Jazz & Blues

Jazz and Blues are America's most important musical contributions to world culture — both emerged from the African American experience and have influenced virtually every modern music form (Rock, Pop, Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop).

Jazz

Originated around 1900 in New Orleans — from a mix of African rhythms, Blues, Ragtime, and European harmonies. Frenchmen Street in New Orleans (not the touristy Bourbon Street!) is the best place in the world to hear live jazz — club after club, every night, usually no cover charge (but minimum consumption). Preservation Hall (since 1961) is the sacred site of traditional New Orleans jazz (tickets $25–50, often sold out).

Other jazz strongholds: Harlem (New York) — the Apollo Theater and Paris Blues; Chicago — Andy's Jazz Club, Green Mill (where Al Capone had his regular spot); Kansas City — the American Jazz Museum and the 18th & Vine Historic District.

Blues

Originated in the Mississippi Delta from the work songs and spirituals of the enslaved population. The birthplace: Clarksdale, Mississippi (the Delta Blues Museum, the famous "Crossroads" at Highway 61 and 49, where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil). The blues traveled north and became electric in Chicago — Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy shaped the Chicago Blues. Beale Street in Memphis is today the most famous blues mile in the world.

Elvis Presley discovered the blues and rhythm and blues of the African American community in Memphis, mixed it with country — and invented rock 'n' roll. Sun Studio in Memphis (where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis made their first recordings, tour $15) and Graceland (Elvis's estate, from $45) are pilgrim sites of music history.