Visit USA: An Immersive Journey into America’s Musical History – Five Itineraries for Enthusiasts
Which landscapes have inspired some of America’s greatest musical icons? Visit USA highlights five itineraries for music lovers heading to the US this summer who want to discover vibrant bars, listen to live music or sample the authentic culture of places made famous by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Marvin Gaye and many more.
Experience music history in Alabama
In northern Alabama, The Shoals tourist region has attracted major artists such as Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones to record their music there. A visit to Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield and Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals allows you to fully appreciate the musical heritage of the place. Not far away is a surprising architectural gem: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House, one of the purest examples of the famous architect’s Usonian style, and his only house in the southeastern United States that offers guided tours. At the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia, visitors can discover the state’s musical roots, and for blues fans, a detour to Florence is a must to admire memorabilia and exhibits honoring the creator of the blues at the WC Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library.
California, paradise for rock and hip-hop
Los Angeles is the capital of West Coast rap and the birthplace of the G-funk sound, perfected by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Tupac. It was also in Los Angeles that gangsta rap was born, a protest subgenre launched in 1986 by artists such as Ice-T and Public Enemy. LA Hood Life Tours specialists guide visitors through the city to hip-hop hotspots. Not far away is West Hollywood, whose rebellious energy attracted rock stars from the 70s, Frank Zappa, the Rolling Stones and many others were among the regulars of the Sunset Strip. For lunch, the popular Urth Caffe on Melrose Avenue offers not only great food, but also the chance to spot celebrities. In the evening, meet at the Chamberlain West Hollywood Hotel for a unique rooftop sunset before continuing the evening at the Troubadour in Santa Monica to listen to live music. This institution helped launch the careers of Elton John, James Taylor and Tom Waits, but lesser-known artists can also perform here on the open stages.
Following in the footsteps of Marvin Gaye in Washington, DC
Growing up in poverty in the shadow of the US capital, Marvin Gaye was predestined to record one of the most politically engaged and important soul albums of all time, What’s Going On, released in 1971. His hometown, Washington, DC, is full of tributes to this music legend. Marvin Gaye Park is a symbol of Marvin Gaye’s investment in community and social causes. At the Howard Theater in the late 1950s, he first observed the big names in R&B and gospel before taking the stage himself and playing Stubborn Kind of Fellow in concert for the first time in 1962. This A historic venue that has hosted legends such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes now allow visitors to see newer artists perform, such as Brandy and Kendrick Lamar.
The Roots of Country Music in Denver, Colorado
From Emmylou Harris to Johnny Cash, Tom Waits, Judy Collins and Neil Young, the number of artists who have praised Colorado is countless. Denver, nicknamed the Mile High City because of its 1,609 meters of elevation, was once the gateway to the Wild West. John Denver wrote the song Rocky Mountain High in tribute to the region. The area’s history is steeped in country music, and visitors looking to catch a concert can head to the famous Grizzly Rose Bar. Finally, during the annual Country Jam festival, the biggest country artists perform against the backdrop of the red mountains of Colorado.
Memphis, Tennessee: a city of musical legends
Memphis, where Elvis Presley was born, is the birthplace of many musical genres, from rock ‘n’ roll to blues and soul. Here, visitors can follow in the King’s footsteps at Sun Studio, where he recorded his first song, before visiting Graceland, the sprawling estate built on his success. At the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, a former record label that unveiled Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes, it’s possible to discover their history and sketch a few dance moves as you browse the exhibits. Not far away, on Beale Street, audio-guided tours allow you to immerse yourself in a jazzy atmosphere before attending a show at BB King’s Blues Club. Finally, a visit to Memphis would be incomplete without a visit to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, to immerse yourself in the city’s music history.
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