Sense Of Place

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings were natural subjects for World Cafe's Sense of Place: Nashville series; They've lived in the city since 1993 and own the historic Woodland Studios. Listen to an extended conversation with the country-folk singers about how the city's changed over the past 20 years.

The singer is a young darling of Nashville's music scene. Here, she plays songs from The Stand-In.

This poppy folk band brings a fresh perspective to the Memphis music scene. Listen to a performance and interview with the group, recorded at Ardent Studios.

The last stop on our "Sense of Place" tour of Memphis is American Sound Studio, which churned out hits by Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin and many more. Listen to an interview with Ben Vaughn, a member of the American Sound house band, The Memphis Boys.

World Cafe couldn't leave Memphis without a taste of the blues from gospel-blues singer and preacher Rev. John Wilkins. Here, he performs a session with a cover of his father's famous song, "Prodigal Son."

Some of the best soul music of the 1970s was recorded at Royal Studio in Memphis. Hear interviews with Al Green, Cody ChesnuTT and the son of Royal producer Willie Mitchell.

The popular Memphis rock band is featured in this installment of "Sense of Place." Listen to a stripped-down set from Lucero, recorded live at Ardent Recording Studios.

Our "Sense of Place" spotlight on Memphis wouldn't be complete without visiting Ardent Studios, where the power-pop royalty in Big Star recorded three albums. We speak with the group's drummer, Jody Stephens, who still runs the studio.

Hear interviews with the spokesman of Elvis Presley Enterprises and The King's daughter, Lisa Marie.

For World Cafe's "Sense of Place" spotlight on Memphis, Tenn., hear an interview with Sun Studio founder Sam Phillips. Here, the legendary producer discusses the studio's early days and his relationship with Elvis Presley.