Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour

Explore Memphis’s Musical Heart with a 3-Hour Bus Tour

This Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour offers an engaging look into the city’s legendary musical scene for $66 per person. Beginning at Alfred’s On Beale, the tour lasts 3 hours and features a guided visit to the iconic Sun Studio, known as the Home of the Blues. What makes this experience stand out is the live music provided by professional musicians who lead singing and interactive activities during the journey. The tour is perfect for those who want a fun, educational, and musical overview of Memphis in a short time frame.

The tour is tailored for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike, with pass-by locations of famous homes of Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. While the bus does not offer wheelchair lifts, those with collapsible mobility aids can usually participate comfortably. With excellent reviews and a 4.8-star rating from 287 reviews, this tour remains a popular choice for visitors wanting a lively, music-focused introduction to Memphis.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Guided tour of Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll
• Live performances by professional musicians on board
• Passes by historic sites including Beale Street, Stax Studio, and the Lorraine Motel
• Interactive activities like singing along with tambourines, shakers, and bongos
• Tour duration of 3 hours, typically in the afternoon
• No hotel pickup, meeting at Alfred’s on Beale Street

Visiting Sun Studio: Behind the Scenes in Memphis’s Musical Landmark

The Sun Studio visit is a central highlight of this tour, where you receive a guided tour that offers an insider’s look at the legendary recording space. Known as the “Home of the Blues,” Sun Studio has hosted iconic figures like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The tour allows you to walk in the footsteps of musical giants and learn about the studio’s pivotal role in shaping American music.

While the Sun Studio tour is included in the package, the main bus tour provides a broader view of Memphis’s musical landscape, making it ideal for those who want a rundown without the need for an extended visit.

Memphis Landmarks Along the Route

The bus travels past several important sites that define Memphis’s musical and cultural history. These include Beale Street, famous for its live blues clubs and vibrant nightlife, and Stax Studio, a cornerstone of soul music. The Lorraine Motel, a significant civil rights landmark, also features along the route, offering a glimpse into Memphis’s broader history.

Other notable locations are Cotton Row, Overton Park, and the historic homes of Elvis, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. The tour provides visual context and interesting stories about each site, making it a well-rounded introduction to Memphis’s musical heritage and civil rights history.

Live Music and Commentary on the Bus

What sets this tour apart is the musicianship of the guides. All guides are professional Beale Street musicians, who entertain by singing, playing guitar, and sharing stories about Memphis’s musical scene. They perform songs from various genres, including blues, gospel, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, adding a personal and lively touch to the experience.

Reviews praise the guide’s talent, noting their knowledgeable commentary and entertaining performance style. It’s common to sing along or clap to the rhythm, creating a participatory atmosphere that many find highly enjoyable.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Interactive Singing Experience

Throughout the tour, participants are encouraged to grab tambourines, shakers, bongos, or simply sing along. This interactive element makes the experience more engaging, especially for those who love to participate in music. The informal and fun tone of the guides encourages everyone to join in as much or as little as they like.

Reviewers highlight the energetic performances and informative commentary, making the bus ride feel more like a concert combined with a city tour. The music and stories seamlessly blend, providing a personalized flavor to the sightseeing.

Meeting Point and Tour Logistics

The tour departs from Alfred’s on Beale, located at 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103. Since there is no hotel pickup, visitors should plan to meet at the designated location on time. The tour does not include alcohol or drugs, and the bus lacks a wheelchair lift, but collapsible wheelchairs are usually accommodated with prior notice.

The bus offers an air-conditioned environment, ensuring comfort during the three-hour drive. The tour is generally available in the afternoon, making it a flexible option for most visitors.

Value and Overall Experience

At $66, the tour offers excellent value, considering the includes a Sun Studio guided tour and live music performances led by talented musicians. The high ratings and numerous positive reviews attest to its popularity and quality.

Many reviewers mention that guides are not only knowledgeable but also entertaining, and the interactive singing adds a memorable touch. The tour is suitable for all ages, making it an ideal activity for families, music fans, or history buffs wanting an upbeat, informative introduction to Memphis.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some note that time passes quickly during the drive, and certain landmarks are seen from the bus, limiting their detail or opportunity for photos. The Sun Studio tour can be crowded and may have space limitations, but this does not significantly diminish the experience.

The lack of wheelchair accessibility might be a concern for some, though those with collapsible mobility aids can usually participate with advance notice.

The Sum Up: A Vibrant Dive into Memphis’s Music Scene

This 3-hour bus tour offers a lively, music-rich overview of Memphis, combining historic landmarks, Sun Studio exploration, and live performance by talented musicians. It’s an energetic and educational experience that emphasizes interactive fun and musical storytelling.

Ideal for music enthusiasts and those wanting a concise yet comprehensive tour of Memphis’s cultural highlights, the experience delivers great entertainment at a reasonable price. While it might not provide deep dives into each site, its personalized and engaging style makes it a standout activity in Memphis.

This tour delivers on its promise of combining music, history, and fun, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors seeking an authentic Memphis experience with memorable performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?
No, the tour begins at Alfred’s on Beale, so guests need to meet there at the scheduled time.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts 3 hours, generally scheduled in the afternoon.

Are there live performances onboard?
Yes, professional musicians who guide the tour sing and play music during the bus ride, making it a musical journey.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The bus does not have a wheelchair lift, but collapsible wheelchairs are usually accommodated with prior notice.

What locations are passed during the tour?
The bus passes Beale Street, Stax Studio, Lorraine Motel, Cotton Row, Overton Park, and the homes of Elvis, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash.

Is the Sun Studio tour included?
Yes, a guided tour of Sun Studio is part of the package, giving an inside look at this legendary recording spot.

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $66 per person, providing a cost-effective way to experience Memphis’s musical landmarks.

Are there any restrictions?
Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and the tour lacks wheelchair accessibility for non-collapsible devices.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially if you enjoy live music, engaging guides, and want a fun, informative way to see Memphis in a short amount of time.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby