I did not like Memphis and certainly didn't feel safe there - heck they even had guides from the Tourist Bureau who would walk with you to the next attraction.
A sharp contrast was Vicksburg where we went to blues bars frequented by the locals and were treated in a very friendly manner.
If you are driving around there, try to get to the Best Fried Chicken in the US - amazing taste -
https://plus.google.com/108531441845369876044/about?gl=us&hl=en