If music has a hometown, Memphis has long made its case as the strongest contender.
From soul and blues to gospel and hip-hop, generations of Bluff City musicians have contributed to the soundtrack of America. Their influence stretches far beyond the banks of the Mississippi River, shaping artists, genres and culture across the globe.
During Black Music Month, the Tri-State Defender turned to the people who know Memphis music best – its readers – to celebrate the songs and artists that continue to define the city’s enduring musical legacy.
Across our social media platforms, we asked one simple question:
What’s your favorite song by a Memphis artist?
Readers revisited timeless classics from Al Green, Isaac Hayes and the Bar-Kays. Others celebrated the pioneers of Memphis rap, choosing favorites from 8Ball and MJG, Three 6 Mafia, Gangsta Boo and Project Pat. Newer artists such as GloRilla, Key Glock, EJ Jones and NLE Choppa also earned their spots among readers’ selections, proving that Memphis continues to shape the sound of modern music.
Together, TSD readers’ responses painted a picture of a city whose musical identity spans generations. Whether rooted in soul, blues, gospel, R&B or Southern hip-hop, one theme remained constant: Memphis music is timeless.
To commemorate Black Music Month and lift the voices of our readers, the Tri-State Defender has curated a Spotify playlist featuring songs submitted through our community poll.
The playlist could never rank all of Memphis’ greatest songs or settle debates over the city’s best artists. Instead, it serves as a celebration of the records that continue to resonate with the people who call Memphis home and those who proudly carry its music wherever they go.
More than a playlist, it is a snapshot of the city’s musical DNA — one built on innovation, resilience, storytelling and unmistakable soul.
Although Black Music Month has come to an end, the music doesn’t stop.
Black Music Month is celebrated every June, but Memphis lands on the nation’s soundtrack all year long.
Every song shared by our readers tells part of Memphis’ story, reminding us that the city’s greatest contributions to American life and culture aren’t just the artists it has produced, but the generations of people whose lives have been shaped by their music.
Listen to the Tri-State Defender’s Black Music Month Spotify playlist and celebrate the music that continues to define our city:
