What is the definition of a rock ‘n’ roll city? It’s a place where rock ‘n’ roll isn’t simply something people listen to on their car radios, but is an inextricable part of the cultural fabric. We take the road to discover America’s top music locations. Below are 5 cities that are paradise for Rock ‘n’ Roll fans.
1. Cleveland
While many significant events occurred in Cleveland, many people believe that they did not happen by chance. The history of rock began in the early 1950s, when Alan Freed, a radio disc jockey from Cleveland, began his radio show on WJW. It grew in popularity as a result of the type of music he was playing for his white audience. White people were listening to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, while African Americans were listening to “race music,” which was rhythm and blues.
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a music industry powerhouse, with historic recording studios and iconic performance halls. International stars perform at mega venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theatre, and the Wiltern, while historic venues such as Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy Theatre, the Rainbow Bar & Grill, and the Hollywood Roosevelt have hosted rock legends ranging from The Doors to Guns N’ Roses. At the GRAMMY Museum, you can explore four levels of music memorabilia, match your handprints to legendary rock stars at Guitar Center’s RockWalk, and peruse the stacks at Amoeba Music, the world’s largest independent record store.
3. Memphis
Memphis is located on a Mississippi River bluff and was purposefully established there about 200 years ago by, among others, future US President Andrew Jackson. Memphis quickly established itself as a trading center, where slaves and cotton were purchased and sold, despite the flooding that plagued the Delta to the south. Memphis was destined to be a melting pot from the start. Traders came down from the north while commodities were carried up from the south.
In Memphis, unlike much of the rest of the country, black and white cultures have coexisted for generations. In comparison to the national average, Memphis Houses for Sale are quite affordable. It’s also known as a “millennial-friendly” city, which is ideal for those who want to continue their education beyond high school.
4. New York
New York City was progressively becoming the epicenter of the burgeoning punk scene in the United States during the 1970s. The birth of New York City’s punk subculture occurred at a critical juncture in history. New York City was progressively becoming the epicenter of the burgeoning punk scene in the United States during the 1970s. The birth of New York City’s punk subculture occurred at a critical juncture in history.
5. San Francisco
San Francisco has always been a stronghold of forward thinking and freedom of speech, thanks to its rich and unique cultural past dating back to its days as a gold rush frontier town. Many of San Francisco’s most well-known music venues have interesting backstories. The Fillmore was once a dance hall and roller rink before being renovated into a venue that hosted Santana and The Who. The Great American Music Hall began as a casino and brothel before transforming into an impressive facility that has hosted groups such as Journey.
