Ten Songs about Memphis

The Travel Pages picks ten songs about Memphis, Tennessee, including tracks by Chuck Berry, Marc Cohn, Roy Acuff and Bob Dylan.

Memphis, Tennessee, is a city steeped in musical history. From the birth of rock ‘n’ roll at Sun Studio to the soulful sounds of Stax Records, Memphis has inspired countless musicians. In this blog post, we explore ten iconic songs about Memphis, diving into their origins, the artists behind them, and the stories that make them unforgettable.

Ten Songs about Memphis

“Memphis, Tennessee” – Chuck Berry (1959)

Songwriter: Chuck Berry
Recording Artist: Chuck Berry
Cover Versions: Johnny Rivers, The Beatles (live performances), Lonnie Mack

Chuck Berry’s “Memphis, Tennessee” is a classic rock ‘n’ roll tune with a twist—it tells the story of a man trying to reach his young daughter, Marie, who lives in Memphis. The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with its bittersweet lyrics, making it one of Berry’s most enduring hits.

Originally released as a B-side to “Back in the U.S.A.,” the song became a hit in the UK, peaking at No. 6. Johnny Rivers’ 1964 cover also charted well, bringing renewed attention to Berry’s original.

Listen to Chuck Berry’s “Memphis, Tennessee” here

And buy it here.

“Walking in Memphis” – Marc Cohn (1991)

Songwriter: Marc Cohn
Recording Artist: Marc Cohn
Cover Versions: Lonestar, Cher

Marc Cohn’s “Walking in Memphis” is a soulful tribute to the city’s musical heritage. Inspired by his own visit to Memphis, the song references Graceland, Beale Street, and gospel legend Muriel Wilkins. Cohn’s vivid storytelling and piano-driven melody earned him a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1992.

The song peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a staple of pop and adult contemporary radio. Country band Lonestar and pop icon Cher have both recorded successful covers.

Listen to Marc Cohn’s “Walking in Memphis” here

And buy it here.

“Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” – Bob Dylan (1966)

Songwriter: Bob Dylan
Recording Artist: Bob Dylan
Cover Versions: The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band

One of Bob Dylan’s most surreal and lyrically dense songs, “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” blends blues, rock, and Dylan’s signature poetic imagery. The song appears on his 1966 album Blonde on Blonde, recorded in Nashville with Memphis-inspired undertones.

While not explicitly about Memphis, the song’s title and bluesy feel pay homage to the city’s musical influence. The Grateful Dead frequently covered it in live performances.

Listen to Bob Dylan’s version here

And buy it here.

“Goin’ to Memphis” – Paul Revere & the Raiders (1966)

Songwriter: Mark Lindsay, Terry Melcher
Recording Artist: Paul Revere & the Raiders
Cover Versions: Rare, but occasionally performed by garage rock bands

This energetic rock track captures the excitement of traveling to Memphis, a city synonymous with musical discovery. Paul Revere & the Raiders were known for their garage rock sound, and “Goin’ to Memphis” fits perfectly within their rebellious style.

The song was featured on their album Midnight Ride, released in 1966. While not as famous as their hit “Kicks,” it remains a fan favorite.

Listen to “Goin’ to Memphis” here

And buy it here.

“Memphis Soul Stew” – King Curtis (1967)

Songwriter: King Curtis
Recording Artist: King Curtis
Cover Versions: Booker T. & the M.G.’s, various instrumental funk bands

An instrumental masterpiece, “Memphis Soul Stew” by King Curtis is a tribute to the city’s soulful sound. The track features a spoken-word intro where Curtis “recipes” the ingredients of a perfect soul song—guitar, bass, drums, and horns.

Recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York, the song became a hit on R&B charts and remains a classic example of Memphis soul.

Listen to “Memphis Soul Stew” here

And buy it here.

“The Memphis Train” – Rufus Thomas (1968)

Songwriter: Rufus Thomas
Recording Artist: Rufus Thomas
Cover Versions: The Blues Brothers

Rufus Thomas, a Stax Records legend, delivered this funky, danceable track celebrating the “Memphis Train.” Known for his energetic performances, Thomas infused the song with his signature humor and swagger. The song was a moderate R&B hit and has been covered by The Blues Brothers in live shows.

Listen to “Memphis Train” here

And buy it here.

“All the Way from Memphis” – Mott the Hoople (1973)

Songwriter: Ian Hunter
Recording Artist: Mott the Hoople
Cover Versions: None major, but influential in glam rock

This rock anthem tells the story of a lost guitar making its way from New York to Memphis. Written by Ian Hunter, the song reflects the band’s struggles and triumphs in the music industry. Featured on their album Mott, it remains one of their most beloved tracks.

Listen to “All the Way from Memphis” here

And buy it here.

“Queen of Memphis” – Confederate Railroad (1992)

Songwriter: Danny Shirley, Chris Waters
Recording Artist: Confederate Railroad
Cover Versions: None major, but a country radio staple

This country-rock hit tells the story of a man reminiscing about a lost love in Memphis. Confederate Railroad’s gritty vocals and twangy guitars made “Queen of Memphis” a standout track on their self-titled debut album.

The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and remains a fan favorite in Southern rock and country circles.

Listen to “Queen of Memphis” here

And buy it here.

“Night Train to Memphis” – Roy Acuff (1940s)

Songwriter: Owen Bradley, Beasley Smith
Recording Artist: Roy Acuff
Cover Versions: Hank Snow, Garth Brooks

A country classic, “Night Train to Memphis” was popularized by Roy Acuff in the 1940s. The song tells the story of a train ride to Memphis, filled with nostalgia and longing.

Hank Snow and Garth Brooks later recorded their own versions, keeping the song alive in country music.

Listen to Roy Acuff’s version here

And buy it here.

“Memphis in the Meantime” – John Hiatt (1987)

Songwriter: John Hiatt
Recording Artist: John Hiatt
Cover Versions: None major, but a cult favorite

John Hiatt’s “Memphis in the Meantime” is a humorous take on the Nashville vs. Memphis music rivalry. The song, from his album Bring the Family, blends country and rock with Hiatt’s sharp wit. Though not a huge commercial hit, it’s a fan favorite and a great ode to Memphis’ musical culture.

Listen to “Memphis in the Meantime” here

And buy it here.

Memphis has inspired countless musicians across genres, from rock ‘n’ roll to soul and country. These ten songs capture the city’s spirit, history, and enduring influence on music. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Memphis’ sound, these tracks offer a perfect introduction to its rich musical legacy.