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5 of the top 10 music cities in the nation are all within SEC territory
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:27 am
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:27 am
As compiled by the Institute of Music and Media, here are your top 10 Music Cities in the USA along with their comments of each city........."A city's music scene is an integral part of its culture and is a defining factor of its identity.
Whether you want to visit a great music venue or want to listen to some live tunes while eating local cuisine, each city offers a different variety.
There are many US cities that are worthy of the title "music city," however, these nine cities have played an important role in shaping the country's music scene today."
#1 -- NEW ORLEANS!.............New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz which was cultivated in the early 20th century before it spread across the country.
Music is the heart of everyday life in this city, from street musicians to funeral bands.
New Orleans is home to a historical and cutting-edge jazz scene on Bourbon Street and around Frenchman Street. You can listen to class acts at some legendary establishments, such as Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, Blue Nile, and Palm Court Jazz Cafe.
#2 -- MEMPHIS!.............Memphis is the birthplace of Rock & Roll and where Elvis Presley recorded his very first song. Elvis is the world's first true rock & roll star, and his home in Memphis, Graceland, has become one of the most visited attractions.
Other frequently visited attractions include Sun Studio, where Elvis recorded his first song; Stax Museum, a soul-music recording studio; and Gibson Guitar Factory, which assembles guitars that are good enough for people like Chuck Berry.
The city has also produced other musicians like John Lee Hooker and Justin Timberlake.
If you are interested in going to live music venues, take a stroll down Beale Street, the city's most iconic music street, which is packed with venues such as B.B. Kings Restaurant & Blues Club, Blues City Face, and Young Avenue Deli.
#3 -- ATLANTA!.................The city of Atlanta has a highly acclaimed reputation and influence in the hip-hop industry. However, it is also home to various indie artists such as Mastodon, Manchester Orchestra, and the Black Lips.
The city has over 300 recording studios and multiple venues to help indie bands leave their impression.
The Atlanta music scene does not just produce great music; it performs it as well. On any given night, you can go to various venues that will all be booked with great talent. Atlanta likes to play host to rap and R&B legends like Usher, André 3000, T.I., Outkast, Lil John, Ludacris, and TLC.
Atlanta may be known for its hip-hop and indie scene. However, it is important to note that the city is also home to The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media, a music college that has helped thousands of students launch their music careers.
Tosin Abasi, guitarist for Animals as Leaders, is just one of the music school's successful graduates.
#4 -- SEATTLE.............Even though Seattle is the home of Jimi Hendrix, it did not get the recognition it deserved until the 1990s when Grunge music became popular.
Seattle produced bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Death Cab for Cutie, Macklemore, and Alice and the Chains. These bands have brought worldwide attention to Seattle, and it has remained a major player in launching alternative and indie music acts.
Seattle is also known for its many concert and live music venues. The Experience Music Project, which is also known as the Museum of Pop Culture, is a popular attraction to musically inclined travelers and hosts exhibits on pop and music culture topics.
#5 -- CHICAGO.............In Chicago, you can find music venues for every taste of music; however, it is specifically known for the Blues.
The "Chicago Blues" style appeared in the post-World War II era when many African-Americans moved to the North to look for work.
Some of the most famous names in Chicago Blues include Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, and Muddy Waters.
Chicago has also produced some big-name acts from other diverse musical genres, such as Smashing Pumpkins and Kanye West. In addition, Chicago's annual Lollapalooza music festival is nothing short of spectacular.
#6 -- NASHVILLE!...................Nashville is the home of country and Western music in the US and is nicknamed "Music City USA".
The most famous music legacy in Nashville is the Grand Ole Opry, a country music and variety show that is still live-recorded and is the famed show that discovered Dolly Parton.
Music lovers can check out Second Avenue in the part of town that is known as The District, this is where you can find many live venues, or you can see the newly expanded Ryman Auditorium, country music's spiritual home.
Although Nashville may be known for country music, it has also produced singers such as Aerosmith, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, and the Black Keys, which has given it a new rock reputation.
#7 -- NEW YORK CITY................New York is the birthplace of genres such as hip-hop, punk, and disco.
One of the most compelling aspects of New York's music scene is the variety.
You can see classical performances at Carnegie Hall, indie rock at the Mercury Lounge, jazz as the JALC, and some big-name acts at Radio City Music Hall.
You will never find yourself lacking in live music options when taking a trip to New York.
#8 -- AUSTIN!...............Austin is not defined by a musical genre but is the home to popular music festivals like Austin City Limits Festival and South By Southwest.
The South By Southwest festival features more than 2000 performers at 100 venues, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival covers indie rock, punk, hip-hop, and folk music.
Austin has also earned the title "Live Music Capital of the World," and it is not uncommon to even find live music in the airport arrivals lounge and some of the city supermarkets.
Even if you are in town when there isn't a festival, you can find live music at over 250 different venues, some of which include the Elephant Room, The Broken Spoke, and Continental Club.
#9 -- DETROIT................Detroit is synonymous with Motown, a highly successful music label, and the name of the music that it produced.
Detroit is where Berry Gordy started Motown and created the studio where The Jackson 5, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder first recorded in the 1960s.
Today, the jazz and blues scene is still popular in Detroit's clubs.
#10 -- CLEVELAND...............While they don't have the big-name clubs or venues as many cities do, they do have one thing those cities don't - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Every year music enthusiasts get excited to see which of their music heroes will finally be inducted.
Whether you want to visit a great music venue or want to listen to some live tunes while eating local cuisine, each city offers a different variety.
There are many US cities that are worthy of the title "music city," however, these nine cities have played an important role in shaping the country's music scene today."
#1 -- NEW ORLEANS!.............New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz which was cultivated in the early 20th century before it spread across the country.
Music is the heart of everyday life in this city, from street musicians to funeral bands.
New Orleans is home to a historical and cutting-edge jazz scene on Bourbon Street and around Frenchman Street. You can listen to class acts at some legendary establishments, such as Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, Blue Nile, and Palm Court Jazz Cafe.
#2 -- MEMPHIS!.............Memphis is the birthplace of Rock & Roll and where Elvis Presley recorded his very first song. Elvis is the world's first true rock & roll star, and his home in Memphis, Graceland, has become one of the most visited attractions.
Other frequently visited attractions include Sun Studio, where Elvis recorded his first song; Stax Museum, a soul-music recording studio; and Gibson Guitar Factory, which assembles guitars that are good enough for people like Chuck Berry.
The city has also produced other musicians like John Lee Hooker and Justin Timberlake.
If you are interested in going to live music venues, take a stroll down Beale Street, the city's most iconic music street, which is packed with venues such as B.B. Kings Restaurant & Blues Club, Blues City Face, and Young Avenue Deli.
#3 -- ATLANTA!.................The city of Atlanta has a highly acclaimed reputation and influence in the hip-hop industry. However, it is also home to various indie artists such as Mastodon, Manchester Orchestra, and the Black Lips.
The city has over 300 recording studios and multiple venues to help indie bands leave their impression.
The Atlanta music scene does not just produce great music; it performs it as well. On any given night, you can go to various venues that will all be booked with great talent. Atlanta likes to play host to rap and R&B legends like Usher, André 3000, T.I., Outkast, Lil John, Ludacris, and TLC.
Atlanta may be known for its hip-hop and indie scene. However, it is important to note that the city is also home to The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media, a music college that has helped thousands of students launch their music careers.
Tosin Abasi, guitarist for Animals as Leaders, is just one of the music school's successful graduates.
#4 -- SEATTLE.............Even though Seattle is the home of Jimi Hendrix, it did not get the recognition it deserved until the 1990s when Grunge music became popular.
Seattle produced bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Death Cab for Cutie, Macklemore, and Alice and the Chains. These bands have brought worldwide attention to Seattle, and it has remained a major player in launching alternative and indie music acts.
Seattle is also known for its many concert and live music venues. The Experience Music Project, which is also known as the Museum of Pop Culture, is a popular attraction to musically inclined travelers and hosts exhibits on pop and music culture topics.
#5 -- CHICAGO.............In Chicago, you can find music venues for every taste of music; however, it is specifically known for the Blues.
The "Chicago Blues" style appeared in the post-World War II era when many African-Americans moved to the North to look for work.
Some of the most famous names in Chicago Blues include Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, and Muddy Waters.
Chicago has also produced some big-name acts from other diverse musical genres, such as Smashing Pumpkins and Kanye West. In addition, Chicago's annual Lollapalooza music festival is nothing short of spectacular.
#6 -- NASHVILLE!...................Nashville is the home of country and Western music in the US and is nicknamed "Music City USA".
The most famous music legacy in Nashville is the Grand Ole Opry, a country music and variety show that is still live-recorded and is the famed show that discovered Dolly Parton.
Music lovers can check out Second Avenue in the part of town that is known as The District, this is where you can find many live venues, or you can see the newly expanded Ryman Auditorium, country music's spiritual home.
Although Nashville may be known for country music, it has also produced singers such as Aerosmith, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, and the Black Keys, which has given it a new rock reputation.
#7 -- NEW YORK CITY................New York is the birthplace of genres such as hip-hop, punk, and disco.
One of the most compelling aspects of New York's music scene is the variety.
You can see classical performances at Carnegie Hall, indie rock at the Mercury Lounge, jazz as the JALC, and some big-name acts at Radio City Music Hall.
You will never find yourself lacking in live music options when taking a trip to New York.
#8 -- AUSTIN!...............Austin is not defined by a musical genre but is the home to popular music festivals like Austin City Limits Festival and South By Southwest.
The South By Southwest festival features more than 2000 performers at 100 venues, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival covers indie rock, punk, hip-hop, and folk music.
Austin has also earned the title "Live Music Capital of the World," and it is not uncommon to even find live music in the airport arrivals lounge and some of the city supermarkets.
Even if you are in town when there isn't a festival, you can find live music at over 250 different venues, some of which include the Elephant Room, The Broken Spoke, and Continental Club.
#9 -- DETROIT................Detroit is synonymous with Motown, a highly successful music label, and the name of the music that it produced.
Detroit is where Berry Gordy started Motown and created the studio where The Jackson 5, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder first recorded in the 1960s.
Today, the jazz and blues scene is still popular in Detroit's clubs.
#10 -- CLEVELAND...............While they don't have the big-name clubs or venues as many cities do, they do have one thing those cities don't - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Every year music enthusiasts get excited to see which of their music heroes will finally be inducted.
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Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:28 am to JetDawg
Branson!
Not sec terr.
Not sec terr.
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:29 am to JetDawg
Nashville way too low.
Nola, Nashville, Austin, and NYC are top 4.
Nola, Nashville, Austin, and NYC are top 4.
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:31 am to JetDawg
quote:
#3 -- ATLANTA!
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:37 am to Funky Tide 8
quote:
#3 -- ATLANTA!
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:39 am to JetDawg
quote:
Although Nashville may be known for country music, it has also produced singers such as Aerosmith
Da fuq? Outside of Steven Tyler recording a "country" album there a few years ago, and maybe playing some concerts there, what tie does Aerosmith have to Nashville?
Not sure if it would be lumped in with Atlanta or not, but Athens should at least be considered for some inclusion or at least honorable mention for the bands that have come out of there.
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:39 am to Hback
Typical rant mind-breaks seeing Atlanta so high because they can’t comprehend people like to listen to music other than country and jam bands
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:42 am to dawgfan24348
I live in ATL (and I don't listen to country or jam bands 
)
)Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:42 am to JetDawg
quote:
Although Nashville may be known for country music, it has also produced singers such as Aerosmith..
Aerosmith is from Boston, not Nashville.
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:44 am to Hback
Fair enough
But Atlanta is the capital of southern rap and its indie scene has been bursting lately. Music Midtown is a pretty meh festival but Shaky Knees has been growing in popularity and being to book bands, like the Foo, Green Day, NIN, and The Killers.
But Atlanta is the capital of southern rap and its indie scene has been bursting lately. Music Midtown is a pretty meh festival but Shaky Knees has been growing in popularity and being to book bands, like the Foo, Green Day, NIN, and The Killers.
This post was edited on 7/21/23 at 9:45 am
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:48 am to JetDawg
quote:
Mastodon
Mastadon rips
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:52 am to borotiger
quote:
Aerosmith is from Boston, not Nashville.
Aerosmith was formed in Boston, but spent most of their time -- including recordings, in Nashville.
Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:55 am to dawgfan24348
There used to be great variety in Little 5 Points. At least two recording studios, and some great venues that booked some pretty big acts (especially the Variety). Never knew what you'd see/encounter at the Star Bar And two of the best vinyl shops in town. Family came along and unfortunately curtailed most of that for me.
And two of the best vinyl shops in town. Family came along and unfortunately curtailed most of that for me.Posted on 7/21/23 at 9:57 am to JetDawg
quote:
Aerosmith was formed in Boston, but spent most of their time -- including recordings, in Nashville.
what albums of theirs were recorded in Nashville?
This post was edited on 7/21/23 at 10:23 am
Posted on 7/21/23 at 10:01 am to JetDawg
quote:
#3 -- ATLANTA!
Posted on 7/21/23 at 10:09 am to Funky Tide 8
quote:
what albums of there's were recorded in Nashville?
Don't know....I never bought any of their recordings....it's just what the IMM reported.
Posted on 7/21/23 at 10:22 am to Funky Tide 8
quote:
what albums of there's were recorded in Nashville?
None. Steven Tyler recorded a solo in Nashville but Aerosmith didn't.
Posted on 7/21/23 at 10:13 pm to Hback
Atlanta???
OP left our one important word ...
The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media ...
No surprise, as that is THE ONLY REASON ATLANTA WOULD EVER BE CONSIDERED A TOP 10 MUSIC CITY.
Almost any city on the Mississippi River is noteworthy; St. Louis, home of Chuck Berry, and the NHL "BLUES" comes to mind.
OP left our one important word ...
The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media ...
No surprise, as that is THE ONLY REASON ATLANTA WOULD EVER BE CONSIDERED A TOP 10 MUSIC CITY.
Almost any city on the Mississippi River is noteworthy; St. Louis, home of Chuck Berry, and the NHL "BLUES" comes to mind.
Posted on 7/21/23 at 10:28 pm to JetDawg
Clarksdale, MS belongs on this list.
Posted on 7/21/23 at 10:28 pm to JetDawg
East, TN, Knoxville, and the smaller cities nearby in KY and VA deserve the credit NOT Nashville. Bluegrass and country were born in East, TN with credit being due to our kin in SW Virginia and Eastern, Kentucky.
The state of Tennessee deemed Maynardville, TN (namechecked by Tarantino in Inglorious Bastards) "The Cradle of Country Music." When you look at Union County (which borders Knox and is where Maynardville is located) it is where Roy Acuff, Carl Smith, Chet Atkins, Kenny Chesney, and Florence Reese (to name a few) are all from. It's also namechecked in "The Ballad of Thunderoad."
What's remarkable is that the entire county is less than 20,000 people and was even smaller when Roy Acuff, Carl Smith, Chet Atkins, and Florence Reese were around. Even more remarkable is that you can't throw a rock without hitting people just as talented there, even today. I went to a political gig there and the music was amazing, and I've never been a fan of country and bluegrass but I was blown away by how good they were -and it was just locals having fun.
Nashville, otoh, is where those in the East went to have their music produced. But much like Dolly and all those I listed from one tiny county, it was born in the East with the help of our neighbors in KY and VA. But these things never give credit to small places.
The state of Tennessee deemed Maynardville, TN (namechecked by Tarantino in Inglorious Bastards) "The Cradle of Country Music." When you look at Union County (which borders Knox and is where Maynardville is located) it is where Roy Acuff, Carl Smith, Chet Atkins, Kenny Chesney, and Florence Reese (to name a few) are all from. It's also namechecked in "The Ballad of Thunderoad."
What's remarkable is that the entire county is less than 20,000 people and was even smaller when Roy Acuff, Carl Smith, Chet Atkins, and Florence Reese were around. Even more remarkable is that you can't throw a rock without hitting people just as talented there, even today. I went to a political gig there and the music was amazing, and I've never been a fan of country and bluegrass but I was blown away by how good they were -and it was just locals having fun.
Nashville, otoh, is where those in the East went to have their music produced. But much like Dolly and all those I listed from one tiny county, it was born in the East with the help of our neighbors in KY and VA. But these things never give credit to small places.
This post was edited on 7/21/23 at 10:34 pm
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