Author Robert Gordon Discusses His New History of Memphis' Own Stax Records

WKNO | By Darel Snodgrass

Published November 15, 2013 at 10:16 AM CST

In his latest book, music writer Robert Gordon explores the history of the legendary Stax Records.

Music historian and documentary filmmaker Robert Gordon has spent a lifetime chronicling the early days of blues, soul, and rock and roll music in the Mid-South. His new book is "Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion." It promises to be the definitive history of the small local record company that gave the world Booker T. and the MGs, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes and many more. Darel Snodgrass spoke with Robert Gordon.

Robert Gordon will be signing "Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion" Saturday, Nov. 16 from 5 to 8 pm at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music at 968 E. Mclemore. For information, 901-942-SOUL or staxmuseum.com.

Darel Snodgrass

I began piano lessons at age 6, trumpet at age 9, and began teaching myself the guitar at 10. My electronics knowledge comes from my father, who had the RCA television and stereo shop in my hometown of Pocahontas, Arkansas for nearly 20 years. My dad is still fixing televisions at age 79.

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