Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and many others made their first public appearances on the stage of the Raoul Wallenberg Shell in Memphis, Tennessee.
The "Shell" is an outdoor amphitheatre built during the great depression as part of President Roosevelt's "Public Works Projects". The Shell has since made immeasurable contributions to the American public through the advancement of arts and entertainment.
This is the spot where Rock and Roll music was heard live for the first time. It was from here that modern music spread like wild fire across the globe. The Shell has since been very proactive in promoting local music in Memphis and helping develop other arts related endeavors for free to the public.
The Shell has not received any funds for improvements or upkeep since 1976. A recent engineers report ordered by the city indicated that it would take $500,000 to bring the aging facility up to code. By comparison the same report stated that it would only cost $50,000 to tear it down.
A non-profit foundation exists for the preservation of the Shell. The S.O.S. foundation has been seeking public involvement in the "Save Our Shell" movement but lack of funding and professional management has rendered their effort largely ineffective.
As the wrecking ball draws nigh the S.O.S group embarks on a last ditch effort to save this important national landmark.
You can join the S.O.S. Foundation in an effort to "Save Our Shell":
Overton Park Shell
1928 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
901.274.6046 email: john@overtonparkshell.com