Four Magical Moments From The Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam in Memphis

The Pathways program helps give visitors a chance to visit iconic musical monunments from across the state of Tennessee.

Written by Lauren Laffer
Four Magical Moments From The Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam in Memphis
MEMPHIS, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: at New Daisy Theater on September 15, 2018 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Greg Campbell/Getty Images for Tennessee Tourism)

Saturday, September 15 was anything but a normal night in Memphis. Music fans were abuzz with news of a one-of-a-kind concert experience happening at the New Daisy Theatre on Beale Street.

The show was the kick-off to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s Tennessee Music Pathways program, a statewide initiative to guide visitors to musical points of interest across the state of Tennessee.

The New Daisy Theatre was the perfect spot to launch the program, as it appears as one of the stops on the Pathways. Dubbed the Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam, the night was filled with music from across the musical genres that call the Volunteer state home.

Sounds Like Nashville was in attendance during the festivities and here are some of the memorable moments we spotted.

MEMPHIS, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: The crowd enjoying the Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam at New Daisy Theater on September 15, 2018 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Greg Campbell/Getty Images for Tennessee Tourism)

1. Coming Together for the Love of Music
The Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam was packed with a diverse line-up of performers, including Elle King, Dustin Lynch, Estelle, The Isley Brothers, Project Pat, Booker T. Jones and JJ Julius Son from Kaleo. Each took the stage for two songs, one of their own, as well as a song that highlights their musical connection to Tennessee. The set-list highlight exactly what the state is known for, which is churning out amazing talent and music that lasts a lifetime. Though the lineup was wildly diverse, the audience remained engaged from start to finish, embracing each of the acts to step foot onstage.

 

MEMPHIS, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: Dustin Lynch performs with the Roots at the Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam at New Daisy Theater on September 15, 2018 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Greg Campbell/Getty Images for Tennessee Tourism)

2. Country Represent!

Country star Dustin Lynch was among the lineup of acts to perform during the concert, making him the only country act to appear. The night was doubly special for Lynch, as both the genre’s representation and as a Tennessee native. “It’s great to be asked to represent our genre,” Lynch told Sounds Like Nashville ahead of the concert. “To be the face of country music for tonight, it’s very special and it’s an honor and something we worked very hard for, for years and years. I’m going to do my best to get up there, rock the cowboy hat and do my thing.” With just two songs for the night, Lynch impressed onlookers with his current single “Good Girl,” before kicking off with “classic country” song, “Friends in Low Places.” The song choice was easy for Lynch as Garth Brooks is the reason he decided to pursue a career in country music.

 

MEMPHIS, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: JJ Julius Son performs with the Roots at the Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam at New Daisy Theater on September 15, 2018 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Greg Campbell/Getty Images for Tennessee Tourism)

3. Embracing Music From Abroad
A stand-out from the night’s performances was from JJ Julius Son. The singer is the frontman for the Icelandic band, Kaleo, and blew fans away with his cover of Elvis Presley’s debut single “That’s Alright.” Donning an ornate, white, embroidered shirt, the singer also took the opportunity to perform one of his band’s biggest hits, “Way Down We Go,” earning a raucous applause from the packed in crowd.

MEMPHIS, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: Quest Love performs with The Roots at the Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam at New Daisy Theater on September 15, 2018 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Greg Campbell/Getty Images for Tennessee Tourism)

4. That (Legendary) House Band, Though…

It’s not every day that one gets to witness The Roots in action (unless you watch The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, of course!). Getting to see the legendary band live is certainly an unforgettable experience. The group remained on stage for the nearly three-hour show, performing with the stars on the bill, as well as earning their own musical slots in between performers. While getting to see The Roots do their thing was special for the audience, performing with the group was even more incredible. “It’s really cool growing up and being a fan of the band and getting in there today to shake their hands is great,” shared Lynch. “To share the stage with them… they’re so talented. I was just kind of nerding out as they were warming up.”

Learn more about the Tennessee Music Pathways and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s dedication to music and tourism by visiting TennesseeMusicPathways.com.