90 years of memphis music history
Empowered by a passion to find common ground for diverse audiences, the historic Overton Park Shell utilizes the universal language of music to build community through year-round arts and cultural programming. In 2026, the Shell will celebrate its 90th anniversary. Join us as we honor 90 years of this legendary venue.
the early years (30s-early 60s)
The Overton Park Shell, also known as the Shell, was built in 1936 by the City of Memphis and the WPA (Works Progress Administration) for $11,935. The Shell was designed by architect Max Furbringer, who modeled it after similar band shells in Chicago, New York and St. Louis. The WPA built 27 bandshells - our Shell is one of only a handful that are still standing.
Newspaper ad of Elvis’ debut performance. His name was misspelled as “Ellis”.
From its inception, the Overton Park Shell has played a pivotal role in propelling Memphis into the spotlight as a blues epicenter and the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. This historic venue witnessed the electrifying debut of a young Elvis Presley in 1954, where his groundbreaking performance opening for headliner Slim Whitman marked what many music historians call the very first rock ’n’ roll show, leaving an indelible mark on music history. Soon after, Elvis Presley would invite another budding performer, Johnny Cash, to join him on stage at the Shell.
Notable artists that performed at the Shell during this time include: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Wanda Jackson, Chet Atkins, Webb Pierce, Marty Robbins, and Benny Goodman .
the legendary years: memphis country blues festival + rock promoter era (late 60s-70s)
From 1966-1969, the Overton Park Shell hosted the annual Memphis Country Blues Festival, uniting white and black artists on stage. These festivals served as a benefit and showcase for blues masters like Furry Lewis, Bukka White, and Reverend Robert Wilkins, aiming to rectify the historical mistreatment of blues artists by white society and recognizing them as American cultural icons. In 1969, Rolling Stone and two film crews documented the festival; recovered footage was released as the 2019 documentary Memphis ‘69.
Trailer for the documentary Memphis ‘69.
During the 1970s, rock promoters brought top-tier concerts to the Shell, but tensions rapidly grew between the countercultural concert goers and City of Memphis officials, ultimately resulting in the end of promoter shows at the Shell.
The Allman Brothers Band performing at the Shell, 1971.
Some notable artists to perform at the Shell during this time include: The Allman Brothers Band, Black Sabbath, ZZ Top, Isaac Hayes, Seals & Croft, Rufus Thomas, Blue Oyster Cult, Steve Miller Band, Booker T & the M.G’s, Little Feat, Traffic, Mountain, Johnny Winter, Leon Russell, Deep Purple, Bonnie Raitt, The Bar-Kays, Boz Scaggs, Big Star, and Harry Chapin.
Ticket for Black Sabbath at the Overton Park Shell, 1971.
save our shell years
(80s-early 00s)
For decades following, the Shell faced multiple threats of demolition and fell into a state of disrepair. The 1980s saw two attempts at revitalization: first in 1982 by the NCCJ (National Conference of Christians and Jews), and again in 1984 when local environmentalist John Vincent Hanrahan emerged as a steadfast advocate to rescue the space.
Alex Chilton performs at the Shell, 1995.
After his sudden passing in 1986, Hanrahan's family and friends established Save Our Shell, Inc. in his honor and presented hundreds of free concerts, breathing life back into the venue. During this era, the Memphis DIY scene flourished.
Some notable artists to perform at the Shell during this time include: R.L. Burnside, Tav Falco’s Panther Burns, Phineas Newborn, Jr., Carla Thomas, Alex Chilton, Mudboy and the Neutrons, Big Ass Truck, El Vez, North Mississippi Allstars, Lucero, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Reigning Sound.
the modern era (2005-today)
In 2005, the City of Memphis partnered with the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation to launch an ambitious plan to renovate the Shell and create a new nonprofit organization to present a series of free concerts each year. In 2008, the newly-renamed Levitt Shell joyfully reopened with new equipment, pavilions, concessions and an exciting free-music schedule, marking the beginning of the modern era of the Shell.
The 2008 restoration of the Shell was such a tremendous success that a second phase of renovations was funded by private donors in 2015.
Phase 2 renovations brought improvements to the user experience for both concert-goers & musicians alike by expanding existing amenities and adding new ones.
The restored Levitt Shell in its second season, 2009.
The Levitt Shell after phase 2 renovations, 2019.
After 17 years of partnership with the Levitt Foundation, the venue returned to its historic Overton Park Shell name in 2022. Since the modern era, the Shell has presented more than 700 free concerts and served more than 150,000 patrons annually, becoming a beloved music destination.
Some notable artists to perform at the Shell during this time include: Ben Folds, Lisa Marie Presley, Jason Isbell, Kraftwerk, Sharon Jones, Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Drive-By Truckers, Sierra Ferrell, Big K.R.I.T., Dawes, Mavis Staples, Lucinda Williams, Lake Street Dive, Lukas Nelson, The Marias, Langhorne Slim, Bahamas, Gary Clark Jr., Durand Jones & the Indications, Trampled By Turtles, and so many more.
The Overton Park Shell in 2024