Photos: Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Instead of an eyesore, Kevin Kane as President & CEO of then Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau created a massive neon display, attached to the Lone Star silos, welcoming guests to “Memphis: Home of the Blues & The Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

The silos are long gone, improving the Memphis skyline, however the creative commitment to Memphis tourism… especially with the unequalled, globally-recognized hook of Memphis music… continues under the leadership of Kevin Kane and his team at what is now, since 2018, Memphis Tourism.

Kane is a passionate, lifelong Memphian who graduated from Christian Brothers High School and the University of Memphis where he played basketball for the Tigers. His deep-rooted connection to the city has been a driving force behind his career. Kevin Kane’s commitment to community involvement has been evident through his participation on numerous boards, showing his dedication to Memphis’ overall well-being. He serves on the Executive Committee of the US Travel Association and is a Past Chair and current Board member of Destination Marketing Association International. He is actively involved with the Boards of Christian Brothers High School, Memphis Hotel & Lodging Association, the University of Tennessee College of Health & Sciences advisory board, and the Memphis Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum. He serves on the Memphis Transportation Commission, Memphis/Shelby County Public Building Authority, AutoZone Liberty Bowl Festival Association, and serves as an executive board member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Kevin Kane expanded his tourism expertise under his former position with Holiday Inn’s worldwide headquarters, prior to assuming the President & CEO position at Memphis Tourism over 30 years ago in 1991. His innovative approach and passion for promoting Memphis quickly became evident. While promoting all aspects of Memphis tourism (Memphis Zoo, Bass Pro, Shelby Farms, Greenline, youth sports, and so much more) and generating millions of dollars in annual economic impact and “hotel room nights” through leisure and business tourism, Kane and Memphis Tourism have carried Memphis music around the planet (similar to the way that Elvis and Stax did in the 1950s and 60s).

Memphis Tourism is the official destination marketing and tourism organization for Memphis and Shelby County. In 2023, Memphis welcomed 13.5 million visitors, generating a local economic impact of over $4 billion from direct domestic visitor spending. The Memphis Tourism sales staff covers the meetings, sports, and tourism leisure sales market segments and is supported by a marketing department that includes advertising, digital marketing, research, public relations, and membership. Under Kane’s leadership, a separate 501(c)(3) affiliate called “Welcome to Memphis” was developed. It focuses on equipping local tourism and hospitality professionals with customer service skills and destination knowledge to ensure a positive visitor experience.

Kane also oversees the operations of Memphis Management Group, a subsidiary of Memphis Tourism, which manages both the Renasant Convention Center and The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Kane also established two subsidiaries: the Memphis Tourism Education Foundation and the Memphis Sports Council. The former focuses on workforce development to ensure a skilled and knowledgeable hospitality workforce, while the latter concentrates on marketing the city’s growing sports facilities and tapping into the fast-growing sports tourism industry. He also spearheaded the creation of the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame, which celebrates the achievements of local Olympians, athletes, coaches, and contributors to the Memphis sports community.

With Memphis previously promoted as “Memphis’ Distribution Center” (a worthy designation), Kane’s marketing vision for Memphis as a global tourist destination embraced the city’s music instead, which resonates in almost every country on the planet. Today that branding, and the successes it has delivered, continues under the moniker of “Home of Blues, Soul & Rock ‘n’ Roll.” However, the progressive promotion of Memphis music globally is more than a slogan.

Kane’s forward-thinking approach to expanding the city’s reach and its music included opening new visitor centers in Shelby County, offering a key Welcome Center just blocks from Elvis Presley’s Graceland, one of the country’s most popular destinations (second most visited residence in the U.S., only behind the White House). These centers help promote and expand visitor opportunities and experience, and extend the visitor’s length of stay. Memphis, and Memphis as a music destination is strategically promoted through established sales teams in key U.S. locations like DC and Chicago. Memphis Tourism, however, has also maximized global promotion of Memphis music and music tourism through full-time representation in Germany, the U.K. and Australia / New Zealand, which has grown to become Memphis’ third-largest tourism market. Targeted marketing strategies have also greatly increased tourism traffic from Japan, China and Brazil, each being tourism markets enticed by their love of Memphis music.

Kane’s approach to attracting global guests to the home of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll has also involved taking Memphis music to them. Memphis Tourism has helped showcase Memphis musicians and groups at tourism conferences and events in countries around the world, including featuring Memphis’ Hi Rhythm Section at a festival in Queensland, Australia in 2024, accompanied by a promotional “hang-out space” at the festival hosted by Memphis Tourism. In 2023, Memphis Tourism launched a traveling “pop-up” experience featuring a built-to-scale replica of Graceland’s Jungle Room. It had potential tourists in L.A. wrapped around the block to enjoy, post to social media and learn about Memphis.

Under Kane’s leadership, Memphis Tourism has consistently incorporated current and authentic music by many of the city’s bands and musicians in its national television marketing campaigns, providing exposure for those Memphis musicians as well as the tourism destination they call home. In 2024, one of Memphis Tourism’s latest campaigns promotes “Take a #soultrip” (check it out for yourself). Staying current, Memphis Tourism has activated and hosted social media influencers who, literally, sing the praises of Memphis, Memphis music attractions, and Memphis music. Memphis Tourism’s online “Memphis Music Hub” at memphistravel.com offers a comprehensive resource for potential tourists to experience the sound of our city… and all of its diverse musical genres. The Music Hub serves to connect our current local musicians, music venues, and music organizations with our city’s visitors.

Aside from directly marketing Memphis, Kane’s commitment to Memphis music has been evident in other ways. Decades ago, when the international Blues Foundation was moved from Beale Street, Kane offered this critical organization office space. And when New Orleans set its attention toward stealing the Blues Foundation, Kane worked to help preserve its continued musical presence in Memphis. He even gets credit for the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and for the Induction Ceremony. In 2008, as a Board Member and former Board Chair of the Smithsonian-developed Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Kevin Kane raised the idea for that non-profit to officially launch the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, which has since honored, counting tonight, over 100 of our city’s legendary, world-changing musicians. Kane says…

Kevin Kane continues to spearhead innovation and progress, ensuring that Memphis evolves as a premier destination. His legacy not only showcases his leadership but also celebrates Memphis’ rich heritage and promising future. Under Kevin’s guidance, we are reminded that Memphis, with its soulful rhythms and vibrant energy, forever encapsulates the spirit of a leader dedicated to making the city shine on the global stage. Without ever having to pick up and play a guitar or trumpet, Kevin Kane is honored tonight for his indelible mark on the promotion of Memphis music.

Watch Kevin’s Induction