This road trip traces the Southern roots of American music through the cities, stories and sounds that shaped it.
American music is a powerful fusion of Native American, European and African influences – a blend that gave rise to globally defining genres like blues, rock ’n’ roll, jazz and hip-hop. There’s no better place to begin that story than Memphis, Tennessee, where the sound of the Mississippi River seems to echo through every note. From there, the journey unfolds across the South. Follow the music through Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana, where each stop reveals a new layer of rhythm, culture and storytelling. Along the way, you’ll trace the roots of American music through iconic cities, historic venues and the landscapes that shaped the sounds heard around the world.
Widely regarded as the birthplace of blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll, Memphis pulses with creative energy, from world-class museums and live theater to buzzing nightlife and a food scene rooted in Southern flavor. Easy to explore by foot, trolley or riverboat, the city invites visitors to experience iconic sites like Beale Street, Sun Studio, Graceland and the Stax Museum of American Soul – all set to a soundtrack of live tunes.
No visit to Memphis is complete without a stop at Graceland, the palatial yet quirky estate of Elvis Presley. Step inside the world of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll as you tour the iconic Jungle Room, living spaces and kitchen, then browse the Trophy Building, filled with gold records, stage costumes and personal memorabilia. End your visit in the serene Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family are laid to rest.
When the sun goes down, Beale Street turns up the volume. Live music spills from nearly every doorway, from the dueling pianos at Silky O’Sullivan’s to the stage at Blues City Cafe’s Band Box. For a deeper dive into Memphis’ musical lineage, head to Hernando’s Hideaway, where legends like Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis once performed – and the spirit of the city still lives on.
Located on the original Stax Records studio site, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music pays tribute to the artists who defined soul. Highlights include a recreated Delta church, Isaac Hayes’ gold-trimmed Cadillac, a “Soul Train” dance floor and thousands of artifacts from legends like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin.
For a deeper connection to Memphis’ recording legacy, visit Royal Studios, one of the world’s oldest continuously operating studios and the birthplace of the Hi Records soul sound. While the studio is still active, guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the vintage recording spaces where Al Green and other icons recorded timeless hits.
After your music immersion, slow things down alongside the mighty Mississippi River. Stroll through Tom Lee Park, home to the reflective “Monument to Listening” sculpture, then snap a photo at the 15-meter “Memphis” sign at Mud Island. You can also hop on a paddleboat or wander the riverwalk for sweeping views of the water that helped shape the city’s sound.
Start your trip in Nashville, the city whose rhythmic heartbeat earned it the nickname “Music City.” Head downtown to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, where you’ll find exhibits tracing country music’s roots and artifacts from icons like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Just blocks away, explore the Musicians Hall of Fame, which honors artists across all genres, from Jimi Hendrix to Elton John. Visit the National Museum of African American Music, dedicated to preserving musical traditions created or influenced by Black artists. Cap the day with dinner at Audrey, lauded chef Sean Brock’s Appalachian-inspired spot, or Chauhan Ale & Masala House, where Indian flavors meet Southern comfort. For live music, hit Lower Broadway’s packed honky-tonks, see a show at legendary Ryman Auditorium or Grand Ole Opry, or score a seat at the intimate Bluebird Café.
As you make your way west toward Memphis from Nashville, don’t miss the chance to explore a few soulful stops steeped in Southern music history. In Jackson, about 210 kilometers southwest of Nashville, the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Museum pays tribute to pioneers like Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley who shaped one of rock music’s earliest styles. Nearby, step back in time at Casey Jones Village and stock up on nostalgic candy at Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store. Hungry? Hit the hearty buffet stocked with comforting soul food. A short drive away, Brownsville offers a deeper dive into the roots of blues, gospel and soul at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, which also features the last home of “Queen of Gospel” Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
After your Memphis music tour, cross the state line from Tennessee into Mississippi toward the Mississippi Delta, where the land is flat, the soil is rich – and the blues were born. Begin in Tunica at the Gateway to the Blues Museum, housed in a restored 19th-century train depot filled with interactive exhibits on Delta music history. Head south to Dockery Farms, a preserved cotton plantation near Cleveland, where self-guided tours and historic buildings bring blues origins to life. In Cleveland, the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi celebrates the state’s musical legacy with hands-on exhibits. From there, visit Indianola’s B.B. King Museum, honoring the life and work of the blues legend through immersive galleries and a memorial courtyard marking his resting place. Along the way, pop into juke joints, no-frills bars once central to local Black communities where blues music and dancing thrived.
End your journey in New Orleans, where every street corner hums with rhythm. Start in the heart of the French Quarter at Jackson Square, surrounded by landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral, street performers and museums telling stories of Mardi Gras, buccaneers and French and Spanish colonialism. Nearby, the New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrates the city’s designation as the birthplace of jazz, while Vue Orleans’ interactive observation deck offers 360-degree views of the Mississippi River and skyline. Grab powder sugar-loaded beignets from Café du Monde, browse food stalls at the French Market and savor the bold flavors of Creole dishes served across the city, from gumbo to jambalaya. When the sun sets, follow the sound of live brass bands down Frenchmen Street or catch a soul-stirring show at Preservation Hall.
