Soul of Memphis Step-On Tour

Memphis’s musical soul comes alive on the Soul of Memphis Step-On Tour, a blend of storytelling, performance, and visits to iconic sites. For $400 per group (up to 15), you’ll spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring key landmarks like Sun Studio, the Stax Museum, Beale Street, and the Blues Hall of Fame, all while being led by a guide who’s also an actress and singer – Jackie Murray.

What makes this tour stand out is its theatrical approach. Instead of just reading historical facts, Jackie Murray performs stories, shares music, and adds a layer of drama that makes Memphis’s musical history feel vivid and immediate. We love how this approach makes the stories memorable and emotionally engaging, especially when you can hear snippets of music and see memorabilia that connect you directly to legends like B.B. King or Ike Turner. Another highlight is the personalized experience — since it’s a private tour, your group gets undivided attention, making it feel intimate and tailored.

However, a consideration is that admission fees to Sun Studio and Stax are not included in the price, which means you’ll need to budget an extra $20 per person for entry. Also, because transportation isn’t provided—only pickup is offered—you’ll want to plan how to get from site to site efficiently. This tour is best suited for those who want a lively, engaging overview of Memphis’s musical roots combined with authentic storytelling, especially if you’re interested in experiencing the city through a performative lens.

If you love music, history, and a touch of drama, this tour offers a fresh take that many traditional city tours can’t match. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate live storytelling, want to get a sense of Memphis’s cultural heartbeat, and are comfortable with self-organized transportation between sites.

Key Points

• Unique Performance Element: Led by actress-singer Jackie Murray, blending storytelling, music, and drama.
• Iconic Sites: Visits to Sun Studio, Stax Museum, Beale Street, and Blues Hall of Fame.
• Private Tour: Only your group participates, offering a personalized experience.
• Additional Costs: Admission fees ($20 per person) are not included.
• Flexible Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and interest.
• No Transportation Included: You’ll need to arrange your own transport between sites or coordinate pickup.

In-Depth Review: The Heart of Memphis’s Music

The Soul of Memphis Step-On Tour is designed for those eager to see the city from an inside perspective, combining physical visits with storytelling and performance. Starting at the Tennessee Welcome Center, the tour kicks off with a sense of anticipation. The tour’s core strength lies in how Jackie Murray brings Memphis’s musical history to life, making it more than just a list of dates and facts.

Visiting Sun Studio – The Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Our first stop is Sun Studio, famously known worldwide as The Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Here, you see the legendary memorabilia from artists like B.B. King and Ike Turner. While admission is not included, the tour provides a compelling overview of the studio’s significance. The stories told about this site are lively, emphasizing how Sun Studio became a hub of musical innovation. We loved the way Jackie narrates the discovery stories of legends, making the history feel tangible.

Some travelers might find the $20 per person admission fee a bit extra, but the experience of standing where musical history was made is well worth it if you’re a fan of classic rock or blues. The tour doesn’t linger long here—about an hour—but the stories delivered are vivid enough to leave a lasting impression.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Next, you’re off to Stax Museum, which is located on the original site of the legendary Stax Records studio. This museum offers a deep dive into soul music’s roots, showcasing displays and memorabilia from iconic artists. The interactive exhibits and stories shared by Jackie Murray make this stop especially memorable. Here, you get a chance to see the environment that nurtured artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes, and the stories told about the recording process add flavor to the visit.

Again, you’d need to pay $20 for admission, but the connection to the music’s soul makes it a valuable part of the tour. The museum visit takes about an hour, and the stories woven into the exhibits elevate the experience beyond a typical museum visit.

Beale Street and the Blues Hall of Fame

The tour then moves to Beale Street, Memphis’s iconic entertainment district. This lively stretch is famous for its vibrant nightlife, live music, and historic significance. While the tour doesn’t specify a precise time here, you’ll get a sense of the area’s energy and history. It’s an excellent place for photos and soaking in the atmosphere.

Adjacent to Beale Street, the Blues Hall of Fame offers a more static but equally important recognition of blues legends. Since the Hall of Fame honors those who have shaped blues through performance and recording, it ties nicely into the overall musical narrative. You’ll learn about the performers who earned Memphis its reputation as the “Home of the Blues.”

The Final Stop: Blues Hall of Fame

The tour wraps up here, returning to the meeting point at the Tennessee Welcome Center. The entire experience, roughly 3 to 4 hours, provides a balanced blend of historical sites, lively neighborhoods, and storytelling, making it ideal for travelers who want a thorough overview without feeling rushed.

Authentic Experience and Practical Details

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the personalized, theatrical approach. Jackie Murray’s background as an actress and singer allows her to perform stories rather than just recite history, making the past feel alive. Reviewers have praised her ability to connect with the audience, describing her as “engaging,” “knowledgeable,” and “entertaining.”

Since this is a private tour, your group can ask questions and tailor the experience slightly. This is a considerable plus for those who prefer a more intimate, flexible outing rather than a large group hustle.

A practical point is that transportation is not included—only pickup service at the start—so you’ll need to plan for how to move between sites. Memphis’s downtown is walkable, but arrangements for taxis or rideshare apps will help you make the most of your time.

The cost of $400 might seem steep for some, but considering it’s a private experience with a guide who delivers a performance-based storytelling, many find it worthwhile. Remember, it covers guide services only; you’ll pay extra for museum and studio admissions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who:

• Want to understand Memphis’s music scene beyond surface level
• Appreciate live storytelling, performance, or drama
• Prefer a private, personalized tour experience
• Are comfortable managing their own transportation between sites
• Have a genuine interest in blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll music

It’s not ideal for those on a tight budget, as additional admission costs add to the expense, nor for visitors looking for a quick overview. However, for music lovers and those craving an immersive, theatrical story of Memphis, this tour offers a memorable and heartfelt introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour fee?
No, transportation between sites is not included. The tour only offers pickup at the start point. You’ll need to arrange your own transport or walk between nearby sites.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and interest level.

Are admission fees to Sun Studio and Stax Museum included?
No, both admission fees are extra, around $20 per person, payable directly at each location.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you may have some flexibility to ask questions and focus on the sites that interest you most.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The theatrical storytelling approach and music history make it engaging for older children and teens, especially those interested in music, but it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a more immersive experience.

What happens if I cancel?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If you cancel, your payment is non-refundable.

In the end, the Soul of Memphis Step-On Tour offers a heartfelt, theatrical tour into Memphis’s musical soul. If you’re someone who values storytelling, live music, and authentic sites, this tour can bring the city’s legendary sound to life in a way that’s both educational and emotionally resonant. It’s particularly ideal for those who prefer a private, personalized experience and don’t mind managing a bit of their own logistics to maximize their time in Memphis.