While the original Stax studio is long gone, Etheridge took to another hallowed local spot, Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios, to channel the classic Memphis sounds found on these soulful standards. MEmphis Rock And Soul was produced by Willie’s son Boo Mitchell, and features a backing band comprised of Hodges Brothers and other top Memphis musicians who are legends in their own right. Etheridge even recorded with Al Green’s famed RCA 77DX ribbon microphone ("No. 9”). MEmphis Rock And Soul also spotlights the empowering role Stax played in the Civil Rights Movement, a fitting theme for Melissa, who has become a pivotal voice of the modern LGBT rights movement.