceland.