3600 E. Broadway Street
West Memphis, Arkansas

This Delta Music Marker marks the location of the legendary Plantation Inn. The Plantation Inn opened in 1943 in downtown West Memphis as a restaurant and nightclub and quickly became one of the hottest after-hours clubs in the Mid-South. Known for its late night jam sessions featuring both Memphis and Delta musicians, the Plantation Inn was home to “Flying Calvin” Newborn and many other famous blues and soul artists like Willie Mitchell, Ike Turner and Isaac Hayes. All that remains is an Interpretive marker in the parking lot of a local restaurant.

Text From the Historic Marker

"In 1943, Morris Berger opened his legendary Plantation Inn nightclub on this site in a former West Memphis gambling hall. Billed as having the largest dance floor in the South, it became an electrifying live-music destination for the region until it was demolished in 1966. The P. I., as it became known, was also a hub for after-hours jam sessions featuring performers from the Memphis hotels scene and Beale Street clubs.

Many of the Plantation Inn musicians played a crucial role in the development of the "Memphis's Sound." The Phineas (Finas) Newborn, Sr. Orchestra, which played at the P.I., launched Phineas Jr. and Calvin Newborn to remarkable music careers which included backing BB King on "Three O'clock Blues“ in 1953 and touring with Ike Turner to promote his “Rocket 88.” Phineas Jr. became an international jazz sensation and is celebrated among peers as one of the best jazz pianists of all time. Calvin, known as ”Flyin Calvin” for his energetic performance style, went on to tour with Count Bassie and Howlin’ Wolf and record independently.

Plantation Inn and bandleader Willie Mitchell achieved international acclaim as a performer and producer at Hi Records and was recognized with a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008. Floyd Newman got his start as a bandleader at the P.I. and recorded with a pantheon of Stax Records including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Stan and Dave. Newman brought the young pianist from his P.I., the legendary Isaac Hayes, to Stax with him. Hayes eventually won three Grammys, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and was inducted into the rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame.

Morris Berger’s Plantation Inn created an environment where urban audiences and emerging musicians could experience the music of the Delta. The P.I. play a key role in shaping American music as it moved up the Mississippi River, through West Memphis, and out across the country."

Visiting the Delta Music Marker
The Delta Music Marker can be visited at any time.
There is no charge to visit the Delta Music Marker.