In 1986 Marc Cohn visited the Hollywood Cafe and watched Muriel play for over an hour. He was then invited to sing Amazing Grace with her, which inspired him to write his hit song. He ended up bonding with her about his family and his music life, and they became close - she even attended his wedding in New York City. Cohn said in an interview that the song's meaning surrounds the journey to be baptized in the world of blues music, like a "Spiritual Awakening." [Cohn was born and raised Jewish, in northeastern Ohio.] The Hollywood Cafe is a small restaurant located 20 miles south of Memphis at 1585 Old Commerce Road in Robinsonville, Mississippi. The cafe is still open today and features all things southern, such as catfish, country vegetables, and a heaping helping of soul. The Hollywood Cafe was also mentioned by famous author John Grisham in the best-selling book, "A Time to Kill", and he was a regular prior to his popularity. Travelers looking for a "must do" dining experience in a quaint 1922 commissary will experience southern hospitality all while having the chance to be seated next to politicians, celebrities, and tourists alike. [TripSavvy 2019 Guide to Memphis.]

Love the smile she gave when he mentioned Elvis

The City of Memphis Tennessee is where the famous home of Elvis Presley's called "Graceland" is situated. Memphis is also where the birth of "The Blues Music" was born. W.C. Handley was the greatest Blues artist of his day, and all time. Muriel was a Rhythm and Blues singer who performed at the old "Hollywood Club and Restaurant." The Reverend Green refers to the great rhythm and blues singer Al Green. And Beale Street is a famous street where the birth of the Blues was born. And where blues artist of today still performed in various clubs and restaurants to this day.

When he said he was as blue as a boy could be, he meant sad, depressed. A trip to Memphis provided great inspiration and helped launch his career. I enjoyed your reaction to this song.

@jnagarya519

2 жыл бұрын

It's also expressed in his phrase, "In the middle of the pouring rain".

Greatness!!

A song from a devotee of the type of blues music that Memphis is famous for i.e. the Delta Blues. Beale refers to Beale Street, the location of the musical heart of Memphis and a Mecca for such a blues lover. W.C. Handy the "Father of the Blues" a prominent musician of the 1940’s 1950’s was based out of Memphis and The Hollywood is a blues venue.

@jackiefloyd8003

4 жыл бұрын

Selaw 22 W.C. Handy started much earlier than the 40’s and 50’s. He started making music and composing in the late 1890’s and early 1900’s and traveling with his band. He reached the height of his fame in Memphis from about 1912 through the roaring 20’s. His big breakout hit around 1914 was Saint Louis Blues. He was a musical genius.

@walesjs

4 жыл бұрын

Jackie Floyd - You are right, I stand corrected.

"Walking in Memphis" is just a rocking classic song - nothing else like this one ! The refrain sticks with you. A tribute to the culture of the South.

I enjoy listening to a perspective from Mumbai . Diversity is the spice of life. Don’t pay any attention to the bullying.

Much respect to the both of you for the strength of your convictions. Really enjoy your reactions and you’ve earned a new subscriber. Tolerance and inclusiveness rule! ☮️~n~❤️

Beale Is the main street where all the blues joints are. Great song and reaction!!!!!

"BEALE" is beale street in memphis, tennessee which is one of the biggest streets in memphis !!!!! there are a decent amount of recording studios along with bars and clubs which gives beale street its dynamic vibrance !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

W.C Handy was an African American composer/musician who called himself the Father of the Blues. Cher did a great video of this song also. Thanks for this reaction.

Very interesting to hear reaction of someone outside of American culture to this song.

Definitely heard this on the radio at some point... some melodies are unforgettable!

Marc Cohn wrote and recorded the song. It was his only hit, in the 1980s.

I think this song has a beautiful meaning. Fisrt of all Marc, as a musitian, makes references to going to Memphis 'cause theres the Delta Blues (which is one of the 1st blues type of music), then he reffers to W.C. Handy, who was a composer and musician who was one of the most influential blues songwriters. He also reffers to Beale Street, wich is the location of the heart of music in Memphis. He said he was as blue as a boy could be, so a trip to Memphis provided him Joy by finding God in music!! A big hug from México City 🙂

I think you guys are great!!! It made me sad to know that people have bullied you. I enjoy your reactions and comments. And you honest reactions to the songs you hear. Don't listen to the critics keep doing what you are doing.

its such a good song!

There are so many things in this song I wouldn't have expect you to know. Many Americans wouldn't get a lot of the references that us Tennesseans appreciate. But you got the jist and appreciated the music and thats great. One of my favorite lines is "she ask are you a Christian and I said Mam I am tonight!" He is actually Jewish but she made him feel so welcome and comfortable and he had so much fun that he was saying he wanted to identify with her as much as possible that night. THe woman irl was a local legend and the inspiration for the song.

W C handy was the father of the blues, Beale Street is a street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, which runs from the Mississippi River to East Street, a distance of approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km). It is a significant location in the city's history, as well as in the history of the blues. "walking with my feet 10 fee off of beale"

Do I really feel the way I feel? Profound for me. Meaning to me: Music brings him out of his low. CATFISH ON THE TABLE: I hope someday you have the chance to try Southern fried catfish. 🙂 Peace you guys.

"Do I really feel the way I feel?" -- confusion, self-alienation.

Cher did a cover of this song

Savio, you probably heard Cher's cover.

Yo if you guys liked this song, check out my favorite Marc Cohn song, "True Companion."

It’s about elvis

Reverend Green is the legendary singer, songwriter and producer AL Green.

Believe in Jesus Christ and the blood he shed for you and be saved from hell before it’s eternally too late if you haven’t already. May God bless

Cher