The United States shines on the global stage regarding musical influence. It’s the home of stars such as BB King, Louis Armstrong, Bob Dylan, and Debbie Harry, so you can say the country has nourished more than a few icons. Here are 5 Places in the US Every Music Lover Should Visit,regardless of tunes.
America’s musical genres are diverse, producing blues, jazz, folk, rock, country, etc. Many of these sounds reflect the roots of the musicians. So, if you want to go on a magical musical tour, where should you start?
1. New Hampshire
New Hampshire probably won’t jump out at music lovers, but you’d be surprised who has come up through its music scene.
Aerosmith is arguably the most famous ‘70s rock band plus one of the biggest comeback bands. Known as ‘the bad boys of Boston,’ Aerosmith actually formed in New Hampshire. Their legacy carries on in this state at small venues and high school proms from before they hit the big time.
Also unmissable in this state is a visit to Drum Center of Portsmouth for drummers who want to create that classic rock sound.
2. Memphis
No guide to musical hotspots would be complete without a visit to some of the prettiest places in Tennessee and Memphis, immortalized in song and home to ‘Graceland,’ the mansion of the legend that is Elvis Presley.
As if that wasn’t reason enough, Memphis is also home to the Stax Museum, dedicated to the memory of the record label that supported the careers of Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes.
Enjoy interactive exhibits, film, musical instruments, and costumes with bookable tours to bring the experience to life.
Don’t overlook Beale Street while you’re here! It’s home to BB King’s Blues Club with nightly tribute shows to this legend of music.
3. Detroit
It’s impossible to think of Detroit without thinking of Motown. This music label was founded here in 1959, and it remained in Detroit until 1972.
The Motown Museum is in West Grand Boulevard, where visitors can follow in the footsteps of Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.
4. Nashville
If you had to pick one genre that couldn’t be anything other than American, it must be country music, and right at its heart is Nashville.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and follow the careers and sounds of Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash.
There is also an unmissable weekly country stage show, the Grand Ole Opry, in existence since 1925. It runs at the Grand Ole Opry House, a 4,000-seat stadium.
5. New Orleans
Head to New Orleans in Louisiana, the city that witnessed the birth of jazz. The Mardi Gras carnival in the spring is a great time to be in New Orleans to get a real flavor of this vibrant city.
Arguably the most famous son of New Orleans is the jazz trumpeter, Louis Armstrong.
There are nightly jazz shows at Preservation Hall in St Peter Street, a mecca for enthusiasts who want to experience the authentic sound of New Orleans.
Conclusion
It’s tough to choose just 5 Places in the US Every Music Lover Should Visit, so great and varied are the different genres and influences. There are plenty of names not included in this music-lovers guide, but that means you can keep coming back for more.
