The US has helped introduce many popular music genres to the world. If you’re a music fan, it could be worth visiting the birthplace of some of these genres to learn more about their history and immerse oneself in the culture. In this post, we’ll take a quick tour of 7 cities that have played a significant part in the evolution of contemporary music, and some of the top musical attractions that each one has to offer.
Jazz: New Orleans
New Orleans in Louisiana is widely considered the birthplace of jazz. This combination of blues, ragtime and spirituals can be traced back to the 1800s, but officially became popular in the 1910s, later spawning influential musicians like Louis Armstrong. You can explore the city’s jazz heritage at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Make sure to also check out the Musical Legends Park on Bourbon Street where you’ll find statues to past legends and often live jazz.
Country: Nashville
Country music has roots in the south. It is a fusion of folk, blues and gospel – the first recordings were made in the 1920s. Nashville has long served as the Country music capital since then. It is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and also the longest running radio show, The Grand Ole Opry (which hosts live country performances that you can book tickets to watch on stage).
Rock ‘n’ Roll: Memphis
Although somewhat disputed, the first ever Rock ‘n’ Roll song is often traced back to 1951. It was recorded at Sun Studio on Beale Street in Memphis – a recording studio that would later record hits by Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. You can book tours of the studio and learn about the birth of rock n roll. Make sure to all visit Elvis’s nearby home, Graceland, while in Memphis. Both Memphis and Nashville are in Tennessee and often combined into one vacation.
Soul: Detroit
Detroit played a pivotal part in the development of soul music in the 1960s – it was home to Hitsville U.S.A, the Motown headquarters. This recording studio has since been turned into a museum where there are exhibits dedicated to iconic artists like The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations. The city would later spawn iconic musicians in other genres such as Eminem and The White Stripes. Check out accommodations in Detroit’s downtown and explore the many musical locations across the city.
Pop: Los Angeles
Many famous pop recordings have been – and continue to be made – in LA. It’s a must-visit city for pop music fans due to housing attractions like the GRAMMY Museum and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s also home to the world’s largest independent record store, Amoeba Music.
Hip Hop: New York
Hip hop is believed to have been formed in the Bronx in the early 1970s. New York City has continued to produce hip hop stars since then from Jay-Z to 50 Cent. Several attractions throughout New York celebrate its hip hop history including the Graffiti Hall of Fame and Bronx Walk of Fame. Of course, this city has also played a central part in the history of many other genres from jazz to punk rock and contains some of the most famous and historic music venues in the country.
Grunge: Seattle
Finally, let’s stop at Seattle. This city birthed the grunge movement in the 1990s – including artists like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. Many music venues from the original ‘grunge circuit’ are still open today. The Museum of Pop Culture is also worth visiting and delves into the history of alternative rock in Seattle.
