A Vampire Movie With a Memphis Accent? Yes, Please.
What do you get when you mix juke joints, Southern folklore, Michael B. Jordan, and Memphis blues? You get Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s newest film.
This flick takes you on a trip through the Mississippi Delta, and Memphis is woven all throughout it.
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Memphis Music Built Sinners
When Coogler and Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson were creating the sound of Sinners, they knew they had to feel it. So they did what any music lover should do: they came to Memphis.
With the one-and-only Boo Mitchell leading the charge, the filmmakers toured Royal Studios and took a journey through the heart of Delta blues territory — from Beale Street to B.B. King’s hometown and beyond.
The film’s soundtrack features legendary local talent, including:
🎸 Eric Gales
🥁 Cedric Burnside
🎤 Tierinii Jackson (Southern Avenue)
🎹 Charles Hodges (Hi Rhythm)
And yes—🎺 Bobby Rush himself
Y’all, this movie sounds like us.
A “Musical Family Reunion” in the Bluff City
Boo Mitchell called the project a “musical family reunion,” and we couldn’t agree more.
Coogler and Göransson even recorded a version of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Wang Dang Doodle” right here in Memphis with a lineup that’s basically a Memphis all-star band.
Why This Movie Matters to Memphis
Sinners celebrates the South’s culture, creativity, and contradictions. It honors blues music. And Memphis, as always, is the soul of that story.
So when you go see it (and you should!) know that you’re watching a piece of Memphis magic come to life on the big screen.
🎟️ Sinners is now playing in theaters across Memphis.
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🎶 And if you’re feeling inspired, support local music. Go see a show. Buy the record. Keep the beat goin
