American culture is dominant in the World thanks to Hollywood movies, T.V. show production, and music. Rock & roll, hip-hop, and older genres like blues and jazz have origins in America. So many iconic artists influenced the music universe as we know it today. An exciting way to explore the U.S. is by visiting cities that were birthplaces of essential spots in the development of modern music.
For now, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourists cannot come to the States. Hopefully, this will soon change. Encouraging signs are all over Europe, and perhaps more quickly, the U.S. will reopen in full strength.
Meanwhile, we made a list of best cities for music lovers. It is somewhat subjective, but it does include most places of importance.
Seattle
Pacific northwest shook the rock scene in the nineties. The likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains shattered hair music hard rock scene with progressive, groovy, and raw sound. The grunge wave broke the records, went straight to the top of the Billboard lists. Seattle has an EMP museum where you can find out everything about Nirvana, but the Washington biggest city is also a birthplace of guitar virtuoso Jimmy Hendrix.
Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee, is a place where Elvis Presley palace is situated. Graceland mansion is just outside of the city. The man that, along with Little Richard and Buddy Holly, ignited the rock & roll revolution and forever transformed the music landscape attracts a thousand tourists in the town. But Memphis is also a center of the soul with the Stax Museum that celebrates Otis Redding. Another southern genre with strong African American influences thrives in Memphis. B.B.King, the great American blues icon, was also one of the residents.
New York
New York City is one of the biggest cultural hubs of the United States. The Ramones started their punk revolution here, Jay-Z and Wu-Thang Clan are hip- hop East side greats. Other notable artists that left a significant impact on the World include Velvet Underground, Blondie, Bestie Boys, and Lady Gaga. Explore iconic clubs, visit a concert in the most outstanding concert venue- Madison Square Garden. You can also go to Broadway and look at some American classical musicals.
Detroit
Should we say more than Detroit Rock City? The American car industry center, Detroit, is also a musical hub for rock and soul music. Motown record label had American soul icons like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross under its wing. Detroit also produced the great hip-hop artist Eminem, and alternative music greats like Iggy Pop and the White Stripes.
New Orleans
Jazz music was born in Louisiana. The easy-going and fun-loving city of New Orleans is still jazz center, and Louis Armstrong is the biggest name in the illustrious history of Big Easy. Another genre that has roots in New Orleans is Rhythm and Blues, with Fats Domino being the most notable representative. The best time to visit is in springtime for Mardi Gras festivities. Explore iconic music clubs and enjoy the southern fusion sounds.
Nashville
The Country Music Hall of Fame is situated in Tennessee capital city of Nashville. If you are into country music, there is hardly a better place to visit. Go to the local clubs and enjoy the harsh competition of upcoming and star country artists. Nashville’s most notable country icons include Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. Newer generations know more about pop icon Taylor Swift. Nashville is a legendary music center and unavoidable look into the heart of American sound.
Los Angeles
The entertainment capital of the World is also home to great artists that shaped the generations of music lovers. Famous Rainbow Bar is the starting point for many great bands. Guns N’Roses recognized their beginnings in November Rain music video. Legendary The Doors started their short but exciting journey in the Whisky A Go-Go club. L.A. is home for metal legends Metallica, and alternative rock band Red Hot Chilli Peppers. South Central LA is a hip-hop hub with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg as the most iconic figures.
How to explore American music?
The current coronavirus situation makes it impossible to visit the country, but with reopening happening all around the world, hopefully, the United States will soon follow this pattern. Coronavirus Live Map in the U.S. can show you the updated situation, and as soon as they reach good numbers, we could look forward to cross-country travel.
If you want to visit the United States, you will need to follow the procedure that includes the ESTA Visa applicationand the Visa Waiver Program. For the time being, ESTA does not take applications because of the COVID-19 pandemics. If the country reopens, the ESTA program determines who can enter the country, while VWP can grant you up to 90 days’ permission to visit the U.S.
Bottom line
American solo artists and bands rule the music world. Hip-hop, jazz, blues, rock and roll, and country are genres that have roots in the U.S. Explore the hometown of incredible American singers and musicians and discover new upcoming artists in famous clubs and concert venues.
