Stax Music Academy, inextricably linked to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, is paying homage to its roots with its latest production “A Century of Soul: Facing Our History.” The completely student-run production will take place Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at The Coronet, located at 5770 Shelby Oaks Drive in Bartlett.
The production narrative centers on a character, Charles, who is on a journey to discover his voice and what he’s meant to do in life. He references history to chart a course for his future.
“The students are paying homage to the artists who have shaped American music over the last 100 years,” said Isaac Daniel, executive director of Stax Music Academy. “The journey begins with spirituals and continues on with gospel, blues, soul and rhythm & blues.”
Stax Music Academy is under the Soulsville Foundation umbrella, along with the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Soulsville Charter School. The foundation aims to honor the legacy of Stax Records and its artists, whose legacies inspire artists of today.
“This show is a powerful example of storytelling through music and performance. These young artists share the story of African American resilience and cultural contributions, honoring the past while expressing the future they are building,” said Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO, Soulsville Foundation. “Now more than ever, it’s essential that young people know the full history of America, and telling our story through song resonates across audiences of all ages while ensuring the next generation understands the full American story.”
Artists like Booker T. and the MGs, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, B.B. King, Whitney Houston, Frankie Beverly & Maze and a host of other musical giants will be celebrated and covered throughout the show. An original student composition will also be featured.
“Not only will our students explore the incredible musical legacy these giants have contributed to American music, but audience members will have an opportunity to experience the stories behind the music,” added Daniel.
Daniel and his instructors have guided students throughout the preparation of this immense production and equipped them to handle every aspect of the mass undertaking, behind the scenes and out front, from lighting to sound, instrumentation, singing, acting, filming, green screen using AI, and more.
“I have seen tremendous growth in these students from beginning to now, and I’m so proud of the work they’ve done,” said Daniel. “They have put in so much hard work, and now they see what it takes to put on a production of this magnitude.”
Daniel said there were some tough days, when students wondered why they had to do things over and over. Starting and stopping, and starting again.
“Our instrumentalists were also challenged with sight-reading, which some of them weren’t used to. We’re stretching them in every way,” said Daniel.
A look back into their history also prepared the students for their big weekend. They visited the National Civil Rights Museum ahead of the production.
“We wanted them to understand why we are doing this — and being in Memphis, it’s important that they see the significance of why we’re doing this here,” said Daniel.
The school is also partnering with Facing History and Ourselves, a national program that uses history lessons to challenge racism, antisemitism and other forms of bigotry and hate. This year’s production is the first of a new series that couples these concepts with music history.
For more than 25 years, Stax Music Academy has been preparing and training students to pursue careers in music, live entertainment and music-related fields. This production is an example and extension of that education.
“Our students have learned the difference between this type of work and being in the studio, where you have a chance to try and try again,” said Daniel. “They’re learning that there’s a standard that must be upheld, and the need for accurate portrayals … this is more than just ‘putting on a live show.’ We are all about excellence!”
And that’s what is expected this weekend.
In addition to an anticipated stellar production, there are a few surprises planned for Friday’s performance. Attendees can expect to see and hear one of the artists from Memphis performing his or her song that rose to the top of the charts to become one of the greatest songs in American history. Who is it? You’ll have to attend to see.
More than 1,000 Memphis-area students are attending two free daytime shows Thursday, Feb. 19, and Friday, Feb. 20. The public can purchase tickets for Friday night’s production here.
Learn more at https://staxmusicacademy.org/
