A road trip through the southern United States is a journey into the beating heart of America’s musical heritage. From the foothills of Tennessee to the Mississippi Delta, each new destination adds another note to a soundtrack that covers everything from gospel, soul and bluegrass to jazz, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll.
Filled with unforgettable performances, legendary recording studios and iconic live venues, it’s all about experiencing the places, people and moments that forever changed the sound of popular music.
Start your journey in the city of St Louis, which introduced us to some of the twentieth century’s most iconic musical greats, including Scott Joplin, Miles Davis, Tina Turner and Chuck Berry. You’ll find their names honoured with stars along the city’s Walk of Fame, along with other homegrown heroes like Charles Lindbergh and Tennessee Williams.
Musical must-dos in St Louis:
Visit the Scott Joplin House State Historic Landmark, former home of the ‘Father of Ragtime’.
During the 1940s, a new genre of acoustic music emerged from the Appalachian region of Kentucky and Tennessee: a blend of Irish and Scottish folk music and local influences. Owensboro is considered the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, and it’s renowned as a city that is friendly, scenic and utterly obsessed with celebrating its musical heritage.
Musical must-dos in Owensboro:
Time your visit to coincide with the annual ROMP Festival, which takes place every summer and features some of the world’s best bluegrass and American roots musicians.
This vibrant city, lovingly nicknamed “Music City,” is a must-visit on any music lover’s southern road trip itinerary. With hundreds of live music venues dotted throughout the city, you’ll be treated to a musical feast that starts early and continues well into the night. Country music may be Nashville’s bread and butter, but you’ll also find plenty of rock, bluegrass, gospel and singer-songwriter performances to add extra variety to the city’s soundtrack.
Musical must-dos in Nashville:
Heading deeper into Tennessee, you’ll find yourself on the home turf of the undisputed queen of country music. Dolly Parton grew up in the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, a beautiful region of dense forests, steep peaks where the locals are just a little obsessed with their brand of country music.
Dolly’s love of Tennessee and its cultural heritage is reflected in this unique theme park, where alongside the usual thrill rides and performances, you can learn about traditional elements of Appalachian art and culture, from blacksmithing and glass-blowing to weaving and woodcarving.
Musical must-dos in Pigeon Forge:
Check out live performances from a variety of talented country music performers, including Dolly’s niece, family and friends.
There are few cities that compare to Memphis when it comes to their influence on popular music. Considered the birthplace of rock’n’roll, more than a quarter of the songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame were either recorded in Memphis or have a close connection to the city.
Musical must-dos in Memphis:
Explore Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. From his famous car collection to the peaceful Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family are buried, the estate is a pilgrimage site for more than half a million visitors each year.
Avoid the interstates and take legendary Highway 61, also known as the ‘Blues Highway’, heading south along the Mississippi River to New Orleans. Often described as the birthplace of jazz, this city offers everything you need to immerse yourself in living, breathing musical culture. Don’t be surprised to find yourself swept into an impromptu brass band parade or spontaneous street performance at any time of day or night.
Musical must-dos in New Orleans:
You don’t have to be a musician to appreciate the American South’s extraordinary musical heritage (although it helps!). Whether you’re standing in the studio where Elvis recorded his first hit, listening to bluegrass while driving quiet Kentucky back roads, or soaking up the sounds of jazz in a New Orleans concert hall, every mile will deliver another unforgettable memory.
Ask your personal travel manager for help designing a road trip itinerary that hits all the right notes.
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