who wrote walking in memphis
“Walking in Memphis” was written by American singer‑songwriter Marc Cohn, who also originally recorded and released the song in 1991.
Quick Scoop: Who Wrote “Walking in Memphis”?
- The songwriter and original performer is Marc Cohn , an American singer‑songwriter.
- It was released as a single in March 1991 from his self‑titled debut album.
- The song is largely autobiographical, inspired by Cohn’s own trip to Memphis, Tennessee.
A Little Backstory
Marc Cohn traveled to Memphis while struggling with writer’s block and looking for musical and spiritual inspiration. Experiences like visiting Al Green’s church, Graceland, and the Hollywood Café fed directly into the lyrics of “Walking in Memphis.”
The song went on to become his signature hit, reaching the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year, while Cohn himself won the Grammy for Best New Artist.
Covers and Ongoing Buzz
Over the years, “Walking in Memphis” has been widely covered, most famously by Cher (1995) and country group Lonestar (2003), helping keep the song in regular radio and streaming rotation. Even now, it’s still a staple of Cohn’s live shows and a nostalgic favorite in forums and music discussions whenever people ask “who wrote ‘Walking in Memphis’” or share stories about visiting Memphis.
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