Vibrant Video Captures Excitement of Reborn Beale Street

Screen Capture from “Beale Revealed” Video By Scott Burton

Video by Oxford photographer Scott Burton celebrates 30 years of entertainment district’s renewal 

A new video, “Beale Revealed,” captures the energy and excitement of world-famous Beale Street. On YouTube, the fast-paced production will provide a virtual tour of the Memphis landmark, stirring memories for many and beckoning viewers to join the fun.

Beale Street recently marked 30 years since its rebirth as an entertainment district and destination. To celebrate that history and the transition to a successful future, developer John Elkington called on acclaimed photographer Scott Burton of Oxford, Miss. Burton used 17 cameras and blended time-lapse photography and video to record the people and places, the hustle and bustle, the sounds and scenes that make the street unique.

If anyone can distill 30 years of fun into three and a half minutes, Burton can. His technique (scottburtonphotography.com) made him the perfect choice to commemorate Beale Street. “When I was 12, I learned how to shoot events working with my dad in Las Vegas,” Burton said. “And early in my career after working all week, I would spend Sundays on Beale. There’s so much to catch the eye.”

“Scott Burton understands what Beale is all about – the music, the food, the history, the people,” said Elkington, whose Performa Entertainment developed the street from a wasteland into a thriving attraction. “Beale Revealed gives you the essence of the street.” View the video.

Shot in three days, the video symbolizes 30 years of nightlife on Beale, made possible by the vision of civic leaders, entrepreneurs and Performa. They transformed the street from boarded-up to revved-up, showcasing the music that changed the world and preserving a cultural heritage. As the video shows, the joint’s still jumping and the crowds keep coming.

“We hope the video goes viral because it’s the next best thing to being on Beale,” Elkington said. “We’ve had 30 great years and there are many more to come, a never-ending celebration in Memphis.”

Historic Beale Street, which covers three blocks in downtown Memphis, remains true to its roots and features live music in clubs and restaurants, carrying on the traditions of legends such as W.C. Handy, B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and Al Green as well as renowned Memphis entertainers such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Isaac Hayes, Justin Timberlake and Rufus Thomas. –– Becky Jones West

Contact: Becky West, beckywest@westrogers.com or (901) 682-3839