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The Daily Memphian – Truth in place.
 
 
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Street cred: Behind-the-scenes man has run Beale for decades
 
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Al James has been the “Manager of Beale Street” since 1979. (Ziggy Mack/Special to The Daily Memphian)
 

Al James has been the “Manager of Beale Street” since 1979. (Ziggy Mack/Special to The Daily Memphian)

In 1983, when Beale Street reopened as the city-owned entertainment district, Al James, now 71, became its official manager, running the hardscape of one of the country’s most famous streets like it was his own front yard.

 
 

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