MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Changing street names is as common in Memphis as barbecue and catfish. For example, you probably didn’t know that E. H. Crump Boulevard was once named Iowa Street. And Danny Thomas Boulevard used to be Wellington through downtown.
With few exceptions, changing street names came with meaning – a way to honor someone who made a significant contribution to the city. Now you can add the name James Alexander to the list.
Later this month, Stafford Avenue in South Memphis will become James E. Alexander Avenue – honoring the only surviving original member of the legendary soul band, the Bar Kays. Alexander’s contribution to Memphis music started when he was a teenager. He formed the Bar Kays, a group that became a staple at Stax Records starting in the 1960s. Their first big hit, Soul Finger, is as timeless today as it was when it was recorded in 1967. The Bar Kays also backed up singer Otis Redding – and sadly four members of the group died with Redding in a small plane crash in 1968. Fortunately, Alexander did not board the flight, and he is still making soulful music today as the bass player and still leader of the Bar Kays.
Renaming the street for Alexander is also appropriate since Stafford is the street where he grew up. Plus, he is just a great guy who loves Memphis – and continues to give so much musically to this city.