Music is interwoven so intricately with important moments and milestones in our lives. We all have songs that just instantly conjure up a memory, or overwhelm us with a powerful emotion. Discovering ‘America’s Music Cities’, it quickly becomes apparent just how many of these significant songs found their roots there.
The legendary title of ‘America’s Music Cities’ is typically reserved for Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans, destinations that have each played an integral part in shaping the music industry. Each boast their own distinct sound and musical tradition, brought to life through their iconic venues, stories and attractions.
Nashville is best known for country music, but its influence extends far beyond one genre, with historic recording studios and performance venues that have hosted all manner of influential artists over the years. Home to the King, Elvis Presley, Memphis is known for its blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll music, and you can dive right into the story of this musical mecca, visiting the city’s iconic attractions. New Orleans is recognised as the birthplace of jazz, and it feels as though music is pulsating throughout the city. It is very much a part of everyday life. You can hop between historic jazz clubs and you’ll be serenaded by street performers as you explore the city.
This is the ultimate guide to America’s Music Cities. Below you’ll discover the experiences that define each destination, and travel tips from our team who have experienced it for themselves.
| Summary: This guide introduces America’s Music Cities of Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. Discover how to get the most out of your trip with our recommendations of things to do and insider travel tips from our team. |
Nashville boasts deep musical roots, with its reputation as ‘The Music City’ beginning as early as the late 1700s, when the city’s first settlers marked their arrival with celebratory fiddle music and folk tunes. By the 1800s, Nashville had become a hot spot for music publishing, and shortly after the iconic Ryman Auditorium was brought to life, a venue played by the best-of-the-best, and renowned to this day for its exceptional acoustics. The Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest running radio broadcast, was established in 1925, and the show has been staged live every week since, igniting the careers of hundreds of country stars.
Now, Nashville attracts songwriters and aspiring musicians from all over the world, and the city has generated its own ‘Nashville Sound’, a smooth, pop-influenced style of country music. The city’s Downtown is characterised by Honky Tonks and music venues brimming with local and international talent, and you can walk in the footsteps of some of the world’s most influential artists.
Nashville feels absolutely electric. There is so much going on that there really is no wrong way to experience the city. Each day there are hundreds of live music performances, many of them free, so you can simply wander between bars, staying for a drink if you like the sound of the a band. Downtown Nashville is easily walkable, and many of the main attractions are located within the same few blocks. Here are our top picks for the experiences that define Nashville, along with first-hand travel tips from our experts.
This is the perfect first stop on any trip to Nashville, as it offers a fantastic introduction to the city’s musical history, and the people that have shaped the music scene. Located just off famous Broadway, on 5th Avenue, even the building itself is a nod to how much music has shaped Nashville, as its floor-to-ceiling windows are shaped like piano keys.
Venturing inside, you’ll find a huge range of displays showcasing historic performances, instruments and costumes of some of the greatest names in country music. Gold and platinum records adorn the walls, and it’s easy to lose track of time as you wander through this intricate collage of music history, from Elvis Presley’s gold-plated Cadillac to Dolly Parton’s dazzling costumes. The exhibits are updated regularly, ensuring the story of country music continues to evolve alongside up-and-coming artists.
In front of the museum, the Country Music Walk of Fame pays homage to the biggest American music stars. One of the most famous, Johnny Cash, also has a museum dedicated to him just two minutes away, which is also well worth a visit if you’d like to learn more.
A similarly poignant symbol of Nashville’s music scene is the historic RCA Studio B. It was in this studio that Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, the Everly Brothers, Jim Reeves and Charley Pride recorded many of their songs. A guided tour, led by a local musician, peels back the curtain on the extraordinary songs that were recorded here. The studio has been carefully preserved, so it’s still exactly as it was in the 1960s.
Music history is quite literally held within the walls of RCA Studio B, and it is bursting with stories. Izzy, one of the Freedom team, shares one of her favourite: “It was Dolly Parton’s first day of recording at the studio, and she certainly made quite the entrance. Preoccupied thinking about the session ahead, she drove straight into the side of the building. Our guide joked that it was Dolly’s first ‘hit’ at Studio B”.
Built in 1892, the Ryman Auditorium has played a key part in shaping Nashville’s reputation as ‘The Music City’. It has earned the nickname the ‘Mother Church of Country Music’ thanks to its unique acoustics. Each Saturday since 1943 it has hosted a country music concert, so it is well worth getting tickets for a show if you can. Alternatively, you can take a tour of the Auditorium, either independently or venturing backstage with a guide.
The Grand Ole Opry is America’s most famous county music show, with each performance broadcast live on WSM radio. Performances were originally held at the Ryman Auditorium, until the show moved to its own purpose built venue, the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. New stars and country music legends come together, and no show is ever the same. Watching a show at the Grand Ole Opry, you are a part of living tradition.
From the moment you take your seat in one of the historic pews, the performance is captivating. “It wasn’t like any concert I’d ever been to before”, recollects Freedom Travel Expert Rowan. “The talent was incredible and there was such diversity between each act. I was so immersed that I kept forgetting we were live on air, until the host would read out an advertisement between performers.”
“Having watched the show the night before, I then took a guided tour backstage, which I would highly recommend. Our tour guide had so many fantastic stories about the artists that have performed here, there are some incredible names! Standing on the stage and looking out, I could then appreciate how huge the auditorium is. It’s an incredibly impressive feat that the show has been running weekly for over 100 years, and that each show is broadcast live.”
The Broadway district of Downtown Nashville is characterised by its neon lights, its electric atmosphere, and the live music that spills out from almost every bar. The street is lined by quirky honky-tonks, bars owned by your favourite country singers, and shops where you can pick up a pair of cowboy boots or a hat.
Grace, part of the Freedom Team, explains “You can really experience Broadway by day or by night. I was surprised to find out that the ‘night life’ really begins around 11am, especially on the weekends. Whatever time you arrive in Nashville, you can count on experiencing the lively atmosphere.”
As well as the music, it would be amiss not to mention the food. Southern hospitality is renowned world wide, so make sure to eat your way around the city. Perhaps the most famous delicacy is Nashville Hot Chicken. Originally created in the 1930s at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, the dish is now served throughout the city, and there is much debate as to who does it best, so it’s really up to you to find your favourite.
Another Nashville staple are GooGoos, an inviting treat first produced in 1912. It has now become something of an emblem of Nashville, created with a combination of chocolate, peanuts, and nougat. You can visit the local factory to learn the full story, or even create your own unique treat at the GooGoo bar.
Put on your blue suede shoes and waltz on down to Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis may be synonymous with the King, Elvis Presley, but its music influence stretches well beyond just one icon. Historically, the city has shaped the sounds of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, and Memphis also boasts a thriving gospel, jazz and R&B scene.
The city’s musical legacy is palpable as you explore, with its electric nightlife, its blues cafés and its historic venues, each forming a piece of the multi-faceted music scene. Memphis’ identity extends far beyond music, however, as it also played a poignant role in the civil rights movement. Today, you can gain a powerful insight into this part of American history at the National Civil Rights Museum. It’s this complex and layered history that make Memphis such a fascinating city to visit.
With so much to see and experience, Memphis rewards those who are willing to embrace it all. Discover legendary music landmarks then visit moving civil rights monuments, try world-famous Southern barbecue then go to a buzzing NBA game.
Just over three hour’s drive from Nashville, it is easy to get down to the ‘Home of the King’, either on a self-drive, or on a comfortable coach, so Memphis fits seamlessly into a Deep South itinerary.
Pay homage to the King of rock ‘n’ roll, visiting Elvis’ Graceland Mansion. Preserved exactly as Elvis decorated it in the 1970s, his spirit and legacy are alive and well within these walls. Take your time to wander around, taking in all the little details in each eccentrically decorated room, including the famous ‘Jungle Room’. Originally referred to as ‘The Den’, this tropical-themed space is adorned from floor to ceiling with green shag carpet, punctuated by heavy carved wood furniture, and the room even has a built-in rock waterfall.
In the mansion’s Meditation Garden, you can pay your respects at the final resting place of Elvis and his family.
After exploring the mansion, cross over the road to visit the Graceland Museum. You’ll be immersed in the life and career of this music legend, discovering his iconic jumpsuits, gold records, many automobiles and his private jets.
Go back to where it all began for Elvis, with a tour of Sun Studio. Elvis first set foot in the studio in 1953, when he paid around $4 to record a two-sided acetate disc. The studio assistant, Marion Keisker, liked what she heard, and she encouraged the label’s owner, Sam Phillips, to record him. A year after Elvis recorded that first acetate, he recorded ‘That’s All Right’ at Sun Studio, and the rest is history. On your tour, you can stand in the very spot that Elvis first recorded this song.
Elvis is far from the only music legend to have roots at Sun Studio, however. The studio similarly helped to launch the careers of B.B. King, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash.
Lined with neon lights enticing you into blues clubs and barbecue joints, Beale Street is one of the most iconic streets in America. There is always something going on. Boasting three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants, museums and shops, the street also attracts performers and it hosts some of the cities biggest events throughout the year.
“I think the best way to experience Beale Street is to just start your night with barbecue.” explains Izzy. “Once you’ve lined your stomach, you can just wander between bars to find music you like. Drinks are always served in plastic cups, so you’re able to hop between bars even if you haven’t finished your drink yet. It’s a great way to hear a few different bands in one evening.”
Learning about Memphis’ civil rights history really is an essential experience on any visit. The museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, which stands as a monument frozen in time, kept exactly as it was the day Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. It has been memorialised as a poignant reminder of the work he did and his significance in the civil rights movement.
The museum thoughtfully traces this part of America’s history, exploring slavery and segregation, as well as highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality. Its powerful exhibits, including a replica of Rosa Parks’ bus and video archives offering first-hand accounts of key events, offer a profound insight into the civil rights movement.
Memphis’ civil rights history is deeply intertwined with its music heritage. Genres like gospel and folk music helped people to come together, with blues and soul music giving voice to the lived experiences of Black communities in America’s Deep South.
Undoubtedly one of the more unique experiences you can enjoy in Memphis, watching the Peabody duck parade is a must!
“For some context…” Grace explains, “the tradition of having ducks in the Peabody Hotel’s fountain began in the 1930s, when the general manager returned from a hunting trip. Legend has it that he’d had a little too much whiskey, and he thought it would be a good idea to put some of the live duck decoys in the hotel lobby’s fountain. The guests loved it! So, ever since, the hotel has housed ducks”.
Now, the ducks have their own penthouse suite, and each morning, at 11am, they are led by the ‘Duckmaster’ down in the lift, where they parade along a red carpet to the fountain. The parade then happens again at 5pm, when the ducks are taken back up to their ‘Palace’ for bed.
“It was definitely a highlight of my trip” says Grace. “I’ve never seen anything quite like it! We even got to form part of the ‘Duck Barrier’ to guide them towards the lift.”
While Memphis is known for its music and history, the city’s sports scene is an equal part of its identity. Head to the FedEx Forum to watch the Memphis Grizzles in action. Even if you’re not a basketball fan, the atmosphere is absolutely infectious, with music and entertainment throughout the game.
Games take place throughout the NBA season, with the main league running from October to April, and the playoff tournament extending into June.
New Orleans is a lively and eclectic city that has music pulsing through its veins. Known as the birthplace of jazz, you’ll find historic jazz clubs scattered through the French Quarter, street performers around every corner and countless bars where you can dance the night away. Beyond its musical roots, the city is rich in culture and history with its elegant architecture, its distinct neighbourhoods and renowned Creole and Cajun food scene. Built largely on drained cypress swamps and marshland, the city’s unique geography has also shaped its character and way of life. NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) really is like nowhere else in America.
It’s absolutely worth staying in the city for at least three nights, giving you time to explore all of the different neighbourhoods, experience some live music, head out to the city’s bayous and eat your way around. The city’s network of Streetcars are a great way to explore, connecting each of New Orleans’ districts. The French Quarter is a great place to stay, as its easily walkable, and the perfect base to experience the rest of the city.
Frenchmen Street is one of NOLA’s best spots for live music. On any given evening, you can hear jazz, reggae and blues. Popular spots include The Spotted Cat, Blue Nile or 30°/-90°, but you can really just go for a wander and wait until you hear a song drifting out of a bar that you like the sound of.
This famous street is also home to the Frenchmen Art Bazaar. Open every night from 7pm, it showcases local artists, vending all sorts of products, from sculptures to jewellery. It’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind New Orleans souvenir.
Take to the Mississippi River to get a different perspective of the city. Aboard a traditional paddlewheel steamboat, you’ll be transported back in time as you glide past historic riverbanks and watch the city unfold before you. Cruises are often accompanied by live jazz, so you can sit back and relax, and enjoy the views.
If you don’t fancy a cruise, then wander along the River Walk. You can watch the paddlewheelers drift past, with the sound of live music carrying on the wind.
Taking inspiration from West African, French, Spanish and Caribbean cuisine, New Orleans’ food scene boasts some incredible flavours. Amongst the most famous dishes are Gumbo, a rich stew featuring meat or shellfish, and jambalaya, a spiced rice dish, reminiscent of paella or jollof rice. Why not head to the New Orleans School of Cooking to learn how to make some of the city’s most famous dishes for yourself?
Beignets, a deep-fried pastry dough covered in powdered sugar, are similarly famous. Best served hot alongside a café au lait or chocolate milk, you’ll find them across the city, 24-hours a day. Be prepared to make a mess though, the sugar gets everywhere!
New Orleans’ French Quarter is the historic heart of the city, characterised by its colourful buildings with cast-iron balconies. The best way to explore is to simply get lost wandering the streets on foot. You’ll find quirky souvenir shops, be serenaded by street performers and discover plenty of delicious restaurants for a bite to eat. The French Quarter is also home to St Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square. It’s the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the whole of the US, so it boats a rich history.
In the evening, visitors flock to Bourbon Street, with its electric mish-mash of jazz clubs, Cajun eateries and cocktail bars. Extending over 12 blocks, you can wander in and out of bars, listening to live jazz one minute, and giving karaoke a go the next. The French Quarter even boasts its own signature cocktail, the Hand Grenade, made with vodka, rum, gin and melon liqueur, and served frozen. It’s bright green, and served in a special ‘hand grenade’ glass.
Offering a distinct contrast to the French Quarter, the Garden District is a historic and affluent neighbourhood, where oak-shaded streets are lined with 19th century mansions. Take a walking tour, admiring the architecture, and you’ll notice that the trees are strewn with beads as a reminder of the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations.
The Garden District is also home to the poignant Lafayette Cemetery No.1, known for its extravagant, above-ground tombs. Take some time to learn about the significance of the cemeteries, originally constructed above ground thanks to the city’s high water levels, and carrying their own traditions and customs that are maintained to this day.
New Orleans is a fascinating city, as a significant proportion of it actually sits below sea level. Travel just half an hour from Downtown, and the landscape shifts dramatically, as you reach the low lying swamp land that much of the city was originally built on. Louisiana’s bayous are fascinating ecosystems, harbouring incredible biodiversity.
Exploring by airboat, you’ll glide past sprawling mangrove forests, navigating narrow waterways and hidden channels that reveal a different side to the city. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like alligators, wild pigs, racoons and over 200 bird species.
Embarking on a journey through Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans is far more than just ticking off iconic sights. You’ll get an insight into the places that have shaped the music industry, and America’s culture as a whole, as we know it today. They’re cities bursting with stories and each boasting their own unique culture. Our Travel Experts can help you plan the perfect itinerary visiting America’s Music Cities. Browse the itineraries below, or get in touch to start planning your own.
Grace joined the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations after she returned from three months backpacking around Australia. Her long-haul travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and South East Asia so far, but her destination wish list is far from complete!
