MLK50

On this day in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, TN at the Lorraine Motel. Yesterday, I visited the Mason Temple where he presented the "Mountaintop" speech on April 3, 1968. Today I attended the memorial service at the National Civil Rights Museum (which includes the Lorraine Motel). It was powerful to hear Jesse Jackson (who was with MLK on April 4, 1968) and all the other speakers share their thoughts on this landmark event.

Mason Temple

Mason Temple

Lorraine Motel at the National Civil Rights Museum 

Lorraine Motel at the National Civil Rights Museum 

New single and tour dates in April 2018!

Stephen Chopek’s new 45 RPM album
available this spring
followed by a full length album in the fall

April 2018 - Stephen Chopek’s latest release is a 45 RPM record featuring two new songs, “Radio Caroline” and “The Ballad of Cash & Dean”. The album is rich in catchy hooks and dynamic melodies, alongside a nod to history. The release of these original songs has Stephen primed for a big year.

The inspiration for creating new music came in part from his move to Memphis, TN. In addition to writing the songs, Stephen also played all of the instruments in the studio. He enlisted some of Memphis’ finest to help define the sound — Engineered by Harry Koniditsiotis at 5 & Dime Recording; mixed by Doug Easley (of the Easley McCain team) at New School Media; and mastered for vinyl by Jeff Powell at the legendary Sam Phillips Recording Service. 

Side A: “Radio Caroline” tells the tale of a British pirate radio station of the same name founded in 1964. The station broadcasted from a ship on the open waters to avoid the BBC’s control of the airwaves. Their early support of rock-and-roll and DIY ethos struck a chord with Stephen. This song serves as a salute to their efforts. 

Side B: “The Ballad of Cash & Dean” is based on a chance encounter between Johnny Cash and James Dean that came to Stephen in a dream. It’s an infectious ditty delivered with a raucous train beat that keeps listeners singing long after the record stops. 

Stephen is supporting the release with tour dates throughout the first half of 2018. Stay tuned for more to come with a full album release in October of this year.

For more information…
stephenchopek.com
facebook.com/stephenchopekmusic
instagram.com/stephenchopek
twitter.com/stephenpchopek

###

 

RIF

I learned so much from these two books. Lots of history made (and still making) here in Memphis.

It Came From Memphis by Robert Gordon

It Came From Memphis by Robert Gordon

Sam Phillips biography by Peter Guralnick

Sam Phillips biography by Peter Guralnick

Major victory last night in Memphis, TN.

A major historic event took place last night in my adopted hometown of Memphis, TN. After a unanimous City Council vote, monuments dedicated to Nathan Bedford Forrest and Jefferson Davis were removed and relocated to an undisclosed location. A step in the right direction, to say the least. Forrest was a Confederate Army general during the Civil War and an early leader (first Grand Wizard) of the Ku Klux Klan. Davis was the President of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865. The presence of their statues cast a dark cloud over the parks where they were displayed, and throughout the city. Their absence is a much appreciated breath of fresh air. This is especially relevant when taking into consideration the upcoming 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, who was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Needless to say, last night marked an important moral victory for Memphis and for America. I’m looking forward to more in the near future.

Nathan Bedford Forrest statue being removed from Health Sciences Park last night in Memphis, TN.

Nathan Bedford Forrest statue being removed from Health Sciences Park last night in Memphis, TN.