Southern Rhythms: A Tour of 3 Iconic Music Cities

In the U.S. South, stories of joy, resilience and sorrow have been told through music for centuries. These traditions live on in three of the USA’s most iconic music destinations – Atlanta, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Nashville, Tennessee – each with its own roster of legendary venues, distinctive histories and cultures, and talented musicians from a variety of genres. In all three, you’ll also find exciting attractions, decadent dining and buzzing neighborhoods to explore.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta’s dynamic music scene is built on a deep foundation of gospel and blues, later expanding to shape genres like jazz, country, soul, R&B – and most notably, hip-hop. Legends like Gladys Knight and Ray Charles once raised their voices in the city’s churches, bars and clubs, venues where today’s visitors can still catch both rising stars and national acts. Dive into Atlanta’s influential trap music scene at the Trap Music Museum, an intimate attraction featuring interactive exhibits and tributes to the artists who defined the genre’s signature heavy beats and raw lyricism. For live music, head to the grand Tabernacle, a former church turned iconic downtown venue, or the gritty and beloved Northside Tavern, a converted gas station hosting blues artists since 1972. Don’t miss the intimate vibes at Eddie’s Attic, part blues club, part Cajun eatery – or Smith’s Olde Bar, where legends like David Bowie have taken the stage. Beyond the music scene, Georgia’s capital city boasts rich history, big-ticket attractions and major events.

New Orleans, Louisiana

This world-famous Louisiana destination welcomes visitors with a brilliant explosion of flavors, traditions and music. New Orleans’ musical roots run deep, shaped by a vibrant blend of African, European and Caribbean influences that famously gave rise to jazz. Begin your journey at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, where interactive exhibits, artifacts and listening stations bring the story of this quintessential American genre to life. Nearby, stroll through Louis Armstrong Park – a tribute to the city’s iconic trumpeter and vocalist – and see historic Congo Square, where enslaved Africans once gathered to play music, laying the groundwork for jazz’s evolution. To hear the city’s signature sounds firsthand, head to Frenchmen Street, a lively stretch of bars and clubs offering everything from jazz and reggae to blues. At Spotted Cat, swing-style jazz fills the air with nightly performances from local favorites, best enjoyed with a plate of shrimp and grits. For a more contemporary vibe, catch a show at Maple Leaf Bar, a legendary venue spotlighting jazz and funk for more than four decades. Second-line parades, street musicians and year-round festivals offer more fun ways to experience the city’s one-of-a-kind vibe.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville’s musical legacy is inseparable from its identity, earning it the nickname “Music City” for its vital role in the rise of country music. Trace the genre’s evolution by exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s colorful exhibits and iconic memorabilia. Just steps away, tour the legendary RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and other greats recorded timeless hits. For a deeper dive into Nashville’s sound, visit the National Museum of African American Music, which celebrates the wide-ranging influence of Black artists across gospel, blues, R&B and hip-hop. In the evening, get tickets to a show at the Ryman Auditorium – the former home of the Grand Ole Opry musical stage show and lovingly known as the “Mother Church of Country Music” – or head to Lower Broadway, where honky-tonks buzz with live tunes every night of the week. For a more intimate experience, reserve a table at the tiny Bluebird Cafe, a renowned listening room where singer-songwriters share the stories behind their ballads in a cozy setting. Round out your visit to this Tennessee city by appreciating its award-winning cuisine, world-class art and gorgeous green spaces.