What soul record label was founded in Memphis, Tennessee in 1957?

The soul record label founded in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1957 was Stax Records. It began as Satellite Records, established by siblings Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton.

Stewart initially operated the business from a garage, while Axton later invested in the company by mortgaging her home to help purchase recording equipment. Their surnames—Stewart and Axton—formed the name Stax when the label was renamed in 1961.

Stax became one of the central institutions of Southern soul and Memphis music. Its studio and house band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, helped create a tightly rhythmic sound heard on recordings by artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes, and Carla Thomas.

A common mix-up is confusing Stax with Motown or Atlantic. Motown was founded in Detroit, while Atlantic was founded in New York. Stax was especially associated with Memphis and with its sister label, Volt, during its most influential period.