Planning a musical road trip? Forbes magazine has named the best cities for music in America. If you visit one of these destinations, you’re sure to hit a high note. (And you might decide to find an apartment there to stay with the music.)
Memphis
When you think about Memphis, TN, you’re bound to think of barbeque and the blues, and that’s why Forbes picked this soulful music mecca for their list of the best cities for music in America. Beale Street is where you’ll find dozens of blues clubs, including legend B.B. King’s famous joint, each piping their music out into the street. Buy a single wristband and you can hop between them all on any given night, drink in hand. And when you’ve had your fill of booze and blues, don’t forget to pop by Graceland to visit the home of the city’s most famous musical resident, Elvis Presley. The Memphis music scene has a rich history, and there’s a lot to explore here.
Nashville
It’s a well-known fact that Nashville, TN, is one of the best cities for music in America. Billing itself as “Music City,” Nashville is where every aspiring country musician goes to make a name for herself, and some of the biggest names have come out of this musical hub: Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Martina McBride — the list goes on and on. If you’re looking for the best country music in Nashville, head downtown to the Ryman Auditorium or famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
New Orleans
Considered a jazz hub since the turn of the 20th century, New Orleans, LA, still maintains its status as one of the best cities for music in America. As African slaves played alongside European-educated Creoles, the musical heritages of both cultures mixed, and the result was a unique new style called jazz. Over the years, some of America’s greatest jazz musicians have come through New Orleans, including Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Wynton Marsalis, among countless others. If you want to hear some great jazz, head to New Orleans in the spring for Jazz Fest, the largest jazz festival in the United States.
Chicago
Chicago, IL, landed on Forbes’ list of the best cities for music because it’s known as the home of gospel choir music. Since the Great Migration brought freed African-American slaves north, gospel music has had a home in Chicago, and you can find it being performed there seven days a week.
On a different note, you can also experience some of the best rock music in Chicago, according to Forbes. Thanks to a history that supports immigrants and a working class attitude, Chicago has spawned a thriving rock scene that’s turned out some big names like REO Speedwagon, Smashing Pumpkins, and current favorites Fall Out Boy and Alkaline Trio.
Detroit
With rappers like Eminem and rock legends like Bob Seger hailing from this Northern industrial hub, Detroit, MI, landed on top of Forbes’ list as one of the most musical cities. Detroit is the home of R&B’s Motown sound, but Forbes named Detroit the best place for hip-hop music in America thanks to the small bars and clubs where rappers still battle it out to be the best MCs.
San Francisco
With a wide cultural base to support the classical music scene, the San Francisco Symphony is credited with bringing classical music to people who wouldn’t otherwise feel a connection to it. This urban renewal of classical music landed San Francisco, CA, on Forbes’ list of the most musical cities in America.
Los Angeles
Anybody who loves 80’s hair bands knows that Los Angeles, CA, is a rock music hotspot. L.A. continues to be one of the best cities for making and recording music in America today, especially from a business point of view. Some of the biggest recording studios and record companies in the United States are headquartered in Los Angeles, and that makes this city a good place to discover new bands trying to land a deal and hit it big.
No matter your favorite style of music, there’s a musical city in the United States where the best and brightest are turning out some great new tunes. So hit the road, Jack, and find your own musical paradise.
