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Listen to the South’s Hottest Musicians
From Texas to Virginia, our region has always been filled with music. Here are some of the people and places making the best from our Soul of the South special section.

The South has contributed more to America's cultural soundtrack than any other part of the country. Jazz, country, bluegrass, gospel, blues, and rock music were born here, and a staggering number of our nation's musical heroes called the South home--Elvis, Muddy Waters, and Bill Monroe, to name a few. Today a new crop of musical stars is adding their own unique sounds to our music. Some have built ardent followings; others are just now gaining recognition. From the blues clubs of Beale Street to the dance halls of Texas, they're all making an imprint on the Soul of the South.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Experience More Music Across the South
Click into a state for our picks of the best venues, radio stations, and music festivals across the South.

Alabama | Arkansas | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Mississippi | Missouri | North Carolina | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Virginia | Washington D.C. | West Virginia


"Soul of the South" is from the April 2006 issue of Southern Living.

Alabama Music
LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Tuscumbia, 1-800-239-2643
  • Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham, (205) 254-2731
  • Hank Williams, Sr., Boyhood Home and Museum, Georgiana, (334) 376-2396; and Hank Williams Memorial and Museum, Montgomery, (334) 262-3600
  • The Alabama Band Fan Club and Museum, Fort Payne, (256) 845-1646
  • W.C. Handy Birthplace, Florence, (256) 760-6434

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • May: Jubilee City Fest, Montgomery (334) 834-7220
  • June: City Stages, Birmingham (205) 251-1272
  • July: W.C. Handy Music Festival, Florence (256) 766-7642
  • October: BayFest, Mobile (251) 208-7835

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Zydeco, Birmingham (205) 933-1032
  • WorkPlay, Birmingham (205) 879-4773
  • Off the Wagon, Montgomery (334) 263-0102
  • Eagan's Bar, Tuscaloosa (205) 758-9413

    • arkansas music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Pine Bluff, 1-800-536-7660
  • Ozark Folk Center, Mountain View, (870) 269-3851

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • May: Riverfest Arts and Music Festival, Little Rock (501) 255-3378
  • September: 21st Annual Eureka Springs Jazz Festival, Eureka Springs (479) 253-6258
  • August: Logan County Gospel Music Convention, Booneville (479) 675-3613
  • October: Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (formerly known as King Biscuit Blues Festival), Helena (870) 338-8798

    • ON THE AIR
    Tune in these radio shows to catch the best of traditional, and cutting edge, Southern music.

  • King Biscuit Time Broadcast, KFFA Radio, Helena www.kingbiscuittime.com.

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville (479) 527-6618
  • Vino's, Little Rock (501) 375-8466
  • Juanita's, Little Rock (501) 374-3271

    • delaware music
    FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • April: Delaware Music Festival, Dewey Beach (302) 227-3888
  • June: DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Wilmington (302) 576-2136
  • October: Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival, Rehoboth Beach 800-296-8742

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • W.T. Smithers, Dover (302) 674-8875
  • Syndney's Blues and Jazz Restaurant, Rehoboth Beach 800-808-1924

    • florida music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos across the state feature artifacts from the company's world-famous rock 'n' roll collection. Hard Rock at Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, 1-800-232-7827; Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tampa, toll-free 1-866-502-7529
  • Sally Bennett's Big Band Hall of Fame Museum, West Palm Beach, (561) 795-6400
  • Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, (386) 397-2733

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • April: Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville (904) 630-3690
  • Late May through June: Sarasota Music Festival (941) 953-3434
  • October: Fall Suwannee River Jubilee, Live Oak (386) 364-1683

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • The House of Jam, Jacksonville (904) 262-3377
  • Green Parrot Bar, Key West (305) 294-6133
  • Bongo's Cuban Café, Downtown Disney, Lake Buena Vista (407) 828-0999
  • Rosey Baby Crawfish and Cajun House, Lauderhill (954) 749-5627
  • The Social, Orlando (407) 246-1419
  • Mango's Tropical Café, Miami (305) 673-4422
  • Nikki Beach, Miami (305) 538-1111
  • Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa (813) 977-6474

    • georgia music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Athens Music Museum, Athens, (706) 369-9428
  • Georgia Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Macon, 1-888-427-6257

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • 40 Watt Club, Athens (706) 549-7871
  • The Earl, Atlanta (404) 522-3950
  • Fado Irish Pub, Atlanta (404) 841-0066
  • Dante's Down the Hatch, Atlanta (404) 266-1600
  • The Loft, Columbus (706) 596-8141
  • Savannah Blues, Savannah (912) 232-7002

    • kentucky music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • International Bluegrass Music Museum, Owensboro, 1-888-692-2656
  • Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Renfro Valley, 1-877-356-3263
  • Mountain Arts Center, Prestonsburg, 1-888-622-2787
  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown, (502) 348-3502

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • March: Gospel Music Festival, Stanford (606) 365-4518
  • June: Festival of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Horse Park Campground, Lexington (859) 846-4995
  • June: Great American Brass Band Festival, Danville 800-755-0076
  • July: Kentucky Shaker Music Day, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg 800-734-5611
  • August: "Fiesta Del Río," The Northern Kentucky Latino Music Festival (513) 253-1081
  • September: Fiddlers Festival, Renfro Valley 800-765-7464

    • ON THE AIR
    Tune in these radio shows to catch the best of traditional, and cutting edge, Southern music.

  • Renfro Valley Gatherin' Radio Show, Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, Renfro Valley www.renfrovalley.com/radio.
  • Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour at the Kentucky Theater, Lexington www.woodsongs.com.

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • JazzMania, Covington (859) 491-2403
  • Cheapside Bar and Grill, Lexington (859) 254-0046
  • Bluegrass Brewing Company, Louisville (502) 899-7070

    • louisiana music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Eunice, (337) 457-6534
  • Delta Music Museum, Ferriday, (318) 757-9999
  • Louisiana State Museum, statewide, 1-800-568-6968

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • Late April-early May: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans (504) 522-4786
  • April: Festival International de Louisiane, Lafayette (337) 232-8086
  • April: Natchitoches Jazz Festival, Natchitoches 800-259-1714
  • July: Lebeau Zydeco Festival, Lebeau (337) 623-5826
  • October: Red River Revel Arts Festival, Shreveport (318) 424-4000

    • ON THE AIR
    Tune in these radio shows to catch the best of traditional, and cutting edge, Southern music.

  • "Rendezvous Des Cajuns" Cajun Radio Show, KEUN Radio, Eunice www.eunice-la.com/libertyschedule.

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Liberty Theater, Eunice (337) 457-7839
  • Prejean's, Lafayette (337) 896-3247
  • Snug Harbor, New Orleans (504) 949-0696
  • Tipitina's, New Orleans (504) 895-8477

    • maryland music

    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Eubie Blake National Museum and Cultural Center, Baltimore, (410) 225-3130

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • June: 14th Annual Capital Jazz Fest, Columbia www.capitaljazz.com
  • July: Artscape's Billie Holiday Vocal Competition, Baltimore (410) 752-8632
  • July: Common Ground on the Hill Music and Arts, Westminster (410) 857-2771
  • July: Reggae Wine Festival, Mt. Airy 800-514-8735
  • August: Hot August Blues Festival, Cockeysville 877-321-3378
  • April and September: Arcadia Bluegrass Festival, Upperco (410) 374-2895

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Ram's Head Tavern, Annapolis (410) 268-4545
  • New Haven Lounge, Baltimore (410) 366-7416
  • Cat's Eye Pub, Baltimore (410) 276-9866
  • Avalon Theatre, Easton (410) 822-0345

    • mississippi music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale, (662) 627-6820
  • Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, Jackson, (601) 894-5601

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • April: Jimmie Rodgers Days, Meridian 888-868-7720
  • June: Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival, Tupelo 888-273-7798
  • August: The Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival, Clarksdale (662) 627-5301
  • September: Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, Greenville 888-812-5837
  • September: Howlin' Wolf Memorial Blues Festival, West Point (662) 494-2921

    • ON THE AIR
    Tune in these radio shows to catch the best of traditional, and cutting edge, Southern music.

  • Thacker Mountain Radio Show, Mississippi Public Broadcasting Radio, Oxford www.thackermountain.com.

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale (662) 621-9009
  • W.C. Don's, Jackson (601) 969-6962
  • 930 Blues Café, Jackson (601) 714-4226
  • Taylor Grocery and Restaurant, Taylor (662) 236-1716
  • Proud Larry's, Oxford (662) 236-0050
  • Rick's Café, Starkville (662) 323-7425

    • missouri music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • American Jazz Museum, Kansas City, (816) 474-8463
  • Scott Joplin State Historic Site, St. Louis, (314) 340-5790

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • May-June: Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, Sedalia 866-218-6258
  • June: The U.S. Bank Saint Louis Jazz & Heritage Festival, Clayton (314) 863-0278
  • September: Jefferson City Capital Jazzfest, Jefferson City (573) 681-5301
  • September-October: Silver Dollar City's Festival of American Music and Crafts, Branson 800-831-4FUN

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Beaumont Club, Kansas City (816) 561-2560
  • The Historic Mutual Musicians Foundation, Kansas City (816) 471-5212
  • Backstreet Jazz & Blues Club, St. Louis (314) 878-5800
  • Blueberry Hill, St. Louis (314) 727-4444
  • Jazz at the Bistro, , a program of Jazz St. Louis, St. Louis (314) 531-1012
  • Cookie's Jazz & More, Webster Groves (314) 962-5299

    • north carolina music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Dr. Robert Smith House, Mount Airy, 1-800-576-0231
  • North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, Thomasville, (336) 475-6134

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • April: MerleFest, Wilkesboro (336) 838-6260
  • June: Singing on the Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Linville 800-468-7325
  • Late June through early August: Brevard Music Center Institute and Festival 888-384-8682
  • late June-July: Eastern Music Festival, Greensboro 877-833-6753
  • September: 19th Annual Bull Durham Blues Festival, Durham (919) 683-1709
  • September: Flat Rock Music Festival, Flat Rock (828) 692-2005

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • The Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall, Asheville (828) 232-5800
  • RagApple Lassie Vineyards' Second Saturday Shindigs, Boonville 866-724-2775
  • Cat's Cradle, Carrboro (919) 967-9053
  • Coyote Joe's, Charlotte (704) 399-4946
  • Blind Tiger, Greensboro (336) 272-9888
  • Blue Bayou Club, Hillsborough (919) 732-2555
  • Sushi Blues Café, Raleigh (919) 664-8061
  • The Garage, Winston-Salem (336) 777-1127

    • oklahoma music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Muskogee, (918) 687-0800

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • June: OK Mozart International Festival, Bartlesville (918) 336-9800
  • June: American Heritage Music Festival, Grove 800-526-2523
  • July: Woody Guthrie Folk Music Festival, Okemah (918) 623-2440
  • September: Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival, Guthrie 877-203-1206

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • The Blue Door, Oklahoma City (405) 524-0738
  • Blues Saloon, Oklahoma City (405) 521-1290
  • Bora Bora Rock Café, Oklahoma City (405) 948-0224
  • Cain's Ballroom, Tulsa 800-585-3737

    • south carolina music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here is one of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Beach Shaggers Hall of Fame at Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort, North Myrtle Beach, 1- 800-438-9590

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • February: Bonterra Lowcountry Blues Bash, Charleston (843) 762-9125
  • May-June: 30th Festival Season Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston (843) 579-3100
  • late September-October: MOJA Arts Festival, Charleston (843) 724-7305
  • October: Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art, Brookgreen Gardens, Pawleys Island (843) 237-9141
  • October: Carolina Downhome Blues Festival, Camden (803) 425-7676
  • October: Annual Columbia Blues Festival, Columbia www.wordofmouthproductions.org.

    • ON THE AIR
    Tune in these radio shows to catch the best of traditional, and cutting edge, Southern music.

  • Blues on the Bridge with Shrimp City Slim, The Bridge at 105.5 FM Radio, Charleston www.thebridgeat1055.com.

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Cumberland's, Charleston (843) 577-9469
  • Music Farm, Charleston (843) 772-8904
  • The Handlebar, Greenville (864) 233-6173
  • Oceansong Café, Isle of Palms (843) 886-0707
  • House of Blues, Myrtle Beach (843) 272-3000

    • tennessee music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, (615) 416-2001
  • Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, 1-888-777-6779
  • Graceland, Memphis, 1-800-238-2000
  • Loretta Lynn's Ranch, Hurricane Mills, (931) 296-7700
  • Ryman Auditorium, Nashville (615) 889-3060 (Listen to our special online section.)
  • Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, (865) 908-4040
  • Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis, (901) 946-2535
  • Sun Studio, Memphis, (901) 521-0664
  • The International Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame Inc. and Museum, Jackson, (731) 427-6262

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • May: Memphis in May International Festival (901) 525-4611
  • June: Country Music Association Music Festival, Nashville 800-262-3378
  • June: Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Manchester www.bonnaroo.com.
  • June: Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga (423) 756-2211
  • June-July: Smithville Fiddler's Jamboree and Crafts Festival, Smithville (615) 597-8500
  • September: Bristol's Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Bristol (276) 591-4898

    • ON THE AIR
    Tune in these radio shows to catch the best of traditional, and cutting edge, Southern music.

  • Grand Ole Opry Radio Show, WSM Radio, Nashville www.opry.com.
  • Earnest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree from the Texas Troubadour Theatre, WSM Radio, Nashville www.etrecordshop.com.

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Down Home, Johnson City (423) 929-9822
  • Blue Cats, Knoxville (865) 656-4444
  • Brackins Blues Club, Maryville (865) 983-9800
  • B.B. King's Blues Club, Memphis (816) 622-5464
  • Hi Tone Café, Memphis (901) 278-8663
  • Bluebird Café, Nashville (615) 383-1461
  • Bluegrass Inn, Nashville (615) 726-2799
  • Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Nashville (615) 726-0463
  • Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville (615) 902-8200

    • texas music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • Buddy Holly Center, Lubbock, (806) 767-2686
  • Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Tex Ritter Museum, Carthage, (903) 693-6634
  • Texas Music Museum, Austin, (512) 472-8891 or (512) 471-0520
  • The Tejano R.O.O.T.S. (Remembering Our Own Tejano Stars) Hall of Fame , Alice, (361) 701-6028

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • March: South by Southwest Conferences and Festivals, Austin (512) 467-7979
  • March: Spring Break in Paris Bluegrass Festival, Paris (903) 784-8859
  • April: Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, Denton (940) 565-0931
  • May: Wildflower Arts and Music Festival, Dallas area (972) 744-4580
  • July: Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic, Fort Worth www.williespicnic.com.
  • August: Houston International Jazz Festival, Houston (713) 839-7000
  • August: East Texas Sacred Harp Convention, Henderson (903) 657-4303
  • September: Fiesta de las Flores, El Paso (915) 542-3464
  • September: Austin City Limits Music Festival, Austin 877-337-8225
  • September: Gene Autry Music Festival, Tioga (940) 437-1110

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
    No matter whether it's fancy or funky, there's always someplace to hear music in the South. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Cowboys Dancehall, Arlington; (817) 265-1535
  • Continental Club, Austin (512) 441-2444
  • Cactus Café, Austin (512) 475-6515
  • Antone's, Austin (512) 320-8424
  • Fitzwilly's, College Station (979) 846-8806
  • Executive Surf Club, Corpus Christi; (361) 884-7873
  • Poor David's Pub, Dallas (214) 565-1295
  • Gilley's, Dallas (214) 428-2919
  • Billy Bob's Texas, Fort Worth (817) 624-7117
  • The Ridglea Theater, Fort Worth (817) 738-9500
  • John T. Floore's Country Store, Helotes (210) 695-8827
  • Etta's Lounge, Houston (713) 528-2611
  • Bea's Island Club, Houston (713) 944-2720
  • Luckenbach Dance Hall, Luckenbach (830) 997-3224
  • Reo Palm Isle, Longview (903) 753-4440
  • Gruene Hall, Gruene (830) 606-1281
  • Casbeers, San Antonio (210) 732-3511
  • Rick's, Tyler (903) 531-2415
  • The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands (281) 363-3300

    • virginia music
    LOOK, LISTEN, AND LEARN
    Here are some of our favorite musical sites that honor the past and set the stage for the future.

  • The Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, Big Stone Gap, toll-free 1-866-686-6874. Sites and museums along the trail include the Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center, Clintwood, (276) 926-8550; Country Cabin II, Norton, (276) 679-2632; Carter Family Fold, Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Hiltons, (276) 386-6054; Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol, (276) 645-0035; Blue Ridge Music Center, Galax, (276) 236-5309, and the Blue Ridge Institute, Ferrum, (540) 365-4416.

    • FEEL THE BEAT
    Experience the best music of the region, and the world, at these festivals and events.

  • April-June: Virginia Arts Festival, Hampton Roads area 877-741-2787
  • May-June: Hampden-Sydney Music Festival, Hampden-Sydney (434) 223-6273
  • July: FloydFest, Floyd (540) 745-3378
  • August: Old Fiddlers Convention, Galax (276) 236-8541
  • August: 6th Annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival, Norfolk (757) 441-2345

    • UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
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