Blues Hall of Fame, Memphis

The Blues Hall of Fame is a music museum that is a Memphis gem for both serious blues fans and casual visitors. Initially, the "Blues Hall of Fame" was not a physical building, but a listing of people who have significantly contributed to blues music. Started in 1980 by the Blues Foundation, it honors those who have performed, recorded, or documented blues. The actual building for the hall opened to the public on May 8, 2015.

Currently, the museum features robust exhibits and in-depth history, exposing, educating, and entertaining visitors with all that is blues culture. Overall, it highlights more than 400 inductees in five key categories: Performer, Individual, Album, Single, and Literature.

There are in total 10 individualized galleries with interactive touchscreens along with three master databases where visitors can hear the music, watch videos, and read the stories of each of the inductees honored herein. Each gallery also houses one-of-a-kind memorabilia, such as Charlie Musselwhite’s harmonica, hard to find album covers, tour jackets, Mavis Staples’ Grammy gown, Otis Spann’s piano and other iconic pieces. Upstairs, guests can enjoy traveling exhibits that rotate every four months.

The museum was built through the generosity and support of Blues fans so that it would serve all four components of The Blues Foundation’s mission: preserving history, celebrating excellence, supporting education, and ensuring the future of the music.