. . .nobody knows my sorrow. If that sounds familiar to you, you’re either a blues singer or someone who has had the blues. However, if that doesn’t describe you at all, then . . congratulations. You are one in a million. Then again, “the blues” is something else entirely. So what’s what?
The blues is a genre of music that originated in the African American communities of the Deep South of the United States around the end of the 19th century. It’s a foundational genre for much of modern popular music, including jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. Blue Notes: A key element is the use of “blue notes” or “worried notes” – these are typically the third, fifth, or seventh degrees of the major scale, sung or played slightly flattened or bent in pitch. This gives the blues its characteristic melancholic and soulful sound. It is also a huge musical force, worldwide.
But there, is no place better to experience this global staple than where it all started, the south USA. We have a tour for you that will make you a howling wolf, too. Our super affiliate friends, Titan Travel are offering a really sound adventure with their Southern Sights and Sounds tour. One of Titan’s bestselling itineraries, their two-week Southern USA tours put the focus on the region’s rich cultural heritage.
As well as delving into the Deep South’s Civil Rights history, you’ll uncover its musical roots as we visit Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans – the birthplaces of jazz, blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll. A real highlight of our Deep South tour is the evening we spend at the Grand Ole Opry – a radio show since 1925, now hosting legends and contemporaries of country, bluegrass, folk and gospel on its Nashville stage. To book your tour, click here.
Visiting historic RCA Studio B where the legendary Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers and hundreds of other famous singers made their recordings. It will give you goosebumps. And if you want to get up to speed before you arrive, here is a short primer on the blues: The blues is a genre of music that originated in the African American communities of the Deep South of the United States around the end of the 19th century. It’s a foundational genre for much of modern popular music, including jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. Every true musician wants to be there. To book your tour, click here
Why not linger a little longer. Our affiliate friends, VRBO have places to stay in Nashville. Click here