The Works Progress Administration and the City of Memphis built the Overton Park Shell in 1936 for $11,935, and of 27 WPA shells built nationwide, it is one of the few remaining. City officials slated it for demolition several times, yet it hosted performers from Memphis neighborhoods, musicians from major recording studios, and stars from around the world. On July 30, 1954, Elvis Presley launched his performing career from this stage. During the civil rights era, blues artists and fans ignored a culture of segregation together at the Memphis Country Blues Festivals from 1966 to 1969, demonstrating music's unifying power. Most concerts at this civic facility have been free, and its programming has been as diverse as the city's residents. At its dedication, the Overton Park Shell pledged itself "to the future of music in Memphis." Musical styles there have ranged from blues to opera, symphonies to Chickasaw chants, religious services, theater, and dance. The Memphis Open Air Theatre first programmed light opera and musicals with orchestra from 1938 to 1951, then the local musicians union staged "Music Under the Stars" from 1947 to 1977. In 1985, civic budgetary restraints left the shell to deteriorate and it was scheduled to be razed for a parking lot, but Memphians responded by forming Save Our Shell, Inc. to oversee events and upkeep from 1985 to 2003. Since 2008, Friends of the Levitt Foundation have given Memphis 50 free performances annually, continuing the founding pledge.
