Rock 'n' Roll Tours

04/03/2025

Vanishing Elvis History: Vernon Presley's Dolan Drive Home

61 years ago today, Vernon Presley moved into his new home on Dolan Drive - a gift from Elvis. Local legend suggests the King purchased this property after his mother-in-law's redecorating of Graceland strayed too far from Gladys' original vision.

Today, this piece of Elvis history stands as a haunting reminder of how quickly we can lose these historic treasures. Owned by an absentee California couple, the property has been abandoned to the elements for nearly a decade:
- Roof slowly caving in
- Trees growing through the former pool
- General decay claiming more of the structure each year

It's heartbreaking to watch another piece of Elvis history potentially fade away. Memphis deserves better than to lose these irreplaceable landmarks to neglect.

Want to see this and other hidden Elvis locations while they're still standing? Join us for a private Elvis Legacy Experience where we'll show you the Memphis that shaped the King - beyond just Graceland.

Book now at [www.RocknRollTours.net](http://www.RocknRollTours.net)

03/31/2025

Elvis Monday Special: The Rabbi & The King

NEW VIDEO DROP! 🎬 We're uncovering a fascinating piece of Elvis history at 462 Alabama Avenue that most fans have never heard about.

Did you know Elvis had a special connection with a Memphis Rabbi's family? Or that he wasn't living at Lauderdale Courts when he recorded at Sun?

Stand with us at the exact spot where Elvis took that iconic photo with his '42 Zephyr, and discover the touching story of friendship between the Presleys and the Fruchters.

💫 Watch now on YouTube: Link in the comments below
(Pro tip: Copy link and paste in browser for best viewing!)

Want to walk in Elvis's footsteps? Book a private tour at RocknRollTours.net

03/29/2025

The Historic Randolph Building: A Lost Treasure of Beale Street

Did you know Elvis Presley reported to the Memphis Draft Board in this very building? The magnificent Randolph Building, once Memphis's tallest structure, stood proudly at the corner of Beale and Main Streets from 1891 until its demolition in the 1970s.

Quick Facts:
• Built in 1891, standing proudly at Beale and Main Streets
• Memphis's first "skyscraper" and tallest building at the time
• Known as the "M&M Building" in later years
• Historic site of the Memphis Draft Board where Elvis and other young men registered
• Lost to demolition during Beale Street's urban renewal project in the 1970s

Fun fact: Judge Randolph also owned a beautiful Italianate Victorian mansion on Beale Street (built 1875-77), which was later used as a Community Center before its demolition in 1976.

These lost architectural treasures remind us of Beale Street's rich history and why preservation is so important. Join us on our tours to discover more hidden stories of Memphis's fascinating past!

03/24/2025

🎖️ 67 Years Ago Today: Elvis Reports for Duty

On this day in 1958, at 6:30 AM, Elvis Presley walked into the M&M Building in downtown Memphis and began his journey with the U.S. Army. His parents, Gladys and Vernon, and girlfriend Anita Wood were by his side as he prepared to trade his blue suede shoes for combat boots.

Fun fact: Among the twelve recruits with Elvis that morning was his old friend from Lauderdale Courts, Guy Farley! Talk about a Memphis connection!

Elvis kept his signature humor that morning, telling reporters: "There's not much difference between this and making a movie. In Hollywood, you have to get up at 5 a.m. and be on the set at 6. The only different thing here is that you don't have a limousine."

After receiving his Army serial number and being sworn in by Maj. Elbert P. Turner, Elvis boarded a bus downtown heading to Kennedy Veterans Hospital for processing, beginning a journey that would take him from Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, to Fort Hood, Texas, and eventually to Germany.

💭 Pop Quiz: Do you know where the historic M&M Building was located? Drop your guess in the comments!

(Stay tuned for our Wednesday post about the M&M Building's history!)

👉 Want to walk in Elvis's footsteps and discover more hidden Memphis music history? Join us for a private tour! Book at www.RocknRollTours.net

03/21/2025

**🐐 Beale Street Friday: The Story of the Gallina Exchange Building 🏰**

Step into the heart of Beale Street and discover an extraordinary piece of Memphis history—the **Gallina Exchange Building.** Built in 1891, this remarkable structure started as a grand saloon and gambling hall, commissioned by Judge Charles Gallina, a larger-than-life figure known for his love of horse racing and, apparently, a great mustache.

✨ **From Luxury to Loss:**
In its heyday, the Gallina Exchange Building was a beacon of opulence. It housed a 24-hour saloon with walnut paneling, a lavish gambling hall, and even a hotel with 20 rooms boasting marble fireplaces. Judge Gallina took his creativity to the next level by moving his family to live on the third floor and holding court on the second. Truly, the building was the pride of Beale Street.

Over the years, the building transformed, serving as a pharmacy, clothing store, and even a dentist's office. By the 1980s, tragedy struck when fire and fierce winds reduced it to only a shell. Six steel girders now support its skeletal remains, a sight that’s hard to miss.

🐐 **From Courtrooms to Irish Diving Goats:**
Fast-forward to the 1990s, and **Silky O'Sullivan's** breathed new life into the space, turning its open expanse into one of the liveliest patios on Beale Street. Adding to the charm are Silky's quirky mascots—**the Irish Diving Goats.** Yes, goats! Angela and Xena, Silky's South African Boer goats, have been delighting patrons for decades, watching the Beale Street festivities. While they once enjoyed the occasional beer (thanks to their stint on *The Tonight Show*), they're now happy to frolic in their beer-free kingdom.

Today, the Gallina Exchange Building is a testament to Memphis' resilient spirit. From Judge Gallina's luxe vision to Silky O'Sullivan's delightful revelry, this iconic Beale Street landmark brings the city’s vibrant history alive like no other.

👉 Ready to uncover more unique Memphis history? Explore untold tales and hidden gems with us at [Rock 'n' Roll Tours](https://www.RocknRollTours.net). Book a tour today, and let us take you on a journey through the stories that make Memphis magical.

03/19/2025

🏰 **Memphis Wednesday: The Story of Robert B. Snowden, Jr. & Ashlar Hall** 🎩

If Memphis had its very own castle, it would undoubtedly be **Ashlar Hall**. This stunning "mock castle" at 1397 Central Avenue was designed and built in 1896 by R. Brinkley Snowden, a prominent Memphis real estate baron. But the true enchantment of this story lies with his son, **Robert Bogardus Snowden Jr.**, the man who called this castle home.

Born at **Ashlar Hall** the very year it was completed, Robert grew up surrounded by wealth, prestige, and Memphis history. And what a life he led!

✈️ **From Flying Dreams to Farming Reality:**
Robert studied agriculture with plans of becoming a farmer, but **World War I** took him on a different path. He served as a pilot during the war, where he fell in love with his future wife, Grace Mountcastle, a nurse who later became his partner in farming and civic life. After the war, the couple married in 1919 and settled on a grand estate called **Snowden Plantation**, a 1,000-acre farm near Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas.

🎡 **Life Beyond the Castle Walls:**
Robert remained close to Memphis, playing an active role in civic activities like the famous **Cotton Carnival.** But his heart was always in the skies. In the late 1920s, his dreams took flight when he launched an airplane factory in Little Rock, designing and producing over 350 planes. Unfortunately, the **stock market crash of 1929** forced him to shutter his factory and return to farming, a pursuit he and Grace continued until their passing in the 1980s.

🕰️ **Ashlar Hall Today:**
Though Robert’s life moved beyond Memphis, his childhood home continues to captivate locals and visitors alike. Known as "Memphis' Castle," **Ashlar Hall** has lived many lives. Once a private residence, it also functioned as a restaurant, nightclub, and artist haven. Today, it stands as a monument to Memphis history and Robert’s remarkable story.

When people talk about Memphis’ “old money,” the **Snowden name** always comes up. Their legacy stretches far beyond architecture and wealth—it’s rooted in service, innovation, and unforgettable contributions to Memphis culture.

💭 What’s your favorite Memphis landmark with a story as rich as Ashlar Hall’s? Let us know in the comments!

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Ready to explore hidden stories like these in Memphis? Join us on a private tour and uncover Memphis’ secrets—where castles meet cotton fields and history comes alive. Book your tour today: www.RocknRollTours.net.

🛤️ Stay tuned for more discoveries next Wednesday!

03/17/2025

🌟 **Elvis' Hidden Memphis: The Pinch District Connection**

**Exploring Elvis' Spiritual Journey in Memphis...**

Did you know? After living in Lauderdale Courts, the Presley family moved to 462 Alabama Ave in the Pinch District. While the original house is now gone (due to highway construction), the story of what happened there is absolutely fascinating!

While living on the bottom floor, the Presleys formed an incredible friendship with their upstairs neighbors - Rabbi Alfred and Jeanette Fruchter. This relationship reveals a beautiful chapter in Elvis' spiritual journey:

✨ **The Friendship:**
- The Fruchters often helped the Presleys financially
- Lent Elvis their record player
- Shared many meals together
- Gave Elvis a special graduation present

👑 **Elvis & Jewish Traditions:**
- Loved Jeanette's challah on Friday nights
- Helped with their baby
- Assisted the family during Shabbat
- Later donated to Memphis Hebrew Academy (where "Sir Rabbi" Alfred was principal)
- Contributed to the Jewish Community Centre in Gladys' name

Did you know? Elvis' connection to Judaism might have deeper roots - his maternal great-grandmother was believed to have Jewish heritage. You can see hints of this on Gladys' original gravestone, now preserved in the Graceland archives.

🎵 **Elvis' Spiritual Symbols:**
He famously wore both the Star of David and Chai (symbolizing vitality and good luck). As he said, he wore various religious symbols because "he didn't want to be rejected from heaven on a technicality." Ever the spiritual seeker!

👉 **Want to explore these hidden Memphis stories in person?** Join us for a private tour where we dig deeper into the real Elvis - beyond the usual tourist spots!

[Book Your Private Tour Here] www.rocknrolltours.net

Stay tuned! Full video coming soon to our YouTube channel!

03/14/2025

🎸 When Tour Stories Lead to Hidden Rock History - And Create New Memories!

Yesterday's VIP Elvis Legacy Experience with Larry and Cheryl from Dallas turned into an amazing journey of discovery! Not only were they blown away by our deep dive into Elvis' Memphis and the incredible scope of Graceland, but it led us to uncover some fascinating hometown connections.

During our personalized tour, Larry mentioned his roots in Wichita Falls, Texas. As Rock 'n' Roll Tours, we love these moments—when one story leads to another piece of hidden rock history!

Here's what we discovered about Elvis in Wichita Falls:

🎤 1955 - The Early Days:

April 25: Elvis, Scotty, and Bill played the M-B Corral Club
August 22: A memorable show at Spudder Park

🎸 1956 - Rising Star:

January 19: Two shows at Municipal Auditorium (tickets just $1.25-$1.50!)
April 9: Returned as a headliner after his Milton Berle Show appearance

💫 Local Memories: An 8-year-old fan remembered, "He was real nice and polite to the crowd" (though his mom wasn't happy about school the next day!). Some fans even claimed they snagged the hood ornament from Elvis' Cadillac!

This is what makes our VIP Elvis Legacy Experience special - it's not just about seeing the sites, it's about connecting the dots of rock 'n' roll history and discovering your own connection to the King's story. Every tour reveals new stories, new connections, and new perspectives on Elvis' incredible journey.

👉 Ready to Discover Your Elvis Connection? Don't miss out on creating your own Memphis memories. Our VIP Elvis Legacy Experience gives you the following:

Personal guide sharing exclusive stories
Complete Graceland access
Hidden Elvis locations most tours miss
Intimate, personalized experience (max 5 guests)
Door-to-door service

🎵 Book your VIP experience today and let's uncover your connection to Elvis' story. Who knows? Maybe he performed in your hometown too!

Book Your VIP Elvis Legacy Experience Now



P.S. Spots are limited (we keep groups small for the best experience), so don't wait to book your personal journey through Elvis' Memphis!

03/13/2025

🎸 Something NEW for Elvis fans at Graceland! Check out this exclusive sneak peek at the brand-new exhibit. Guess which piece of music history we found? Watch now and let us know your thoughts below! 👇✨

03/07/2025

🎶 Planning a B.B. King Adventure! 🎸

Hey, rock 'n' roll fans! I’ve got something special in the works, and I’m bringing you along for the ride. In the next couple of weeks, I’m heading over to Itta Bena, Mississippi—the hometown of the legendary B.B. King!

As part of my research for a brand-new B.B. King Tour, I’ll also be exploring other towns across the Mississippi Delta that shaped the King of the Blues’ incredible journey. While I’m there, I thought, why not bring YOU the Delta experience too?

💡 Here’s the idea:
I’ll be going LIVE on Facebook from a few key spots to give you a sneak peek into the life of B.B. King and the places that inspired him.
For those who can’t make it to the Mississippi Delta, I’m planning some quick, behind-the-scenes videos to bring the stories right to you.

What do you think? Would you want to:
👉 Join me live?
👉 Watch the quick videos later?

Let me know by liking this post, dropping a comment, or sharing it with a fellow blues fan! Your input will help me shape this experience so I can bring the magic to you in the best way possible.

🤘 At Rock 'n' Roll Tours, we’re always digging deep to bring you the coolest rock ‘n’ roll stories and unforgettable tours, and this B.B. King Tour is going to add some serious blues magic to the lineup!

Stay tuned for updates—I’ll share the date soon. Until then, let’s celebrate the Blues! 🎷🎶🎉

02/27/2025

🎶 **March is Almost Here — Memphis is Calling!** 🎸

Spring is the *perfect* time to explore the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and the soul of American music. On our tours, you’ll stand where legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Otis Redding made history—and see Memphis as it was meant to be experienced! 🌟

Check out some of the iconic stops featured on our tours:
📍 *Take a stroll down Beale Street, the heartbeat of Memphis music.*
📍 *Visit the legendary Stax Museum, home to soul music’s greatest moments.*
📍 *Snap a pic at Sun Studio and see where rock ‘n’ roll began.*

🚨 **March dates are filling fast!** Don’t miss out—book now to secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable journey through Memphis music history.

📅 *Reserve your spot today:* https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/4afcfbce-a1d7-46cf-b0cf-83febcb34e6f/product-list/83281?page=1
📩 Questions? Drop a comment or shoot me a message!

Let me show you the sights, sounds, and stories that define Memphis—one stop at a time. Let’s make this March truly rock ‘n’ roll!

12/11/2024

🎸 Did You Know? Elvis Presley was just 19 when he stepped into Sun Studio for his first recording session! That moment changed music forever.

Join Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours to get the full story—and see where it all began. You’ll also discover hidden spots that shaped Memphis’s music legacy!

📆 Book your tour now and walk in the footsteps of Elvis and rock legends!

🔗 https://www.rocknrolltours.net/vip-elvis-experience

What's your favorite Elvis Sun song? Ours is Baby, Let's Play House.

12/09/2024

🎵 Hidden Memphis Gem Alert 🔥

Ever wonder where Elvis got his gospel soul?

Let me take you back in time to East Trigg Baptist Church, where young Elvis would slip in on Sundays, soaking in the powerful sounds that would shape his music forever...

💡 Fun fact: The pastor here, Dr. Herbert Brewster, wrote Mahalia Jackson’s million-selling “Move On Up A Little Higher” and broadcast on the same radio station (WHBQ) that would later play Elvis’s first record!

As we celebrate East Trigg Baptist Church’s century of musical influence, these stories become even more precious to preserve and share.

🎯 Discover more hidden Memphis connections on our private VIP tours...

👉 Book your exclusive experience today! www.RocknRollTours.net

10/31/2024

🎸 JOIN OUR TEAM AS A BEALE STREET BLITZ TOUR GUIDE! 🎺

Are you passionate about Memphis history and love sharing stories? We're seeking enthusiastic individuals to lead unforgettable tours on iconic Beale Street starting in 2025!

✨ Why Join Us?
- Earn $50 per tour, plus bonuses and commissions
- Flexible schedule – ideal for retirees, students, or gig workers
- Gain experience and grow into leading private tours
- Training provided with a lively tour script

🗓️ Tour Availability:
- Tours will vary from 1 to 5 per month, with the potential to increase as you gain experience
- Flexible hours; most tours will move towards afternoons or early evenings

🌟 Ideal Candidate:
- Passionate about Memphis & Beale Street history
- Strong public speaking skills
- Comfortable walking and speaking for an hour
- Smartphone-savvy to enhance tours with music
- Independent contractor role

Explore our tour: https://www.rocknrolltours.net/beale-street-blitz

📧 Ready to inspire with us? Email [email protected] with the subject: "Beale Street Blitz Guide"

08/09/2024

Did you know that Elvis used to unwind by playing touch football with his closest friends right here in Memphis? 🏈 This hidden spot holds memories of laughter, competition, and camaraderie that fueled his incredible journey. Want to stand where Elvis did and hear the stories that made these moments special? Join our tour and uncover the secrets of Memphis’ musical past!

**Tours like these give you an inside look into the lesser-known moments that shaped rock ‘n’ roll history. Don’t just visit Memphis—experience it with us. 🎸

08/07/2024

🎸 We had an amazing family join us on our Johnny Cash Tour this past Friday! They had a fantastic time learning about Johnny Cash’s early days in Memphis. Their son, a huge Johnny Cash fan, was thrilled to explore the sights and stories of the Man in Black.

On my recommendation, they visited , a top-notch guitar store here in Memphis. They were so impressed that they ended up taking a beautiful guitar home with them! 🎸

If you’re a fan of Johnny Cash or just love discovering music history, we’d love to have you on our next Johnny Cash Tour. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

👉 Book your tour today and let’s create some unforgettable memories together!

06/05/2024

🎸🌅 Experience the Heart of Music History with The Johnny Cash Experience in Memphis! 🌅🎸

Ever wondered what inspired the legendary Man in Black? Join us on a journey through Memphis, the city that shaped Johnny Cash's early musical career. From his iconic first recordings to the venues that echoed with his groundbreaking sound, this tour offers an intimate glimpse into the roots of a music legend.

👣 Walk in the footsteps of Johnny Cash.
🎶 Discover the places that nurtured his unique style.
📸 See rare memorabilia that tells the story of his rise to fame.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a history buff, this tour promises unforgettable insights into one of music’s most influential figures.

📅 Limited spots available – Book your tour today and step into the legend with us!

🔗www.RocknRollTours.net

05/26/2024

A couple of years ago, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jimmy Harrell from Alton and Jimmy, who recorded at the legendary Sun Records in Memphis, TN.

In our blog, we dive into the rich history of Sun Records and chat with Jimmy Harrell about their iconic tracks.

📀 Featured:

The story behind Sun Records 323 A-Side "No More Crying the Blues"
An exclusive interview with Jimmy Harrell
Behind-the-scenes tales from the golden days of rock 'n' roll

Curious to hear more? Check out the full blog post where you can listen to the complete 20-minute interview and immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Memphis music.

👉 Read the blog and listen to the podcast here! https://www.rocknrolltours.net/post/memphis-rock-n-roll-history-jimmy-harrell

✨ Want to experience it all firsthand? Join me on a Rock 'n' Roll Tour and discover the hidden gems of Memphis, from historic recording studios to iconic landmarks. Book your tour now at www.rocknrolltours.net!

Don't forget to subscribe to my podcast for more fascinating stories and follow us on social media for the latest updates!

🎶

Explore Memphis rock 'n' roll history with Brandon Cunning! Dive into Sun Records stories, exclusive interviews, and book your tour today!