Columnist
Chris Herrington covers the Memphis Grizzlies and writes about Memphis culture, food, and civic life.
There are 1639 articles by Chris Herrington :
Memphis was a way station for the Wolf on a journey from the Delta to Chicago, but he was in Memphis long enough to cut a two-sided single as monumental as anything created in one of America’s signature music cities.
Cash recorded his debut single, released in June 1955, at Sun Records.
The film stands as both a great Memphis story and a showcase for the city as a filmmaking location that can do more than play itself.
In 1997, Matt Damon's first starring role and Francis Ford Coppola's last major film intersected in Memphis with the third and (so far) final locally set John Grisham adapation.
“Forty Shades of Blue” hit theaters 15 years ago today, and it is now among the many examples of films not currently available on any streaming platform. But if you’re lucky enough to find a way to see it, you’ll encounter a very good move.
As a depiction of the terrain of Memphis, circa 1993, “The Firm” is notable for its trip to the now dated and decaying Mud Island River Park, arguably the most inventive use of a Memphis location in any film. Here, it’s the setting for a climactic Hitchockian chase scene.
In a month’s time, during the late summer of 1878, the city’s population plummeted from 50,000 to 20,000, with the vast majority of those remaining infected by the fever. Crosby's "The American Plague" takes you to this crucible moment in Memphis history, and helps explain what it meant.
The book focuses on the family of Robert Church, who built a fortune operating brothels, then converted his wealth into building a black political dynasty in the Jim Crow-era South.
The only Pulitzer Prize-winner with “Memphis” in the title, Peter Taylor's 1986 novel explores the fine social distinctions between Memphis and Nashville at mid-century.
John Prine was raised in Illinois and settled in Nashville, but he recorded three of his first six albums at different Memphis studios, including his classic debut, “John Prine.”
From King’s WDIA debut in 1949 to his departure from Memphis only a few years later, he recorded a handful of early sides in the city.
The crazy-talented wunderkind Jay Reatard was coming into his own with 'Watch Me Fall.' Five months later, he was gone.
Recorded at Midtown’s Ardent Studios in late 1986 and early 1987, the Replacements’ “Pleased to Meet Me” is a fusion of the Minneapolis’ band’s ramshackle, often poetic post-punk with soul-honed Memphis studio sensibilities.
In all, the album comprises the coolest version of the Elvis the public tended to adore and rock puritans resist, mixing great schlock with great art until you can’t quite tell the difference.
Three decades ago, Hibbert brought his sound — and all of reggae’s — back to one of its sources with a 1988 album recorded at Midtown’s Ardent Studios that went on to a Grammy nomination.
This 1969 album established Hayes’ sound and persona. It not only made him a star, but it made him a new kind of star.
With three hit singles, two turf-grabbing country covers, definitive secular and religious anthems and some of the most tender pop music ever recorded, 1973's "Call Me" is Al Green's finest moment.
This week, runners finish the miles Eliza Fletcher could not, Matthew Sweet and MonoNeon are at the Shell and you can shop — without spending a dime — on Broad Avenue.
Here’s an overview to help Memphis filmgoers navigate what’s out there.
A home-smoking pro tip from Patio Porkers, soul food ordering instructions and a Memphis arts meet-up in an unlikely place.
This week, I Love Memphis and Streetdog Foundation celebrate 15 years (but not together), and there will be swingin' and swayin' and DJs playing on Maggie H. Isabell Street.
Chris Herrington breaks down each home game with a four-star scale rating in his guide to the Memphis Grizzlies’ home schedule.
It’s time for the first installment of Chris Herrington’s annual Memphis Grizzlies Mid-Summer Mailbag. Herrington answers readers’ questions, addressing Olympic issues, luxury tax matters and more.
Given how much music the city has produced, it’s not much of a surprise that the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll punches well above its weight as a music subject.
It’s time for the second half of Chris Herrington’s annual Memphis Grizzlies Mid-Summer Mailbag. In this installment, he addresses rotation issues, trade deadline matters and more.