University of Tennessee drum major Christian Carroll, of Collierville, is only the third Black drum major in the school’s history.

There have only been three Black drum majors in the more than 150 years since the University of Tennessee marching band was founded.

The rapper, whose real name is Gloria Woods, graduated from Orange Mound’s Melrose High in 2017. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, she returned with a $25,000 check towards a new media center for the school.

A planned new performance venue from Crosstown Concourse and Live Nation has sparked both excitement and concerns from local music fans, concert bookers and venue owners.

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s concert will also include singers Ne-Yo and Mario.

The Multimedia Tour kicks off Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Philadelphia, and includes dates at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Elizabeth Cawein says about Memphis music: “2024 has been full of wins so big, so long-anticipated, so hard-fought, that I had to spill some digital ink celebrating them all.”

Plan your holiday fun with this guide to events around the Greater Memphis metro area. 

The myth of Jeff Buckley remains strong in the city where he died, as plans to turn his former home into an Airbnb have stirred strong feelings.

Raised by Sound Fest returns. Also, a celebrated bluegrass singer-songwriter-guitarist plays two nights and Jhene Aiko’s tour brings heavy hitters to the FedExForum.

The Memphis Jazz Workshop instructs young cats (jazz artists) in the fundamentals of a hip musical genre that has a long, but little-known history in the home of blues and rock ‘n’ roll.

Gordon has written six books and numerous articles and liner notes, and produced or directed eight films. The Central Gardens resident has won three Grammys and an Emmy.

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Memphis Grammy winner to be honored with brass note on Beale

Robert Gordon is being honored with a brass note on Beale Street, a recognition of his work telling the rest of the world about Memphis and its culture.

“The new venue will be a unique addition to the city and bring even more exciting shows to Memphis,” said Grant Lyman, president of Live Nation Southeast. 

The 2002 album “Justified” from Justin Timberlake, who plays the FedExForum Saturday, is almost certainly the most successful album to mention “Memphis, Tennessee” in its first 30 seconds. 

Also, Julien Baker will perform as part of a country duo with Torres at the 2025 Big Ears Festival in Knoxville.

Beale Street would not be what it is today without Rum Boogie Cafe owner, and former CPA, Preston Lamm. But, he’s turned the keys over to a new owner. 

The admirer who traveled from Atlanta was part of the crowd on Beale Street as a brass note honoring West Tennessee native Tina Turner was unveiled. Two others are also set for the Walk of Fame: author Robert Gordon and the late pianist Berl Olswanger.

Rapper GloRilla has two nominations. Also up for Grammy Awards are albums by Memphis area musicians Cedric Burnside and Steve Cropper.

Friends remember Blake Rhea for his “loud” smile and an easygoing nature that made him a favorite to all who knew him.

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This month, a classic rap group comes to Minglewood Hall, a rap star with a meteoric rise hits the FedExForum stage, a 7-decade musician comes to the Orpheum Theatre and a pop star returns home.

Their next performance is Saturday, Nov. 2, with violinist Randall Goosby, Iris Orchestra founder Michael Stern as conductor, and GPAC Youth Symphony students.

The event is a chance for attendees to see the beginnings of a new attraction being built in the former Mississippi River Museum at the park.

Ten years ago, Andria Brown hosted the first Folk All Y’all concert. Since then, the series has become known for spotlighting fresh, touring artists. However, without sponsors, shows for 2025 are on hold.

“Resurrection Fern,” the second full-length album from the 24-year-old, is a product of stepping fully into adulthood.