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Beale Street Is Out of Touch

Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, is significant in its cultural history, as it was once the hub of blues music in the 1920s. As the musical movements grew in popularity, with more clubs and restaurants opening, and eventually festivals and concerts becoming commonplace. While the historical aspects are undoubtedly interesting, the unfortunate reality is that Beale Street has lost that original culture that made it famous in the first place. Now, the street is lined with various corporations that pretend to tap into that culture.

Wikimedia Commons/H. Michael Miley

Overpriced restaurants, busy streets filled with hawkers, and soulless buildings have long replaced many of the clubs and concert halls that made Beale Street famous.