Memphis is cool, but I say get on ole highway 61 and cruise on down to Clarksdale Mississippi if you're into music. Way more MoJo and only a few hours drive. Do it in the summer , hangout, and go to a juke joint. I mean a real one not the crap bars that have neon signs saying "juke joint". You will need an invite to witness the real deal, and you better dig moonshine and the blues.
Beale st. in the past 20 years reminds me more of fisherman's wharf, that a music destination. Unless of course BB is holding court at his place, which is rare now.