Charley Crockett took the stage at Mempho Music Festival 2025, held at Radians Amphitheater in the lush Memphis Botanic Garden from October 3-5, 2025, delivering a performance that encapsulated his signature “Gulf & Western” sound—a soulful blend of country, blues, soul, Cajun, R&B, and Americana. With a 23-song setlist that wove together originals, covers, and solo acoustic moments, Crockett’s show was a testament to his remarkable rags-to-riches story, from busking on street corners to commanding festival stages.
His performance on the Bud Light stage, as part of a diverse lineup featuring Widespread Panic, Tyler Childers, and The Flaming Lips, was a highlight of the festival’s eighth edition. Below, we dive into the setlist, exploring how each song reflects Charley Crockett’s journey and musical evolution, while capturing the heart of American roots music in the city where blues and rock were born.
Charley Crockett Mempho Fest 2025 Tickets
Setting the Stage: Mempho Fest and Charley Crockett
Mempho Music Festival, held at Radians Amphitheater, is known for its eclectic mix of genres and intimate setting amidst 96 acres of specialty gardens. The 2025 lineup, announced early on April 22, 2025, showcased Americana roots, soulful legends, and boundary-pushing innovators, with Charley Crockett’s performance perfectly embodying this spirit. His “Gulf & Western” sound, described by NPR Music as “very 21st century and very vintage,” draws from his Texas upbringing, New Orleans influences, and a life marked by hardship and hustle.
From sleeping in his van to playing for tips in Deep Ellum, Crockett’s journey mirrors the grit and resilience of the characters in his songs. His Mempho setlist, performed on October 3, 2025, was a narrative arc of struggle, redemption, and authenticity.
Act I: Grit and Hustle
Charley Crockett opened with “Game I Can’t Win”, a bluesy lament that sets the tone for his underdog ethos. The song’s raw energy and twangy guitar riffs resonated with the Memphis crowd, evoking the city’s blues heritage. Its lyrics about battling unwinnable odds reflect Crockett’s early days busking and scraping by, a theme that runs through his discography.
Next came “Tennessee Quick Cash”, a rollicking track with a nod to his Southern roots. The song’s uptempo rhythm and sharp storytelling—about chasing fleeting opportunities—had the audience swaying, capturing the festival’s vibrant energy. “One Trick Pony” followed, showcasing Crockett’s sly humor and self-awareness. Its laid-back groove and clever wordplay highlighted his ability to blend wit with soulful delivery, a hallmark of his live performances.
“Good at Losing” slowed things down, offering a introspective moment. The song’s melancholic melody and lyrics about repeated failures spoke to Crockett’s perseverance through personal and professional setbacks. The crowd, bathed in the warm glow of the amphitheater, connected with the vulnerability of this track. “Night Rider” picked up the pace, its driving beat and cinematic imagery evoking late-night journeys and restless spirits, a nod to Crockett’s nomadic past.
Act II: Tales of Hardship and Heart
“Solitary Road” deepened the emotional resonance, with Charley Crockett’s voice—described by the Wall Street Journal as a mix of Ernest Tubb, Bill Withers, and French Quarter swagger—carrying the weight of loneliness and self-reliance. The song’s sparse arrangement allowed his vocal delivery to shine, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Welcome to Hard Times”, the title track from his 2020 album, followed, its gritty narrative of struggle and survival striking a chord in Memphis, a city steeped in stories of resilience.
“Hard Luck & Circumstances” continued the theme, with its soulful groove and tales of life’s unpredictability. The song’s blend of country and R&B showcased Crockett’s ability to bridge genres, earning nods from festival-goers enjoying the Incendia Dome’s DJ sets nearby. “The Valley” brought a reflective tone, its lyrics painting a vivid picture of rural life and lost dreams, rooted in Crockett’s Texas heritage.
“Easy Money” injected a playful energy, with its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics about chasing quick riches. The song’s Cajun-inflected rhythm had the crowd dancing, a testament to Crockett’s ability to keep the festival’s diverse audience engaged. “Paint It Blue”, with its moody, soulful undertones, closed this segment, its introspective lyrics hinting at heartbreak and redemption, themes central to Crockett’s narrative.
Act III: Solo Spotlight and Covers
The set took an intimate turn with a trio of solo acoustic performances, showcasing Charley Crockett’s roots as a street performer. “Time of the Cottonwood Trees” was a standout, its gentle melody and poetic lyrics evoking a sense of fleeting beauty. Performed solo, it felt like a moment of communion between Crockett and the audience, with the Memphis night air adding to the song’s wistful atmosphere.
Crockett paid homage to his influences with “Diamond Joe”, a Ramblin’ Jack Elliott cover, delivered with raw authenticity. The song’s folk storytelling fit seamlessly into his set, reflecting his deep connection to Americana traditions. “Ain’t That Right”, another solo number, was a heartfelt nod to his struggles, its minimalist arrangement amplifying Crockett’s emotive voice.
The band returned for “Juke Box Mama”, a Link Wray cover that brought a rockabilly edge to the set. Its gritty energy and infectious rhythm had the crowd roaring, bridging Crockett’s vintage influences with his modern flair. This segment highlighted his versatility, moving effortlessly from introspective ballads to high-energy romps.
Act IV: The Modern Outlaw
“Destroyed” brought the set back to Charley Crockett’s originals, its haunting melody and introspective lyrics exploring themes of loss and reinvention. “The Man From Waco”, a fan favorite, followed, its Western swing vibe and vivid storytelling cementing Crockett’s persona as a modern-day troubadour. The song’s nod to his Texas roots resonated deeply in Memphis, a city that appreciates musical authenticity.
“Don’t Tell Me That”, a James Hand cover, showcased Charley Crockett’s reverence for unsung heroes of country music. Its mournful tone and heartfelt delivery were a highlight, with the crowd singing along to the chorus. “$10 Cowboy”, the title track from his 2024 album, brought a swaggering energy, its lyrics about a wandering musician mirroring Crockett’s own journey from obscurity to acclaim.
“Trinity River” kept the momentum going, its bluesy groove and river imagery evoking the South’s natural beauty. “Never No More” added a soulful edge, with Crockett’s voice soaring over the band’s tight instrumentation. “Crucified Son” brought a darker, introspective tone, its raw emotion cutting through the festival’s festive atmosphere.
Finale: A Lonesome Drifter’s Triumph
The set closed with “Lonesome Drifter”, a fitting capstone to Charley Crockett’s performance. The song’s reflective lyrics and steady rhythm encapsulated his journey—a drifter who’s found his place in the world through music. As the final notes rang out over Radians Amphitheater, the crowd erupted, celebrating a performance that felt both timeless and deeply personal.
The Rags-to-Riches Story in Song
Crockett’s Mempho Fest setlist was more than a collection of songs; it was a narrative of his life, from street corners to festival stages. His “Gulf & Western” sound, blending country, blues, and soul, resonated with the festival’s diverse audience, reflecting Memphis’s musical legacy. Songs like “Game I Can’t Win” and “Hard Luck & Circumstances” spoke to his struggles, while “$10 Cowboy” and “Lonesome Drifter” celebrated his triumphs. The solo acoustic moments and covers paid tribute to his influences, grounding his modern sound in tradition.
Mempho Fest 2025: A Perfect Backdrop
The setting of Radians Amphitheater, nestled in the Memphis Botanic Garden, amplified Crockett’s performance. The festival’s three stages, including the Bud Light stage where Crockett performed, hosted a range of acts from Widespread Panic’s improvisational jams to The Pharcyde’s hip-hop poetry. The Incendia Dome’s pulsating DJ sets and the garden’s natural beauty created an immersive experience, making Crockett’s set a standout moment in a weekend of musical diversity.
Conclusion: A Voice Like No Other
Charley Crockett’s Mempho Fest 2025 performance was a masterclass in storytelling and musical fusion. His setlist, spanning originals and covers, wove together the threads of his rags-to-riches story, delivered with a voice that’s unmistakably his own. As the Wall Street Journal noted, Crockett’s vocal style—part honky-tonk, part soul, part New Orleans swagger—is unmatched. His ability to connect with the audience, from high-energy anthems to tender acoustic moments, made his set a defining moment of Mempho Fest 2025. For fans and newcomers alike, Charley Crockett proved why he’s a force in American roots music, carrying the soul of the South wherever he goes.
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