Final answer:
Memphis remained a key blues hub into the 1950s thanks to influential record labels like Sun Records, a rich cultural heritage, and the blending of blues with other musical styles which fueled musical innovation and diversity, aiding the birth of rock n' roll.
Step-by-step explanation:
Memphis remained a significant blues center into the 1950s primarily due to a combination of factors, including the presence of influential record labels such as Sun Records, which produced Elvis Presley's first record in 1954, a rich cultural heritage, and the integration of blues with other genres. These factors created a conducive environment for musical innovation and diversity. Memphis's geographical location also played a crucial role as a crossroads for various musical styles, fostering an environment where youths could be influenced by blues, bluegrass, gospel, and R&B from nearby regions. This melting pot of influences contributed to the evolution of rock n' roll music, with Memphis at its epicenter, where iconic musicians like Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis got their start, blending different musical traditions and breaking racial barriers in the process.