Unlike some regions, there are countless great places to visit on a Music-themed tour of the USA. The country’s rich and diverse musical heritage spans many genres and regions. You can take your pick from the lists here depending on your preferences.

A Music-Themed Tour Of The United States: Great Places To Be

1. Mississippi: The Blues Heritage

The blues music heritage finds its origins in Mississippi. The region is widely considered the birthplace of the blues. The blues genre of music has influenced countless other genres and profoundly impacted American music from then on. 

Many of the most excellent blues musicians, such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King, hail from the sunflower country of Mississippi.

It’s famed as an essential part of the growth and development of American music, particularly the blues, gospel music, and jazz. Added to the state’s fame were the notable musicians in these genres, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Tammy Wynette.

Many locations and landmarks in the area are associated with the state’s musical heritage. It includes the B.B. King Museum, Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, and the Crossroads in Clarksdale.

These venues are regarded as the state’s historical treasures continuing the state’s fame as the hub of blues music until today. 

The landmarks and historical locations are not the only reasons people visit Mississippi. Countless music festivals throughout the year celebrate the state’s rich musical heritage.

These include the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, the Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival in Greenville, and the Natchez Trace Festival in Tupelo.

Overall, Mississippi’s deep musical roots, historical significance, and vibrant music scene make it a great place to be for a music-themed tour in the Americas.

2. New York City, New York: The Major Center

New York City, or NYC, home to one of the best museums worldwide, is also regarded as a major center of the music industry in the United States and the world. It’s known for its musical diversity, with various genres represented in the city’s music scene. 

Some of the most prominent genres in NYC include hip-hop, jazz, classical, and rock, among others. Iconic music venues, such as the Apollo Theater, the Bowery Ballroom, Madison Square Garden, and Carnegie Hall, are among its highlights. 

These venues attract some of the world’s most famous musicians and entertainers. They’re mostly seen during music festivities throughout the year, including the Governors Ball, Electric Zoo, the NYC Winter Jazzfest, and many more.

NYC’s rich musical diversity, iconic music venues, music festivals, record labels, and music education institutions have made it a prominent music industry center and a popular destination for music lovers and aspiring musicians. It’s also a great location to visit if you’re on a music-themed tour of the USA.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana: The Historic Jazz

Louisiana is famous among music lovers worldwide as the birthplace of jazz. New Orleans, as a whole, is home to numerous music venues, festivals, and historic sites related to jazz and other genres of music.

It’s one of those great places to visit on a music-themed tour. Various cultures and traditions have influenced its rich and diverse musical heritage. The mixture of cultural, social, and historical factors contributed to the diversity that brought about Luisiana’s musical fame.

The state’s African American heritage is one of the most significant influences on Louisiana’s music. African migrants brought a rich musical tradition that included rhythms, dances, and songs that would later become the foundation for many of Louisiana’s musical styles. 

Another influence that left imprints on Louisiana’s music is the state’s French, Spanish, and Caribbean heritage. These cultures brought many musical traditions, such as the Cajun and Zydeco music that evolved in the French-speaking regions of Louisiana.

Latin music also became popular in New Orleans and other parts of the state.

Louisiana’s music has evolved over time through cultural exchange and adaptation. The state’s unique blend of African American, French, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures has given rise to a diverse and vibrant musical landscape that continues to thrive today.

4. Nashville, Tennessee: The Music Hub 

The “Music City” Nashville, Tennessee, has been a hub for the music industry for many reasons.

For one, it’s considered the epicenter of the country music industry in the United States. It is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Grand Ole Opry, and the famous music row where many record labels, music publishers, and recording studios are located.

The city has been a music center since the early 20th century. It has significantly developed country music and other genres such as gospel, rock, and pop. Its recording studios, including the historic RCA Studio B, have recorded many famous musicians, like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Roy Orbison.

Nashville also hosts many year-long music events, including the Americana Music Festival, CMA Music Festival, and the Nashville Songwriters Festival.

These events showcase the city’s history, infrastructure, and culture, making it a thriving music industry center that attracts musicians, producers, and music fans worldwide.

5. Memphis, Tennessee: The Birth Of Rock and Roll 

Memphis, Tennessee, has been crucial in developing several genres, particularly in the 20th century. It’s considered the birthplace of rock and roll. Thanks to the pioneering work of artists like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins, who recorded their early hits at Sun Studio and later at RCA Studio B.

It’s also the home of the legendary record label Stax Records, which produced soul music hits from artists like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Isaac Hayes. 

Memphis also is home to some incredible music museums. They’re dedicated to the city’s musical heritage, including the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Blues Hall of Fame. 

The city also hosts several yearly music highlights, including the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival, the Beale Street Music Festival, and the Blues Music Awards.

6. Seattle, Washington: The Grunge And The Alternative

Seattle is often considered the birthplace of grunge music, which emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. Bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains are Seattle locals who invaded and imprinted their music styles in the American music industry.

The Crocodile, The Showbox, and Neumos are some of the iconic venues that established their roots in the city. They helped boost the music industry in the locality with famous record labels, including Sub Pop Records.

This recording firm played a crucial role in promoting grunge music and launching the careers of bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden.

Seattle also celebrates the Bumbershoot Festival and other music festivals year-long. These festivities attract many musicians and performers to the city to celebrate year after year.

In Sum

Whether you’re a fan of jazz, country, blues, rock, or any other genre of music, a tour of these great American cities and their music-infused cultural sites is sure to be a memorable and inspiring experience. 

Find more about these great places through the links in this content to ensure that you’ll have a thoroughly thrilling music-inspired tour. 

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