Jookin' History (Part 1):

The Beginning of Jookin':

Memphis music is a root for many American genres to include soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, blues, and rock n roll. 

Music Museums in Memphis:

• Blues Hall of Fame (421 S. Main Street)
• Rock and Soul Museum (191 Beale Street)
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music (926 E. McLemore Avenue) 

Where did the name "Jookin" originate?

Memphis Jookin' is used as a cultural term used to represent the original Memphis-born dance “Gangsta Walkin” along with the many approaches to the style. At some point the Gangsta Walk became referred to orally throughout the city as:

• Buckin'
• Choppin'
• Jukin'

These terms had been spoken orally and were not written. The spelling of the term “Jukin” was changed to “Jookin” during a conversation between Jai Productions and UDIG Jukin' Academy as a collective effort to expose the world to the style. The confusion of Chicago Jukin’ led to the choice to refer to the Memphis styles as “Memphis Jookin” and this change in spelling allowed it to be distinguished from the Chicago-based style.