For The Music: From Nashville To Austin
Nashville, Tennessee. Image Source: Vanderbilt
Sites: Nashville – Memphis – Clarksdale – Greenwood – Jackson – New Orleans – Austin
Jazz and blues were born in this country, and they speak to and from the American soul, with a rich history deep in pain, strength, and amazing ingenuity. And what this road trip lacks in scenic roads, it gains tenfold in firsthand experience with that American musical tradition.
Start in Nashville, Tennessee. First given the nick name “Music City” in the late 19th century, Nashville is known as the “Songwriting Capital of the World” and is a hub for country, blues, jazz, soul, bluegrass, pop, rock, Americana, and classical. Packed with recording studios, the city is swarming with extremely talented musicians, some looking for their big break and others returning to the city that gave it to them. As a result, quality live music can be seen and heard every day and night of the week.
Memphis, Tennessee. Image Source: Country Club Moving
After a day or two in Nashville, head west on Interstate 40 to Memphis. Over the next few days, you are going to fall deeply in love with the blues and barbecue. Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, then hit the pavement to hear some great music.
Clarksdale, Mississippi. Image Source: At Home Memphis & Mid South Magazine
Once you’ve had your fill of Memphis, drive down to where it all began by following the Blues Highway, Route 61, to the Mississippi Delta. Here, you’ll find the birthplace of the blues: Clarksdale, Mississippi. Keep a look out for the Mississippi Blues Trail markers that highlight influential people and events in blues history.
The Historic Blues District, or Blues Alley, is where a lot of the action can be found. Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club hosts famous musicians nearly every night of the week. Pose next to the crossroads of Highway 61 and 49. As legend has it, this is where blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for remarkable talent on the guitar.
Clarksdale, Mississippi. Image Source: Flickr
Just a little further down the road is Greenwood, Mississippi. Self-described as offering “Delta personality, and deep-South hospitality,” Greenwood has recently become known for its food and dining experiences, mostly in part to Viking Range Corporation’s move to the town. Get your southern comfort food fix here.
The “City of Soul” and capital of Mississippi, Jackson may not be as popular as the other big music cities, however, it has a lot going for it historically and musically. In fact, Jackson has more historical blues trail markers than any other place on the trail. Walk through the historic Belhaven neighborhood, visit the Jackson Farmer’s Market, peruse Lemuria Books and stop by the iconic Frank Jones Corner bar and venue in the Farnish District. Again, live blues can be found in this area on almost any night.
New Orleans, Louisiana. Image Source: Travel + Leisure
Say farewell to the birthplace of blues as you cross into the birthplace of jazz: New Orleans. Ignore the more popular Bourbon Street and head straight for Frenchmen Street. Pop in and out of the bars, getting a taste for the breadth and quality of the music filling the street. Eat gumbo and po’ boys, maintain a consistent buzz, check out the market and art galleries, and listen to the overqualified street musicians––you can’t go wrong. And if you don’t eat a beignet before leaving New Orleans, you don’t deserve to finish the trip.
Austin, Texas. Image Source: RootsRated
Finally, head west to Austin, Texas, the “Live Music Capital of the World.” With over 250 music venues, a vibrant arts scene, an abundance of outdoor activities and a plethora of great food, Austin is going to win you over. Enjoy.
