Memphis has always been one of my favourite US cities to spend time in.  It has history and character.  Poverty.  Joy.  Life.  Laughter.  It was stinkin’ hot in summer (it’s the humidity that kills you) and (by Canadian standards) warm in winter.  A trip to Memphis always put a smile on my face.

Back in the day (1998-2001), I used to travel to Collierville to work out of the FedEx Tech Centre a few times a year. I always stayed in Memphis.  It was a short drive to get to work and a few times I brought Drew down to vacation while I worked.  We’d wander Beale Street, visit the Belle, view amazing Russian and Asian art exhibits, wander the Pink Palace, and always stop in to see the Peabody ducks.  We’d feed the beer drinking goats and I’d collect more beers at the Flying Saucer.  Nights would be spent visiting BB King’s and listening to Ruby.  When we were lucky, BB King himself would be seated on a stool at the door welcoming everyone to his bar.  On occassion, we’d stop in at Isaac Hayes restaurant for a meal.

On one of the trips Drew went to Isaac Hayes’ restaurant for lunch.  The restaurant was nearly empty and part way through the meal Mr. Hayes himself came out to talk to all of the guests.  He traveled from table to table, sitting down and spending a few minutes talking to everyone.  Then, he wandered on stage and performed for a few minutes before heading back (to the kitchen?).  He was the epitome of a gentleman and made the time spent in his restaurant special in a number of ways.

With Isaac Hayes passing the city shall seem a little darker on our next visit.  I am thrilled we’ll always have the memories.  He will be sorely missed.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.