Overton Park Shell Pathway Marker

The Overton Park Shell in Memphis is one of a few remaining Great Depression-era “band shell” theaters. The shell has hosted a variety of music and theater, including Elvis Presley’s first major appearance. Today, the Overton Park Shell hosts 50 free concerts a year as a way to provide free music and education to a diverse audience. Nationally and internationally renowned artists and musicians have performed, making the shell a must-visit.

While you’re in the home of the blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, you have to check out the music mecca sites like Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Elvis Presley’s Memphis that is an extension of the King’s mansion and houses his cars, planes, costumes, multimedia exhibits and more artifacts. Go to Sun Studio to hear all about the Million Dollar Quartet and that fateful jam session Dec. 4, 1956 involving Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. For a local flair, visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame which honors the wealth of musicians from Johnny Cash to ZZ Top, B.B. King to Three 6 Mafia who have called Memphis home while accomplishing lifetime achievements in music. Get in touch with the soulful side of Memphis at Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum that trace the birth of the genre that impacted the world.