Memphis Rent Party: The Blues, Rock & Soul in Music’s Hometown Featuring A Q&A with Author Robert Gordon

In conjunction with the recent release of his new book, Memphis Rent Party: The Blues, Rock & Soul in Music’s Hometown, the GRAMMY Museum welcomes celebrated writer and documentary filmmaker Robert Gordon to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate conversation on the major role Memphis has played in American music history. The conversation will be moderated by GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Scott Goldman. In Memphis Rent Party, Gordon taps into the lesser-known characters of Memphis who have inspired and influenced popular music, from the 1970s to the present. With interwoven stories and profiles, the book begins where the greatest hits end. Gordon charts his own musical coming-of-age as he befriends blues legend Furry Lewis, Rolling Stones accompanist Jim Dickinson, and the high priest of indie rock, Alex Chilton. He mulls the tragedy of Jeff Buckley’s fatal swim, chronicles the power struggle to profit off singer/songwriter Robert Johnson’s legacy after his mysterious early death, and sips homemade whiskey at revolutionary blues guitarist Junior Kimbrough’s churning house parties. Gordon’s march through the city’s famed recording studios and juke joints captures the spirit of Memphis and illuminates its musical legacy that lives on today.

This program is free. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. GRAMMY Museum Members receive priority seating. RSVP is required.