Big Star-“Thirteen”

1970’s power pop icons Big Star have their fair share of songs about both love and heartbreak, but none of them resonate quite as strongly as “Thirteen,” a gorgeous ballad dedicated to the magic of adolescent love. The song was listed on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time and has been covered by everyone from Wilco and Elliot Smith to Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Garbage, proving that it’s a certified classic despite never placing on the charts.

Otis Redding-“These Arms of Mine”

It would be fairly easy to write a top ten list of love songs written by Otis Redding alone, so narrowing it down to just one is a daunting task, but “These Arms of Mine” feels like an appropriate choice for several reasons. First and foremost, its simply an exceptional and timeless ballad that has been a mainstay on wedding playlists for half a century. Secondly, it’s the song that officially introduced Big O to the world,  becoming Redding’s first-released Stax Records single.

KIRBY-“Loved By You”

The self-proclaimed “granddaughter of soul” certainly lives up to her moniker on this neo-retro hit from 2016. The sparse instrumentals lets the singer’s powerful vocals shine, and the sense of yearning is absolutely palpable. A wonderful addition to the long and proud canon of Memphis love songs.

Mark Edgar Stuart-“Remote Control”

While the rest of the songs on this list deal with romantic love, we just had to include this heartfelt beauty from Mark Edgar Stuart about familial love, specifically the type between a son and his father. Stuart has long been considered one of the city’s finest singer-songwriters, and this emotional ode to his late father is a great example of why.

George Jackson-“Talking About The Love I Have For You”

Although George Jackson was an accomplished songwriter best known for penning hits for other artists, his solo work is absolutely worth checking out, particularly the lively love song “Talking About The Love I Have For You.” This infectious ditty gets stuck in my head quite often, and I’m certainly no complaining. In a more just world, this would have been a major hit for the elusive singer.

Jesse Winchester – Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding

A song with a title this silly shouldn’t be so powerful, but that’s part of the reason why Jesse Winchester was considered one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation. Similar to “Thirteen,” the song is a wonderful ode to young love and remains one of the iconic singer’s most beloved tracks.

Cameron Bethany-“Love is a Bill”

This 2022 neo-soul banger from Cameron Bethany is a confident and slightly cocky love song that is reminiscent of Miguel (in the best way). Sure, it definitely counts as a love song, but Bethany seems to know that he is the real catch in this situation.  The sleek music video fits the song’s sultry vibes perfectly.

Al Green-“Simply Beautiful”

The king of 1970s sultry soul has enough classic love ballads to fill an entire wedding reception, but we’re going just slightly deeper for this pick. A true slow-burner, Green’s “Simply Beautiful” is a masterclass in simmering sanctified soul that never fails to hit me in the feels. As this song illustrates, the good Reverend can out-sing nearly everyone without raising his voice much higher than a whisper.

Bailey Bigger-“No Falling Out of Love”

This country-tinged ballad from Bailey Bigger straddles the line between a love and heartbreak song, an impressive feat from the young singer-songwriter. Americana music is certainly having a moment, and Bailey Bigger is well-positioned to be one of the city’s next big stars, especially if she continues to churn out emotional ballads such as this one.

Elvis Presley-“Can’t Help Falling in Love”

While I will always prefer Elvis’ early rockabilly days on Sun Records to anything else he produced, it’s hard to deny that “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is one of the greatest and most iconic love songs of the past century (as the song’s nearly 1 billion Spotify steams helps to attest). Whether you loathe or love the King, this is truly a timeless classic.

The post 10 Memphis Love Songs for Your Valentine’s Playlist appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Restaurants

Whether you want to make reservations or grab an order to-go (think picnic or romantic meal at home) these restaurants are definitely going to provide you with a delicious, quintessentially Memphis meal:

Going out

• Mahogany Memphis
• Sage Memphis
• SugaShack
• The Grille at Hickory Hill

Staying In

• Brain Food
• Trap Fusion
• Electrolyfe Juice Bar
• Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe

Gift Shopping

No Valentine’s Day is complete without some gifts to show your appreciation. Shower your S.O. with some 901 favorites that say, “I love you.”

• Dr. Bean’s Coffee and Tea
• My Cup of Tea
• Makeda’s Cookies
• City Tasting Box
• Scent Row
• Cheryl Pesce Fine Handcrafted Jewelry and Luxury Homegoods
• Mo’s Bows
• IV By David
• Cafe Noir

Desserts

No Valentine’s Day is complete without some chocolates! Here are some places around town that have the cure for your sweet tooth:

• Butteriffic Bakery and Cafe
• 350 Baked
• Waffle Cream
• Margie’s 901
• Phillip Ashley Chocolates
• Sweet Magnolias Gelato

Entertainment

Want a night out on the town? Keep Valentine’s Day going at one of these spots for a live performance or just an excuse to spend more time with your favorite person:

• Hattiloo Theater
• Urevbu Contemporary Art Gallery
• Tailors’ Union
• Collage Dance Collective
• LilyRoze Studios
• The Genre

You also might be interested in: Memphis Entrepreneurs | Memphis Business Ideas | Memphis Talent

The post Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in Memphis This Valentine’s Day appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Whether you’re planning an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, a special anniversary, or even a mini-vacay to reignite the passion, romance is always in the air in Memphis—if you know where to look.

Here is a list of the most romantic places in Memphis, all guaranteed to ignite some sparks:

• Atop the Bluff Walk: Really, any spot where the views include the Mississippi River are romantic. But the Bluff Walk high above Riverside Drive is a long stretch filled with people out for evening strolls and runs. Grab a bench and watch the river gently flow by.
• Beale Street Historic District: Beale became the home of the blues at the turn of the 20th century – a waypoint along the trail from the Mississippi Delta to Chicago. Today, the clubs and restaurants on Beale proper still move to the beat of the blues. The FedEx Forum – home to the NBA’s Grizzlies – sits just off Beale, and a variety of hotels, museums and eateries are within a short walk from the famous street.
• Dixon Gallery and Gardens: Since 1976, this museum has housed a spectacular Impressionist collection including Degas, Monet and Pisarro, and the collection of art is rivaled only by the gorgeous gardens surrounding what was once one of Memphis’ finest estates. 
• Memphis Botanic Garden: With almost 100 acres of gardens set in the middle of East Memphis, there’s something for any lover of the outdoors at MBG, including the serenity of a Japanese garden, a huge herb garden, and a sensory garden. With a myriad of picnic tables and spaces, a natural play structure, a cabin, and plenty of colorful flowers and plants. 
• Memphis Riverboat Cruises: Board an authentic paddlewheel riverboat cruise with Memphis Riverboats at Beale Street Landing. As the boat moves gently along the Mississippi River under the massive bridge, that’s the perfect time for a kiss.
• Memphis Zoo: The Memphis Zoo is consistently rated one of the top zoos in the country, both for its breadth of exhibits in an easy-to-navigate layout and for the sheer fact that one can get pretty close to the animals in almost every habitat. With giant pandas from China, a Teton ecosystem replete with grizzly bears and wolves, and a Northwest Passage habitat filled with polar bears and river otters, this is a top-notch zoo that will enchant both kids and their parents. 
• The Peabody Rooftop: Ride up the elevator to the top of The Peabody Memphis and walk out to the rooftop where more than a few wedding proposals have occurred. You don’t have to go to the top to get on one knee; a romantic kiss overlooking Downtown Memphis will do just fine.
• Pyramid Observation Deck: Having an observation deck at the top of the Pyramid has been a city dream since the arena opened in 1991. It became a reality when the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid opened in April 2014. 
• The Wolf River Greenway: The Wolf River Greenway runs through Memphis and Germantown, and is part of the longer Greater Memphis Greenline that will eventually connect Collierville to downtown Memphis. The Wolf runs along the Wold River, and includes a wide paved path for non-motorized activity. 

You may also be interested in: Romantic Restaurants in Memphis | Romantic Restaurants Memphis TN

The post Romantic things to do in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Here are a few last-minute alternatives (and we promise, your secret is safe with us!) 

• Get your move on at the Blue Suede Ballroom with dance classes on Valentine’s Day. The studio is offering tango, salsa, and rumba classes for you and your love. Tickets are $30 per couple per class.
• Or, you can let loose safely at the Sip, Eat, Smash & Paint event at Craze Rage Room. The $50 per person ticket includes breakables, painting, chocolate covered strawberries, and champagne.
• You can also get your paint on at the Lovers & Friends Paint Night at We Paint Too. Tickets are $75 each and include dinner, a bottle of champagne, chocolates, and a DJ.
• The Memphis Botanical Garden is hosting a Whisky, Wine and Chocolates Event featuring a signature welcome cocktail, a chocolate/drink pairing, hors d’oeuvres, a fireside cocktail lounge, and live music. Tickets are $40 for members and $50 for non-members.
• Lafayette’s Music Room still has tickets available for its Valentine’s Day three-course prix fixe dinner including dinner for one, one drink, and live music. Tickets start at $65.
• Primas Bakery & Boutique is hosting a Charcuterie and Chocolate event. Each $30 ticket admits two and includes a charcuterie platter and a chocolate pastry platter to share. 
• The Mid-South Skate House is hosting a Valentine’s Day Special Skate beginning at 7:15 p.m. For $25, you get admission, skate rentals, and hot chocolate for two.

Let us know if you use any of our last-minute date ideas! Share the love with us on social and remember to #BringYourSoul!

You might also be interested in: Explore Memphis | Memphis Attactions

The post Forgot Valentine’s Day? Here’s Our Last-Minute Date Guide appeared first on We Are Memphis.

What is Galentine’s Day? According to the Slang Dictionary, Galentine’s Day is “observed on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day celebrates platonic friendships, usually among women.”

Here are a few Memphis-area events to attend with your gal pals.

• Blogger Xchange is hosting a free Women’s Crush Memphis Galentine’s day event at the Emerge Building at 516 Tennessee. Complimentary light bites and cocktails will be served. Register for the event here.
• Muddy’s Bake Shop is hosting Cupcakes and Crafts: Galentine’s Day Macrame Workshop at 585 Cooper. The $50 tickets include all materials, your first cupcake, and endless coffee.
• Loflin Yard at 7 W. Carolina is hosting Galentine’s Day karaoke featuring half-priced wine and cheese boards for ladies only.
• Easel Town at 5004 Summer is hosting a Galentine’s Day sewing class with free appetizers. The project is a Valentine’s Day throw pillow.
• Board and Brush at 8100 Macon Station is hosting a Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off DIY workshop for Galentine’s Day with free wine and snacks. You need to buy a ticket for you and your bestie to receive the discount.
• Arrow Creative at 2535 Broad is hosting a Galentine’s Floral Centerpiece Workshop. Get creative and get your tickets here.

Here are a few more Galentine’s Day events with celebrations on days besides February 13.

• Sweet Lala’s Bakery at 600 Shady Grove is hosting a Galentine’s cookie and cupcake decorating event on February 6. Guests will decorate three cookies and cupcakes each while sipping champagne.
• Knife Bird at 2155 Central is hosting a Galentine’s Brunch featuring food, mimosas, and empowerment for ladies only on February 15.
• Launch Chiropractic is hosting its 2^nd Annual Galentine’s – a sip and shop event at Propcellar at 2585 Summer on February 21. General admission is $7; VIP is $12 and gives you unlimited wine. Proceeds from the ticket sales support RestoreCorp’s mission to eradicate human trafficking.

Check out one of these events and reconnect with your crew on Galentine’s. Check out more events on our Culture page.

You might also be interested in: 10 Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Thanksgiving Spread 

The post Show Some Love to Your Girlfriends This “Galentine’s” Day in Memphis! appeared first on We Are Memphis.