MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The iconic Memphis music studio responsible for recording some of the most well-known American tracks has transitioned into a museum while continuing the vibrant sound of its legacy next door. Inside Stax Music Academy, the air is filled with the resonant sounds of trumpet blasts, rhythmic drumming, and passionate vocals as young artists recreate the timeless classics from Stax Records.
The academy’s students are deeply engaged in rehearsing the famed introduction to “Theme from Shaft,” the award-winning masterpiece by Isaac Hayes that captivated audiences with its dynamic bass line and funky guitar riffs. With a focused expression, the music director, Sam Franklin IV, distributes sheets of music to the students and imparts valuable insights. “Here we go. Read the ink that’s on the paper. From the top, one, two, ready and …,” he instructs. Upon their completion, he commends their effort with an enthusiastic, “Hey y’all, that was good.”
Under the mentorship of Franklin and the other skilled instructors, these aspiring musicians are preparing for three upcoming concerts set for March 28 in Memphis. These performances will honor Black History Month and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the academy. Established in 2000, the Stax Music Academy provides an after-school program that nurtures teenagers’ talents in singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments, with some students attending free of charge.
Since its inception in Soulsville, a historic neighborhood that gave rise to the genre-defining soul and R&B tracks of the 60s and 70s, the academy has seen over 4,000 students pass through its doors. Notably, every high school senior has gained acceptance into college or university since 2008, often obtaining full scholarships. The academy has showcased its talents at renowned venues, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Kennedy Center in Washington, and even toured Europe and Australia.
The students take immense pride in carrying forth the Stax legacy, which includes icons like Otis Redding, whose classic “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” set the stage for many others, including Sam and Dave’s “Soul Man” and The Staple Singers’ “Respect Yourself.” The rich catalog is complemented by legendary artists such as Booker T. and the MGs, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Wilson Pickett, and Johnnie Taylor.
Although Stax Records went bankrupt in 1975, it left an indelible mark on the music world, famed for its authentic Memphis Sound characterized by tight brass and rhythm sections alongside powerful vocalists. Stax’s music ranged from energetic and bold to smooth and seductive, while the building now serves as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
On a rainy evening in January, the academy’s band, consisting of both Black and white students, gathers for practice. As they wait to start, laughter and dancing echo down the hall of the rehearsal room, which features a lofty ceiling and a whiteboard filled with musical notation. In another part of the facility, vocalists applaud each other while taking turns showcasing their talents for the instructors.
“It’s so fun,” shared Tatiyana Clark, a 17-year-old singer who joined the academy only last year. “I’ve experienced groups centered around music, but nothing compares to the connection I feel here. It’s genuinely a different level of friendship when we share identical feelings toward music and similar life experiences.”
Beginning in 2021, the Stax Academy launched online gatherings for Black History Month during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous years have explored various themes, and this year focuses on the U.S. labor movement and its impact on Black individuals, addressing topics like work training, entrepreneurship, and unionization. The current year features a series of live performances at a downtown Memphis venue, where audiences will enjoy classics like Sam and Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin’” and Arthur Conley’s “Sweet Soul Music,” alongside “Cause I Love You” performed by the father-daughter duo Rufus and Carla Thomas.
A companion study guide accompanies the events, highlighting crucial figures and milestones that shaped labor policies and rights. “For me, it’s all about the message,” expressed Johnathan Cole, an 18-year-old singer and songwriter. “In times of chaos, the world needs love, happiness, and music. That’s the essence of Stax Music Academy: love, music, creativity.”
During the height of the labor and civil rights movements advocating for racial equality, Booker T. and the MGs produced memorable tracks like “Green Onions,” featuring a combination of Black and white musicians that celebrated diversity and unity in music. “I would describe Stax as ‘change,’” noted Johnathan McKinnie, a 16-year-old piano and organ player. “It revolutionized the music landscape and was a strong supporter of civil rights.”
Meanwhile, in the vocal practice room, the group is mastering Eddie Floyd’s spirited anthem “Knock on Wood.” “It’s like thunder, and lightning, the way you love me is frightening … better knock, knock, knock on wood,” the vocalists harmonize. An instructor’s gentle reminder, “Breathe. You’re not breathing,” showcases the supportive environment cultivated at the academy. Seventeen-year-old Pasley Thompson cherishes the academy as “an escape from the everyday.”
“Being surrounded by individuals who understand your creative and personal expression creates a unique bond, and it’s a wonderful feeling knowing we share that,” she expressed.
