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 the places made famous by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Marvin Gaye and many others.
Experience music history in Alabama
In northern Alabama, the tourist region The Shoals attracted major artists such asOtis Redding, Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones came to record their music there. A tour of the studios Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield and Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals allows you to fully appreciate the place’s musical heritage. Not far away there is a surprising architectural gem: the Rosenbaum’s House of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the purest examples of the famous architect’s Usonian style, and his only home in the southeastern United States that offers guided tours. ByAlabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia, visitors can discover the state’s musical roots, and for blues lovers, a detour to Florence is crucial, to admire souvenir objects and exhibitions in honor of the creator of the blues i WC Handy birthplace, museum and 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. The specialists in LA Hood Life Tours guide visitors through the city to hip-hop hotspots. Not far from there is West Hollywood whose rebellious energy attracted 70s rock stars. The Doors, Frank ZappaTHAT The Rolling Stones and many others were regulars on the Sunset Strip. For lunch, it very fashionable Urth Cafe on Melrose Avenue offers not only great food, but also the chance to spot famous customers. In the evening, meet at the hotel Chamberlain West Hollywood for a unique sunset from the roof before continuing the evening on Troubadour in Santa Monica to listen to live music. This institution helped to start the career ofElton Johnof James Taylor and off Tom Waitsbut lesser-known artists can also perform there during 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 happenspublished 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. On Howard Theatrein the late 1950s, he first observed the big names in R&B and gospel before taking his turn on stage and performing for the first time Stubborn kind of mate concert in 1962. This historic hall, which has hosted legends such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder And The Supremesnow gives visitors the opportunity to see newer artists perform, such as Brandy And Kendrick Lamar.
The Roots of Country Music in Denver, Colorado
By Emmylou Harris have Johnny CashPassing by Tom Waits, Judy Collins And Neil YoungThe number of artists who have praised Colorado is countless. Denvercalled Mile High City due to its 1,609 meters of altitude, was once the gateway to the Far West. John Denver wrote the song Rocky Mountain High as a 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 bar Grizzly Pink. Finally during the annual festival Country Jamthe biggest country artists perform against the backdrop of the reddish mountains in Colorado.
Memphis, Tennessee: a city of musical legends
Memphiswho saw the birth Elvis Presley, is the birthplace of many musical genres, from rock ‘n’ roll to blues and soul. Here, visitors will be able to follow in the King’s footsteps Sun Studiowhere he recorded his first song before visiting Graceland, the huge estate built on its success. On Stax Museum of American Soul Musicformer record label, which revealed Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding And Isaac Hayes, it is possible to discover their history and sketch a few dance steps while browsing 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, the visit to Memphis would be incomplete without a visit to Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museumto immerse yourself in the city’s musical history.
Text and images provided by Agence Saphir Consulting in France for Visit the USA
