One of the cities in the United States that changed the face of popular music more than anywhere else has to be Memphis, Tennessee. It's also a very important story of racial integration; of black and white cultures coming together to create amazing, timeless music.
Sam Phillips famously opened Memphis Recording Service in 1950, initially tracking artists like B.B. King, Junior Parker, Rufus Thomas, and Howlin' Wolf before finding some guy named Elvis Presley. In the '60s, Stax Records was famous for an integrated work environment, and was eventually run by the brilliant black co-owner and executive, Al Bell. What drove everyone was searching for music that would connect with an audience, while challenging each other to excel. Who could write the best song? Who could arrange and record it? Who played the parts well? Who could get it on the radio? All involved continually encouraged each other to grow and be their best.