Memphis, Tennessee is known for its rich history in music. From blues and rock ‘n’ roll to soul and R&B, this city has been a breeding ground for some of America’s most iconic songs. And at the heart of it all is Stax Records, a music studio that has now been turned into a museum.
But next door to the museum, something special is happening. Trumpets blare, drums boom, and singers craft the soulful sounds of Stax Records’ biggest hits. This is the Stax Music Academy, where young musicians are keeping the legacy of Stax Records alive.
Led by their music director, Sam Franklin IV, the students at the academy are rehearsing for three concerts in Memphis to celebrate Black History Month and the academy’s 25th anniversary. Established in 2000, the academy is an after-school program for teens that teaches them to sing, dance, and play instruments. And the best part? Some students attend for free.
Over the years, the academy has graduated more than 4,000 students. And since 2008, every high school senior has been accepted to a college or university, with many receiving full scholarships. The academy has even performed at prestigious venues such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Kennedy Center.
For these young musicians, being a part of the Stax Music Academy is more than just learning to play an instrument or sing. It’s about continuing the legacy of the influential record company, where some of the most iconic artists in soul and R&B history recorded their biggest hits. From Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” to Sam and Dave’s “Soul Man” and The Staple Singers’ “Respect Yourself,” Stax Records has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Before it went bankrupt in 1975, Stax Records helped develop the raw, emotional Memphis Sound. It was a sound driven by tight horn and rhythm sections, and powerful vocalists. And even though the record company is no longer producing chart-topping music, it still has a program for songwriters. And the building that once housed the studio has been transformed into the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
As the students at the Stax Music Academy practice on a rainy January evening, one can see the diversity among them. Black and white students come together to create music, breaking barriers and stereotypes. And in the midst of their rehearsals, there is laughter, jokes, and a sense of camaraderie. For these young musicians, the academy is not just a place to learn and perform, but also a place to form lifelong friendships with people who share the same passion for music.
The Stax Music Academy began online Black History Month presentations in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme focuses on the U.S. labor movement and its impact on Black people, including work training, entrepreneurship, and unionization. And in keeping with the theme, the academy will be performing a series of in-person concerts at a downtown Memphis venue. Attendees can expect to hear some of Stax Records’ biggest hits, including Sam and Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Arthur Conley’s “Sweet Soul Music,” and “Cause I Love You” by Rufus and Carla Thomas.
In addition to the concerts, the academy has also created a companion study guide that includes lessons and activities highlighting key figures and events that shaped labor policies and standards. For these young musicians, it’s not just about performing, but also about spreading a message and educating others about important issues.
As 18-year-old singer and songwriter Johnathan Cole puts it, “It feels good because with the world going crazy right now, everybody just needs a little bit of love, happiness, and music. That’s what Stax Music Academy has always been about: love, music, creativity.”
And he’s not wrong. In a time when the world is facing so many challenges, music has the power to bring people together, spread love, and heal. And that’s exactly what Stax Music Academy is doing – using music to create positive change and inspire the next generation of musicians and leaders.
The academy is not just about preserving the legacy of Stax Records, but also about teaching its students important values such as cooperation, dedication, and hard work. As 16-year-old piano and organ
