The Beale Street Music Festival returns in April after a two-year COVID-induced hiatus. 

This week’s events include an influential Memphis gospel family, Christmas music in English and Spanish and a new collective of Black musicians. 

Memphians make beautiful music, and maybe more so together. This months playlist showcases collaboration, with a bonus mix of Memphis Christmas music. 

Memphian Drew Holcomb and his wife Ellie are back with their annual Neighborly Christmas tour at the Orpheum Theatre Friday, Dec. 3. The folk-rock musicians will receive their golden star on the Orpheum’s Sidewalk of Stars prior to the show. 

The festival will take place April 29 — May 1 at Liberty Park.

A private service was held for Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., at First Baptist Church — Broad. 

“Losing Adolph, Dolph, Man-Man, changes our lives forever. And while we will take each day as it comes, we are comforted in knowing that he leaves a legacy that reflects his heart. A heart that was for his family. A heart that was for the people,” the statement released Wednesday, Nov. 24, reads.

The Recording Academy announced the news Tuesday.

It can be tempting to separate the facts of the rapper’s life and the still very murky facts of his death from the music that made him a success and, in some quarters, a star. But, in life, he encouraged listeners to conflate the two. 

Social media platforms were buzzing with posts, tweets and remembrances from and about Memphis this week.

“To the world, he was Young Dolph, to me just Adolph.” 

Memphis rapper and Billboard Top 10 artist Young Dolph died at a local cookie shop after being fatally shot Wednesday, Nov. 17, spurring an outpouring of grief.

The ad plays tribute to Memphis’ DJ Spanish Fly and jookin’.

The Verzuz will take place Thursday, Dec. 2 in Los Angeles and will be available to stream live from the official Verzuz Instagram page and Triller, a video-sharing social networking service. 

Lauper joins Booker T. Jones of Booker T. & the MGs, Huey Lewis, Elvis Costello, Hall and Oates and Ke$ha in partnering with Soundwaves to launch artworks to benefit Stax Music Academy.

Jordan Occasionally was one of 12 contestants selected among thousands of entrants. 

Now the question is how this former Overton High student will go on the popular singing competition. 

Two artists from Memphis, Poyee Yancy and Ping Rose, are being spotlighted by instrument maker Lanikai, as part of the company’s musician showcase. 

Memphis musician Lawrence Matthews, AKA Don Lifted, has been accepted to perform at the 36th annual South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) in Austin in March. 

Zales introduces a new men’s jewelry collection inspired by the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.

Songs from Kapone’s episode will show the progression of his career while interview clips will tell the story behind the lyrics.

Mempho Music Festival’s return came at a new location, on the grounds of the Radians Amphitheater at the Memphis Botanic Garden. 

MTSU is currently developing a class called “The Tay Keith Experience,” where Keith will give students guidance on how to work professionally in the music industry. 

With his band Blvck Hippie, Josh Shaw’s joined a growing Memphis renaissance of young Black artists. And with a debut album getting buzz, he’s taking the show on the road.