Jackson and Memphis day 1

On our way over to the southwest side of Tennessee to Memphis we made a quick stop in Jackson to eat and visit the only Rockabilly museum in the world. Jackson is a small town with buildings reminding you of the old west and a feeling that history has been and gone along with the people. We had a quick bite at a bar where, for some reason, there was a big group of Swedes doing the same thing. It seemed like there was some kind of group trip (maybe a club of some sort or just USA enthusiasts) and when we walked in the Rockabilly museum later on the first thing we noticed was a display right by the door with Swedish flags, a blue and yellow jacket and a vinyl of a Swedish rockabilly musician (who I've never heard of before). The man who guided us through the small museum told us that they had a visit of a big group of Swedes (they had know beforehand that they were coming) and so had a special exhibit on the second floor just for them.

Our time in the museum was enjoyable since our guide made it very entertaining and personal when he told us about the musicians' pictures that where hanging on the wall. I also got to play on a drum kit belonging to D.J. Fontana, the drummer of Elvis Presley. He also told personal stories about his childhood and what it was like growing up during the 50's and 60's when this music started to emerge. For example he had to listen without his parents knowing about it since they thought it was wrong to change gospel music in that way. He also told us he was in the Vietnam war when he was just a teenager, and how lucky he felt for getting back alive. In the end of the tour we got to sign our names on their walls, just like many people before us.

When we reached Memphis we checked in at the hotel and then took our van downtown to the famous (and a bit crazy) Beale street. This is similar to Broadway in Nashville but a bit more rough and loud. The street is closed for cars in the evenings so tourists can drink their Margaritas in peace knowing they won't get run over after a couple too many. There is also a great police presence here at night so even though it looks rough on the street you still feel safe. There was some good bars with great live music, especially B.B. King's which also became a favorite in Nashville. We ate dinner at a place recommended in out tour guide that serves different dishes of fish in a busy diner.