This is the 25th anniversary edition of a special book that beautifully details how, in the 1950s, Underground Memphis embraced African American culture when dominant society abhorred it. The effect rocked the world. We’re all familiar with the stars’ stories, but It Came From Memphis runs with the kids in that first rock & roll audience. Stars pass through Elvis, Aretha, Jerry Lee, but the emphasis is on the singular achievements of Alex Chilton, Jim Dickinson, Furry Lewis and wrestler Sputnik Monroe. This is a book about the weirdos, winos and midget wrestlers who forged the rock and roll spirit, unwittingly changing the fabric of America. Music liberated that Memphis audience, and the world followed.
By Robert Gordon
(paperback) $19.95
