Rock music has long been part of American life. From brassy New Orleans jazz to moody Seattle grunge, the country teems with bustling scenes and intimate clubs where rock legends once performed.
From Memphis (the birthplace of Elvis Presley) to Detroit’s bold garage rock sound, here are the best rock ‘n’ roll cities in America.
Cleveland
Cleveland, unlike Memphis, can claim fame as being home to the birth of rock and roll music. WJW disc jockey Alan Freed played an instrumental role in popularizing it during his Moondog Rock and Roll Radio Hour broadcasted from WJW Radio Station; Record Rendezvous owner Leo Mintz later coined the term “rock and roll” to avoid its connotations with race or race-based connotations associated with R&B (Rhythm and Blues).
Under Ahmet Ertegun’s leadership, Atlantic Records’ Cleveland division played an instrumental role in breaking many young talent, such as James Brown, Tadd Dameron and Albert Ayler. Furthermore, its pioneering efforts paved the way for modern rock bands like Aerosmith and Love in the Elevator to flourish.
Though popular groups such as The Raspberries have since disbanded, today’s Cleveland music scene remains lively with diverse styles of music. You’ll find talented singer-songwriters at open mic nights or experimental jazz at The Bop Stop; during summer nights outdoor dance parties feature funk and reggae tunes for dancing!
Memphis
Memphis is one of the world’s premier musical cities, home to Graceland – Elvis Presley’s mansion and burial place – as well as Sun Studio – birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Furthermore, Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett both contributed significantly to soul music through Memphis.
Memphis is famous for its barbecue. Home of the Memphis Grizzlies professional basketball team and FedExForum arena for sporting and concert events. Memphis also serves as a major transportation hub with Mississippi River crossings for Interstates 40 (east-west), 55 (north-south), barge traffic, and freight railroads providing access.
Memphis has long been used as a location for filming, appearing in such classic movies as Black Snake Moan, Cast Away, choices, The Firm, Great Balls of Fire!, Hustle & Flow Memphis Belle Walk the Line as well as numerous television series shot there. Furthermore, Memphis hosts various colleges and universities.
Detroit
Detroit, known as ‘Motor City’ due to its automotive roots, boasts a rich musical legacy. To explore this, visit Hitsville U.S.A – Motown’s original studio. Additionally, at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation you can track America’s creative development over time.
New York is widely known for its vibrant music scene. Many famous musicians such as Michael Jackson and Madonna as well as hip-hop legends and Broadway superstars got their start here, from pop stars such as Madonna to hip-hop pioneers and Broadway performers. Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, hip-hop garage house music shows, New York Punk acts and Broadway musicals offer something musical for every taste in this iconic city.
Music hotspots across America will have you tapping your feet and rocking out, from steel guitar twanging to underground hip-hop clubs pulsing out drum beats. Don your headphones, hit the road and discover why these five cities make excellent rock ‘n’ roll destinations.
New Orleans
As the birthplace of jazz and host to some of America’s best rock ‘n roll bands, New Orleans is no stranger to this musical style. Mardi Gras lasts weeks here while family gumbo recipes remain treasures in households across town. New Orleans culture consists of superstitions and traditions created by its creoles, French, Spanish, Irish Italians and enslaved African residents who once called New Orleans home.
Here, jazz differs significantly from its eastern counterpart – being less regimented and often performed by brass bands – ten-member ragtag ensembles that cover popular hits at bars or on the streets. New Orleans is also famously associated with bounce music, a subgenre of hip hop featuring fast beats and vocal chants.
Starting from steel guitar twang to an underground hip-hop club’s beats, these five best rock ‘n roll cities will get your feet tapping in no time. Pack up and experience all that each city offers.