Backbeat Tours brings Memphis to life through entertaining bus and walking tours led by knowledgeable local guides and real musicians. Founded in 2006 by author and historian Bill Patton, this beloved local company blends live mus...
Backbeat Tours brings Memphis to life through entertaining bus and walking tours led by knowledgeable local guides and real musicians. Founded in 2006 by author and historian Bill Patton, this beloved local company blends live mus...
Memphis music history comes alive on these tours, largely thanks to guides who clearly love what they do. Names like Charlie, Emily, Shannon, and Sheena pop up repeatedly in reviews, each praised for being knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about the city. The Memphis Mojo bus tour draws the most attention, blending storytelling, live music, and stops at iconic spots like Sun Studio into a crowd-pleasing package. Ghost and true crime walking tours are also popular, with guide Sheena earning particular praise for making them both entertaining and informative. A couple of reviewers noted that bus air conditioning ran weak, and one flagged punctuality as a strict policy, so arriving early is a smart move. These are worth keeping in mind, though the overwhelming majority of visitors leave happy and many say it was a trip highlight. The tour is especially well-suited for first-time visitors to Memphis looking for a solid, fun introduction to the city before deciding where to spend the rest of their time.
I was there July 6 for my birthday trip! It was a blast! The staff was absolutely wonderful! Made me feel right at home as soon as I checked in! It was very informative and you got see historic places. The only negative thing I can say is that I wish at the stops they would give you more than a second to get photo especially if your on the opposite side of the bus. Outside of that I found the tour quite interesting and fun! I definitely recommend them if you’re in town! I know I’ll return if I get back to the area!
Adam Zeigler
July 21, 2026
I was there July 6 for my birthday trip! It was a blast! The staff was absolutely wonderful! Made me feel right at home as soon as I checked in! It was very informative and you got see historic places. The only negative thing I can say is that I wish at the stops they would give you more than a second to get photo especially if your on the opposite side of the bus. Outside of that I found the tour quite interesting and fun! I definitely recommend them if you’re in town! I know I’ll return if I get back to the area!
Adam Zeigler
July 21, 2026