Very few people can say they've sat with legendary Stax Records co-founder Jim Stewart at his kitchen table. Let alone listened to the 89-year-old recount stories about the venerable Memphis label and its iconic roster of creatives and executives, including Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, The Staple Singers, William Bell, songwriter David Porter (Sam & Dave’s "Soul Man"), longtime publicist Deanie Parker and the label's former co-owner Al Bell.
But Michele Smith can -- and on multiple occasions."Every time I go to Memphis, I'm blessed to sit with Mr. Stewart and his daughter Lori for several hours and ask questions," Smith says. "And when you get him and Ms.