Memphis Mojo Bus Tour

Discover Memphis’s Musical Heart on the Memphis Mojo Bus Tour

For just $38.41 per person, the Memphis Mojo Bus Tour offers an engaging 1.5 to 3-hour journey through Memphis’s legendary music scene. Departing from Alfred’s on Beale Street, this guided sightseeing experience is led by local musicians who bring the city’s vibrant musical history to life through live performances, storytelling, and humor. The tour is highly recommended, earning a perfect 5.0/5 rating from over 1,300 reviews and a 96% recommendation rate.

What makes this tour stand out is its blend of entertainment and education with live music, historical insights, and visits to iconic locations. The tour’s flexible itinerary covers famous streets, historic landmarks, and the early homes of legendary artists like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. A key feature is the Backbeat Rhythm Section, where everyone can participate with tambourines and bongos, adding an interactive element that resonates with music lovers.

While most of the experience takes place on the bus, the tour offers optional admission to Sun Studio and the Stax Museum, making it a comprehensive way to get a feel for Memphis’s musical legacy. Keep in mind, the tour does not include hotel pickup and most stops are pass-by or short visits, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a lively, music-filled ride with storytelling.

Key Points

• Led by local musicians who share stories, songs, and humor
• Visit Beale Street, Stax Studio, Lorraine Motel, and other landmarks
• Participate in the Backbeat Rhythm Section with tambourines and bongos
• Optional upgrades include Sun Studio and Stax Museum admission
• Duration varies from 1.5 to 3 hours, with most tours booked 24 days in advance
• No hotel pickup or drop-off included, meeting at Alfred’s on Beale Street

Starting at Beale Street: Memphis’s Legendary Music Hub

The tour kicks off on Beale Street, in front of Alfred’s, right in the heart of Memphis’s musical scene. This famous street is known as the Home of the Blues, and as the tour begins, a professional Beale Street musician acts as your guide, blending stories, singing, and comedy. This sets a lively tone for the entire experience.

The guide explains how W.C. Handy earned the nickname “Father of the Blues”, providing background that enriches the sightseeing. You’ll also hear about Memphis’s historic grand hotel and the Cotton Exchange on Cotton Row, connecting the city’s history to its musical heritage. The tour moves past the Mississippi River, emphasizing its importance to Memphis’s development as a musical and cultural center.

A quick stop highlights Elvis Presley’s family home, offering a glimpse into Elvis’s roots in Memphis. The tour also features stories about Danny Thomas and St. Jude’s Hospital, connecting Memphis’s history to community landmarks.

Visiting the Birthplace of Rock & Roll at Sun Studio

An optional highlight is the admission to Sun Studio, often called the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll”. This legendary studio launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison. The guided tour of Sun Studio reveals how these iconic artists began their journeys and features the original recording equipment and memorabilia.

The tour’s flexibility means travelers can decide whether to visit Sun Studio as part of the experience. When included, it provides an invaluable look at Memphis’s influence on global music, making it a highlight for music fans.

Exploring Overton Park and Elvis’s Early Days

Next, the bus heads to Overton Park, home to the Overton Park Shell, where Elvis Presley had his first concert. A brief 10-minute stop offers a chance to see the site and learn about Elvis’s early performances in Memphis.

The tour also covers Overton Square and Lafayette’s, lively districts known for their entertainment and nightlife. The Stax Records site is another major stop, celebrating Southern soul music. Here, the tour showcases Memphis’s influence on genres like soul, R&B, and gospel, with stories about Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and the Staples Singers.

Civil Rights and Memphis’s Social History

An important aspect of the tour is the explanation of the 1968 Sanitation Strike and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Motel, now part of the National Civil Rights Museum. This adds context to Memphis’s cultural landscape, illustrating its role in social justice and history alongside its musical achievements.

The Route and Short Stops: What’s Included

The itinerary includes multiple stops with short durations, allowing for brief explanations and photo opportunities. Key stops include Beale Street, the Grand Hotel, Cotton Exchange, and the Presley family home. The tour also briefly visits St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Mississippi River, emphasizing Memphis’s diverse historical significance.

Participants can expect stories, live music, and interesting facts at each site. The guide’s entertaining storytelling style and musical performances make each stop engaging, especially when the Backbeat Rhythm Section joins the fun with tambourines and bongos.

Overton Park, Stax Records, and Civil Rights Landmarks

The Overton Park area holds stories about Elvis’s first concert and the cultural vibrancy of Memphis. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music showcases a wide collection of legendary soul artists, and the tour explains the significance of Stax Records in shaping Southern soul.

The Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated, is now a key civil rights site. The tour explains the events of 1968 and how Memphis has evolved as a city of both musical innovation and social change.

The Optional Sun Studio and Stax Museum Upgrades

The upgraded option includes admission to Sun Studio and the Stax Museum, transforming the tour into a comprehensive musical exploration. Sun Studio’s historic recordings are a major draw, and the Stax Museum offers an immersive look at soul music’s history.

Both sites are easily accessible from the bus stops, and the guided tours at each location provide rich stories and memorabilia. This upgrade is especially recommended for those eager to explore Memphis’s musical roots in detail.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour begins at Alfred’s on Beale and ends at the same location, making logistics straightforward. The tour typically accommodates up to 36 travelers, ensuring a friendly and engaging atmosphere. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation and within a few blocks of parking garages and open-air parking lots, including one at 149 Peabody Place.

Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so visitors should plan their arrival accordingly. The tour operates most weather conditions, with cancellations possible only in case of poor weather, in which case a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

The Guide: Musical Storytelling and Interactivity

Multiple reviews praise the guide’s storytelling ability, with many highlighting musicianship, singing, and humor. Guides like Andrew and Emily are noted for making the experience lively and informative, often performing songs of Memphis’s musical icons. This adds a personal touch that makes the tour particularly memorable.

The Backbeat Rhythm Section allows everyone to get involved with simple percussion instruments, creating a participatory atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment.

Pricing, Booking, and Cancellation Policy

At just over $38, the Memphis Mojo Bus Tour offers excellent value for a comprehensive, music-focused experience. Most bookings are made 24 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, providing flexibility for travelers.

The tour does not include admission to Sun Studio or Stax Museum unless upgraded, but these can be added for a more in-depth experience. No hotel pickup is provided, so plan to meet at the designated starting point.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is ideal for music fans, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a lively overview of Memphis’s cultural scene. The combination of live music, storytelling, and brief site visits appeals to those who enjoy interactive, engaging experiences. It’s suitable for most travelers, especially those who appreciate a relaxed pace with musical entertainment.

The interactive elements and upgraded studio visits make it especially attractive for fans wanting to see Memphis’s roots in person. Those interested in civil rights history will also find meaningful context through the Lorraine Motel stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
No, the tour starts and ends at Alfred’s on Beale. The bus is the primary mode of transport during the experience.

Can I visit Sun Studio and Stax Museum?
Yes, you can upgrade your ticket to include admission to both sites, which are major highlights for music enthusiasts.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the interactive, musical nature makes it suitable for families. However, expect the bus ride to last up to 3 hours, so plan accordingly.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, especially since the tour involves a bus ride and short outdoor stops.

How early should I book?
Most bookings are made 24 days in advance, indicating high popularity. Booking early is advised to secure your spot.

The Memphis Mojo Bus Tour offers a lively, musically rich way to explore Memphis’s highlights, blending storytelling, live performances, and iconic locations. Perfect for those wanting a fun, educational experience rooted in the city’s legendary music scene.