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Top 20

Playlist by Adrerrious

This is my playlist. The theme of the playlist is top 20. Five are from the era of Stax and the other five are from 2018.

By Darin McNeal

Wilson Pickett sang “In The Midnight Hour,” a song recorded at Stax Records. I often listen to the older songs because I feel like many songs don’t have many emotions. I like how Pickett expresses his feelings in the songs he sings. I wish there were more people who sang like Pickett on the radio today to make me feel better with these kind of songs. Stax music is held a lot of meaning in the lyrics. The people who played their music looked for the meaning of life and loved how their story went. Pickett didn’t care about the money; he only cared about the people who enjoyed his songs and about having fun while making music. I relate to him because sometimes I don’t make any sense when I’m talking to my friends and family; I just like to talk and be around them. The community loves him no matter what, just like how my friends care about me no matter what happens.

William Bell was born on July 16, 1939 in Memphis, TN. His music career began when he sang back up for Rufus Thomas, another Stax artist. Bell was able to release his first solo album after serving the army in 1967.

Mr. Bell was brought to Stax by one of his producers, Chips Moman. After Stax closed, William signed to Mercury and later, in the mid-1980s, he began to operate his own record label named William Records. After 30 years without a release of an album, Bell decide to rekindle his music with people in 2016. He also was able to win his first Grammy for the Best Americana Album 2016 for his Album This Is Where I Live on the new Stax Records.

By Nyla Dean

By Carson Gilkey

The Staple Singers were a Gospel musical group that turned soul, best known for songs like “I’ll Take You There ”and “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me).” Like the Staple Singers, I grew up playing music with my family. My three brothers and I had a group called Gilkey 4, which we shortened to G4. Music was passed down to us from our Dad. Like Pop Staples, he played guitar. When we would have jam sessions in the den, both my Dad and brother Bryson played bass, Conner played drums, my older brother sang and played keyboard and I played lead guitar. Me and my brothers learned their song “I’ll Take You There,“ and played it at our great grandma’s birthday party. That was a very fun experience to be able to perform that song in front of family and see their reaction to young kids playing an classic song.

By Bryson Gilkey

The Bar-Kays started of as the backing band for Otis Redding. They became very popular in the 1960s, but sadly many of the band members as well as Stax star Otis Redding died in a plane crash with the only survivor being Ben Cauley. The only other survivor was founding member James Alexander, who took another plane. I have actually heard this story many times because saxophonist Phalon Jones was my grandmother’s cousin. So, this band has not only meant something to my family, but also to the world. The Bar-Kays were an important group in the development of soul and funk music.

Despite the tragedy, the two remaining members restarted the band with Larry Dodson as lead singer. This new Bar-Kays are the group that I am the most familiar with because my Dad has worked with them for over 20 years. He would travel with them from state to state as a driver. He is also a bass player and became close with James Alexander , founding bassist. Because of my Dad, I have been to countless shows and interacted with the band many times. Larry and James are role models that I look up to. My Dad has worked as a road manager and driver for many people, but the Bar-Kays are my favorite because they have a kind energy about them as well as a love for the music they produce. Larry especially is always looking out for people like my Dad. For example, my older brother is a singer, and Larry allowed him to come on the road with them to see how the performing business works and to act as a mentor. The Bar-Kays are legendary on and off the stage. Judging from the reactions they receive when they grace the stage, many people know it, as they should. Their legacy will to continue to live on in the history of soul and funk music.

The Soul Children came to Stax Records after Sam and Dave were forced to leave because of the break with Atlantic Records. The group was formed by Isaac Hayes and David Porter in 1968 and consisted of two men and two ladies. Their names were Shelbra Bennett, John Colbert, Anita Louis and Norman Richard West, Jr. The group had multiple hits and many of their songs made it onto the Billboard R&B Chart.

Being in a group it takes a lot of teamwork and communication. In a group, you have to be in accord with the rest of the teammates. You have to learn how to work with others within the group and learn how to deal with situations and complications in order to move forward with tasks. If there is a situation in the group and it goes unsolved, that causes unwanted tension and it stops the group from moving forward. If the Soul Children didn’t know how to communicate and work with one another, then they would’ve never made it as far as they did. I am pretty sure the Soul Children had to make compromises because, like in any other group, there are always complications. Once I was in the youth choir and we had to do a lot of negotiating and teamwork played a major part within the choir. For instance, I remember this one particular day the choir was learning this new song and no one could get the tempo down and the director was getting frustrated. When the director got frustrated, we got frustrated. So, being the peacemaker, I stood up and shared positive energy, meaning being positive and spreading hope. How can you have a negative attitude towards something and expect a positive outcome?

By Alexandria Moody

Shirley Brown is a very popular soul artist that grew up in church singing. This led her to sing in the Harlem Club in Brooklyn where Albert King discovered her only at the age of 14. She received a Grammy in 1974 for her hit song “Woman to Woman,” released on Stax Records. Brown is very popular for her musical style which is mixed with real life problems but also hurt. In my opinion, she is a very strong and independent womon. Although she’s been through a lot, she is remained positive and bounced back from obstacles.

In her song “Woman to Woman,” she states relatable topics such as that the “man you're in love with, he's mine, From the top of his head, to the bottom of his feet.” There are many songs today that captures this same meaning. For example, Beyoncé “Grown Woman,” Alicia Keys “Superwoman” and Kelly Clarkson “Miss Independent.” Throughout the years the style of music might’ve changed, but the feelings and meaning behind the songs haven’t.

“Sam and Dave” were a 1960’s soul duo whose urgency and unbridled passion created some of the most memorable hits on Stax Records. The two creators took part in placing many top ten records including “Soul Man”, “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby’’, and “Hold On! I’m Comin.” Receiving many awards and creating a cult –like following whilst doing so, Sam and Dave have solidified their position in becoming R&B legends.

Sam Moore had a strong voice, often taking the first verse. Dave Prater, Jr. took part in singing the second verse with a thinner and lower voice that included a rougher tone. Even though some would suspect jealousy, both individuals were equally talented in their own rights. The two created and sang with a profound voice and provided great music for everyone to enjoy.

I relate to Sam and Dave because I feel like I bring charisma into any field I take part in. When performing, Sam and Dave did splits, gave high energy footwork, microphone acrobatics and many more electrifying stunts on stage. Whenever I perform or whenever I’m in the mood to create music, I provide a sense of magnetism that would draw in anyone’s attention. Although I don’t take part in splits and knee drops, I still feel like I do my job in appealing my viewer/listener through enunciating loudly and making sure I have everyone’s attention.

By Jabari Park

Rufus Thomas was an was an American R&B, funk and soul artist who performed and recorded until his death. He was mostly known for his dance records on Stax Records, such as “Walking The Dog” and “Do the Funky Chicken.” When Thomas started recording at Stax, he and his daughter recorded the labels’ first hit song “Cause I Love You,” back when the label was known as Satellite Records. With all his years in the music business, Thomas must’ve had a true love for music. I also love, enjoy and perform music. I play the violin, but I don’t write songs to perform. The fact that he has wrote such thoughtful songs is incredible to me.

Thomas got his start by going to clubs where he started performing his own songs until he became a regular performer. As a student at Stax, I’ve performed at churches, at school and our high school graduation. Both Thomas and I have a connection to Stax: him as an artist and myself as a student of the Soulsville Charter School. He impacted the community with the music he made and one of my favorite of his songs of his is “Do the Funky Chicken.” Although I am not a huge fan of his style of singing, his music can still make people get up and dance.

By Kevianna Hardaway

I smile because I’m Happy. He was a natural prince. If you were around him, he communicated love and a tremendous faith in human possibilities. And in 1989, Otis Redding was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was best known for playing soul music and R&B. But most importantly, he loved everything, and he was respectful to other people like his fans and many others.

By Briana Reese

Mavis was born in Chicago, Illinois July 10 1939. Her career started off with her group known as the Staple Singers. This group contains her three siblings Cleotha, Yvonne, and Pervis and her father, “Pops.” People called them “God’s Greatest Hit makers.”

I can relate to Mavis because I understand how it feels to just want to break away from your siblings and do your own thing. I have six living siblings and sometimes it feels good to do things alone.

By Noah Griffin

When Otis Redding died in that devastating plane crash, he was Stax Records’s number one artist. This left Stax scrambling for other artists to keep up the pace and to keep them selling records. One of the artists that kept Stax moving forward was Johnnie Taylor.

Johnnie Taylor brought dozens of number one hits to Stax including his most popular song “Who’s Making Love.” The most repeated line in this song is “Who's making love to your old lady, While you were out making love?” The basis behind this song is about cheating on your significant other without realizing they could be doing the same to you. While you are out showing love and affection to a woman that isn’t your own, you should think about how you would feel if the same happened to you.

Many songs of our generation have similar meanings and messages behind them. Heartbreak and betrayal are two of the most popular themes in music. In today’s generation, the idea of a relationship is often miscommunicated between people, which can lead to the relationship’s downfall. There are many stages that lead up to a relationship that have to be figured out before two people can be committed to each other. In my personal life, these miscommunicated ideas have been existent, and it has led to many disputes between myself and others. One person can feel like they are in a completely committed relationship other while the other thinks that they are just friends. Even though people might not be intentionally cheating, as depicted in Johnny Taylor’s song, they often follow the temptation of having more than one lover.

By Lacey Moore

Jean Knight is an American soul, R&B and funk singer known for her greatest hit “Mr. Big Stuff.” It became one of Stax Records' most popular and recognizable hits. I love that song because in the song she is addressing a ladies' man, letting him know that she's not going to fall for his charms and isn't impressed with his fancy clothes or big fine car. That’s how I am. That stuff does not impress me. That’s how I relate to her.

I really enjoy listening to music and singing. It helps me take my mind off a lot of things. I listen to all types of music such as hip-hop, Rap, R&B, Gospel, Blues and much more. Music helps me release stress and it also calms me down. Music really helps a lot of people when they are going through things. Instead of expressing my feelings sometimes I listen to music, or I put my feelings into a song or write a poem. When I’m going through stuff ,sometimes I sing or just listen to music especially gospel music because I talk to God and tell him about all my problems. My mom thinks I have an old soul because I listen to old music. But the music they make today is way different from the music they made back in the day. I relate to that music more. It’s very different and understandable.

By Joshua Moore

Although he started his career at Stax Records playing sessions, Isaac Hayes wasn’t just a musician, he was a writer. From 1961 to 1968, Isaac mostly wrote songs for other Stax Records’ artists, such as the famous “Soul Man” performed by Sam and Dave, “I Got to Love Somebody” sung by Johnnie Taylor and “Let Me Be Good to You” performed by Carla Thomas,. In 1968, Stax Records released his first solo record, “Presenting Isaac Hayes.” When you listen to his songs, some are happy, some sad, and some just give you a relaxing feel. These songs show that Isaac was a very creative man who could reach out into different genres and apply it to his music. In addition to writing for himself and other artists, he would also make themes and full-on scores for movies and TV shows.

The similarities with me and Isaac mostly come from the fact that we are creative. He could take one genre of music and make over 40 songs for it. We’re also different; Isaac Hayes is my perfect antithesis. I’m more of a video game creator, and cartoon guy. I have a lot ideas for character arcs and a lot of ideas on worlds, but I’m no musician.

By Cedric Crockett, Jr

In 1971, Isaac Hayes won both an Academy Award and a Grammy for his contributions to the movie Shaft. At this time, he was one of the biggest superstars in American music. In January 1972, Isaac Hayes negotiated a Iavish new contract. He received a $26,000 1972 peacock-blue, gold-plated Cadillac. The car was leased by Stax Records. The 1972 cadillac had a refrigerator bar, a television set and 24-carat gold, custom-crafted wheels. You can now see it in the Stax Museum. One of my favorite things about Isaac Hayes was his love for cars.

When he had the option to get the dream car he wanted, he created a masterpiece. He liked the color gold, and I think gold is beautiful on a car. I would use the color gold on a Dodge Charger. Isaac Hayes/ car to me is a wonderful masterpiece.

Isaac also won two of the most famous awards a person can win. I want to win many awards when I grow up, such as an Oscar and MVP of basketball. These things are important to me because, I want to show others who judge my race that we are not what they think we are.

By Keviana Steele

Imagine having goals for the future, but you are stuck not knowing how to plan your life out. You could either have no possible role model, or you just have to put yourself out there to be heard. Carla Thomas’ legacy is an example of how some things don't come easy to us. We see this in her ability to train her entire life for a career in entertainment. An example of her getting ahead consisted of Carla “joining the WDIA Radio’s teen town singers at the age of 10 even though 14 was the age requirement.”

However, I have learned in my personal life that in order to make it to the top that I have to work hard for things and not expect for people to hand things to me. Just like Carla, I have goals, and I decided to make my goals something that I was going to accomplish. I decided to work hard to keep making the principal list and honor roll because I knew that it would get me somewhere, just like Carla knew performing at an early age would get her a record label.

Carla looked upon her dad’s career in order to find her own music styling. Along with her father, Carla went on to be Stax Records first artist to have a hit record titled, “Cause I Love You.” She recorded this first hit at the age 18. Carla accomplishments and my own show how accomplishing goals takes time and effort. For example, I am the first in my family to attend college because I want to leave a positive legacy just as Carla Thomas had. Carla has marked her name in the music industry with a powerful legacy. In conclusion, she inspires me to do the same by making a name for myself in my family while I finish college and find a suitable career.

By Julian Harding

Booker T. and the MGs is one of the best music groups in America in my opinion. The group was a part of the blues and rock genre. I really love the group not just because they are a part of Stax history, but for their style. Booker T. and the MGs music was strictly instrumental. They proved that you don't have to have words to send a message. The songs are relatable in many ways. To me, they inspire people to be different in what they do and to see things from a different angle.

In an interview at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Booker T. said blues is something that would never fade away. I can also hear rock and roll incorporated in the making of “Green Onions.” That song is a feel good song. It doesn’t seem to have any deep meaning. It’s a song that would be played in a jam session. Another popular song is “Time is Tight.” The title fits the song because of the fast melody and the climax of the song.

I find “Let's Go Get Stoned” quite sad. My take is that it's about a heart that just got broken, and the writer is coping with that by getting high, hence the word stoned. The song Sunny is the opposite of the last song. I think it’s about a girl . She is possibly the girl who broke the writer`s heart or the one that plugged the hole in his heart. The song “Sunday Sermon” is exactly what it sounds like. It’s not that surprising since most Stax artists incorporated country, gospel, and rock and roll into their soul music. Nonetheless, their music is fantastic, especially since the interpretation is left up to the listener.

In Booker T. and the MGs, race did not bring them down. Being a bi-racial group in music was probably hard, but their talents and interest brought them together. It didn't matter who they were, as long as they were ready to make some of the best music. These songs are known today as classics.

Popular Music

Playlist by Jamya

This is just a mixture of all of the music that caught my attention while touring through the museum. Even though I knew a couple of the songs, I also included some songs that I love to sing to.

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