Why Memphis?

Many people have asked why we went to Memphis. The reason is simple because this is where almost all of American music is rooted. With the exception of Detroit and Motown, which is a different sound I can't think of any city in the country that has been so instrumental in American music. I can honestly say that someone can pick any genre of music or any artist in existence today and we could trace their influences back to Memphis. Of course I'm not talking about classical (as it predates Memphis by a few hundred years), reggae (music from foreign countries doesn't count), jazz (in my mind one of two styles not mainly based from Memphis), and country (the second style not based from Memphis, but with a very significant influence in Memphis) but rather about hip hop, rap, rock, metal, alternative, etc. For example I will consider two very different groups...First Metallica whom I really enjoy. Metallica's early metal influences included Motorhead, Queen, and Led Zepplin. Queen and Led Zepplin were both influenced by The Who. The Who started out as a band playing R&B covers of songs from the US that they found by mail ordering records from abroad. The Who, The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles all got their start by playing covers of R&B songs. Modern rap or hip hop is the same way. Consider a hip hop star like Jay-Z who likely grew up listening to all kinds of soul records and the connection is even easier. So for people to say that they don't understand why I would take a trip to Memphis I think the real question should be why wouldn't you?