Characterized by verses that strike pain, lament injustice, and express longing and grief but rather providing it with a vibe of lightness and ease, it’s no wonder why the blues has captivated many people across the decades. True enough, it’s a necessity to release your emotions, but it’s also fun to send these sad feelings scampering somewhere else through music.
If you’re a die-hard blues fan or simply wants to have a good time, here are the best cities in the United States to listen to live blues music – ones that are not only filled with amazing blues points but also allow you to peek into the history of this celebrated American musical art form.
Chicago, Illinois
During the Great Migration from 1916 to 1970, Chicago attracted over 500,000 African Americans who left the South to search for better opportunities in the urban North. They brought the Blues into Chicago, where it was reborn and evolved into something more logical, vibrant, and electrified. Chicago may not be the place blues music originated from, but it is where the art form blossomed, eventually unfurling its voice and message to the rest of the world.
Today, Chicago hosts the Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world. Any time of the year, you’ll find fabulous joints in the city to enjoy music like Buddy Guy’s Legends, B.L.U.E.S., Rosa’s Lounge, The Green Mill, and Kingston Mines. Step in one of them to get an unmatched experience reveling in the sound of live blues music.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is more renowned as the home of the King of Rock ‘n Roll Elvis Presley, as well for producing other big stars, such as Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, and Josey Scott. Yet, it is also where B.B. King imprinted his legacy and showcased his music. Known as the “King of the Blues,” B.B. King stormed into Memphis in the 1940s and performed at the iconic Beale Street along with other world-famous blues musicians. Walk down this lane and pop into different clubs like Blues Hall Juke Joint, Blues City Cafe, and B.B. King’s Blues Club – you’ll be fascinated regardless of whoever is performing that night.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Better known as the birthplace of Jazz music, but New Orleans had its significant contributions to the establishment of blues music in the early 1900s. In fact, the 12-bar blues song pattern became widely popular in the city before it became a massive hit in the country. Performers, such as Snooks Eaglin, Earl King, James Brooker also rose into popularity starting in New Orleans. Though the blues music in the city is more upbeat, given the Caribbean and Dixieland jazz, it remained soulful like other blues genres. Hit upon venues like The Funky Pirate Blues Club, House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, Maple Leaf Bar, and Mother-in-Law Lounge to see how blues music still beautifully lingers in the city today.
Clarksdale, Mississippi
It’s easy to overlook the small city of Clarksdale in Mississippi, but it boasts lots of history when speaking of blues music. Blues music icons like Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins, Eddie Boyd, Ike Turner, Son House, and Junior Parker performed or recorded music in the city.
Embracing the heritage, you will see numerous blues festivals are held in Clarksdale annually, such as the SunFlower River Blues, Deep Blues, and Juke Joint Festival. Meanwhile, you can visit the Delta Blues Museum and Rock & Blues Museum to discover why the Mississippi Delta is regarded as the land where blues music originated. Of course, don’t miss out on checking out great live performances at the Bad Apple Blues Club, Ground Zero Blues Club, and Red’s Lounge.
St. Louis, Missouri
The “Gateway to the West” has its fair share of excellent spots for enjoying live blues music, such as in The Beale on Broadway, BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups, and Hammerstone’s. Expect to witness great performances seven nights a week, giving you an endless chance to “chase the blues away.” To cap it off, you can visit the National Blue Museum the following day and use its interactive stations where you can write and perform songs for a different experience.
Final Words
These cities are chock full of the best live blues music listening opportunities in the country. What’s great is that apart from their spectacular blues joints, events, and festivities, they possess historic tales you can also immerse yourself into, making every visit livelier and more memorable.