Meet Jackie Murray | Actress/Singer & Tour Guide

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Murray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have had the privilege of working as a tour conductor in the vibrant City of Memphis for numerous years, an experience that has allowed me to immerse myself in the rich culture and history of this remarkable place. In recognition of my dedication and expertise, I was honored to be named the runner-up in the esteemed Memphis Pick Awards for both 2022 and 2023.

What truly sets my tours apart from the rest in Memphis is my unique blend of talents as an actress and singer. With my background in performing arts, I have the extraordinary ability to infuse the tour with an extra touch of magic. Throughout our journey, I bring history to life by serenading guests with captivating songs and embodying iconic historical figures. It is an enchanting experience that truly transports you to another era.

Driven by my passion for African American History, I recently embarked on a venture to establish my own tour company, A Show On Wheels!. This endeavor allows me to delve even deeper into other fascinating aspects of Memphis, i.e., music, churches, and BBQ while sharing their significance and impact with curious travelers from around the world.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a Performing Artist, I can use storytelling to inform travelers from around the world about the rich history of Memphis Tennessee. What sets me apart from all of the other tour guides in the city of Memphis is that I use my talent as an actress and singer to help bring the stories that I tell to life. For example, to be able to tell the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at the location of his assassination while singing “Precious Lord,” the song he had requested be played at the sanitation workers’ rally, allows travelers to experience emotions that they aren’t able to experience on other tours.

I am mostly proud that, by the time travelers have had an opportunity to take my tour, they will gain a different perspective of Memphis.. News media often portrays the city as violent; however, in my travels I have found that the people of Memphis are kind and giving and emulate that southern hospitality mentality

I started acting at the age of 40. I spent many years working as a professional in Corporate America. However, I was never satisfied with the various positions that I held. My heart was somewhere else. I had spent the majority of my childhood hoping and dreaming of being an actress or a singer, but I was never allowed to pursue those careers. It wasn’t until after my children were grown up and my husband and I had divorced that I was able to pursue my dreams. Subsequently, while working as a singer at a marker dedication ceremony, I met the owner of A Tour of Possibilities, an African-American history tour of the City of Memphis. Once we joined forces, I began my career as a tour guide and I infused my talents of singing and acting into the tour. Travelers seem to enjoy this presentation immensely. and I also became known on Beale Street as The Singing Tour Guide. I was soon honored by the Memphis Pick Awards in 2022 and 2023 which is an award that is presented by the City of Memphis Department of Tourism

It has not been easy. I overcame the numerous challenges by remaining in faith and dedicating myself to never giving up. Life is always going to present challenges, and we have to remember to confront those challenges as they come and realize that trouble doesn’t last always. Never give up I promised myself that I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me from reaching my goals…including myself.

One of the biggest lessons that I learned along the way is that no one is going to believe in your vision more than you do. I also learned that no one is going to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1:

Take a 1/2 day tour with A Show on Wheels! Afterward, visit iconic Beale Street, known for its vibrant music scene, live performances, and historical significance.

Day 2

Explore the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum to learn about the city’s rich musical heritage and its impact on American culture. Indulge in some delicious Southern cuisine at a local restaurant like Alcenia’s World Famous Soul Food Restaurant or The Cozy Corner BBQ Restaurant.

Day 3

Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which showcases the history and influence of soul music and iconic artists like Issac Hayes and The Staple Singers. Enjoy a relaxing evening at Overton Park, where you can have a picnic, explore the Memphis Zoo, or catch a concert at the Levitt Shell outdoor amphitheater.

Day 4:

Discover the history of the Civil Rights Movement at the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Take a stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront and enjoy the scenic views, or even take a riverboat cruise for a unique perspective of the city. Have a delicious dinner at one of the renowned restaurants in the Cooper-Young neighborhood, known for its eclectic dining scene.

Day 5:

Explore the Memphis Botanic Garden and its various themed gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden.
Visit the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, which features an impressive collection of art and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Catch a live performance at the Orpheum Theatre, a historic venue known for hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and other cultural events.

Day 6:

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the South Main Arts District, filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and local restaurants. Take a guided tour of the Sun Studio, often referred to as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, where legendary musicians like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash started their careers.

Enjoy some live music and delicious food at the renowned Blues City Café on Beale Street.

Day 7:

Explore the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, which houses a diverse collection of artworks from around the world. And be sure to take a trip to Bass Pro Shops, located in the Memphis Pyramid. You will be able to ride the glass elevator to the top and step out on the glass balcony to see a beautiful view of Downtown Memphis and The Mississippi River.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to start by honoring God. I stepped out on faith, and He has given me unbelievable favor. i also want to acknowledge my son, Michael, who has always been supportive. I thank Carolyn Michael-Banks, who introduced me to the tourism industry and inspired the name of my tour company. I also have to shout out my friend, Kevin, who believed in my vision. I would not be in the position of giving shout-outs if it weren’t for the unique and beautiful people of Memphis, TN. They welcomed me with open arms and have continued to support my endeavors throughout the city.

Website: www.ashowonwheels.rezdy.com

Instagram: ontourwithmsjackie

Facebook: A Show On Wheels

Image Credits
Christopher Bruce