April is Jazz Appreciation Month ("JAM") and in celebration, I've listed 20 Must-See Places around the country for the Jazz Lover! I've visited a few of these and not only are they "JAM" packed with history and fun facts about, what many consider 'America's classical music', but these joints are FUN!!
Check them out!!
Check them out!!
Outside the Louis Armstrong House Museum (c) travelincousins.com
1. Louis Armstrong House
Corona, Queens, New York
Louis Armstrong House
Located in the heart of Queens in Corona is the historical home of Louis Armstrong and his wife Lucille. The American jazz icon lived here from 1943 to his death in 1971. Now a museum and a National Historic Landmark since 1976, visitors will see the home, impeccably maintained, the way it looked when Louis and Lucille lived there! Filled with memorabilia from Sachmo's career, as well as recordings of this great jazz musicians of all time, it's a definite must
Corona, Queens, New York
Louis Armstrong House
Located in the heart of Queens in Corona is the historical home of Louis Armstrong and his wife Lucille. The American jazz icon lived here from 1943 to his death in 1971. Now a museum and a National Historic Landmark since 1976, visitors will see the home, impeccably maintained, the way it looked when Louis and Lucille lived there! Filled with memorabilia from Sachmo's career, as well as recordings of this great jazz musicians of all time, it's a definite must
(credit: americanhistory.si.edu)
2. National Museum of American History
Washington, D.C.
National Museum of American History
Smithsonian Jazz at the National Museum of American History explores and celebrates the American experience through the transformative power of jazz. If you are a jazz buff and interested in the rich heritage of this musical genre, you will enjoy the museum's extensive jazz collections and archives, the prestigious Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, exhibitions and educational programs found in our nation's capital.
Washington, D.C.
National Museum of American History
Smithsonian Jazz at the National Museum of American History explores and celebrates the American experience through the transformative power of jazz. If you are a jazz buff and interested in the rich heritage of this musical genre, you will enjoy the museum's extensive jazz collections and archives, the prestigious Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, exhibitions and educational programs found in our nation's capital.
Jazz Corner at Woodawn Cemetery, The Bronx (c) travelincousins.com
3. Woodlawn Cemetery
The Bronx, New York
www. thewoodlawncemetery.org
Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place for many famous and historical people - jazz is no exception. In " Jazz Corner" are the gravesides of many musical greats including Sir Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Illinois Jacquet, Lionel Hampton and more.
The Bronx, New York
www. thewoodlawncemetery.org
Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place for many famous and historical people - jazz is no exception. In " Jazz Corner" are the gravesides of many musical greats including Sir Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Illinois Jacquet, Lionel Hampton and more.
(credit: nps.gov)
4. New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
Created in 1994 to celebrate the origins and evolution of jazz, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park is located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, near the French Quarter. This U.S. National Historical Park's primary visitor center is located at 916 N. Peters Street and is a good starting point to learn about the history and culture of New Orleans jazz. Ranger-led demonstrations, talks, video documentaries and live music are held at both the visitor center and the New Orleans Jazz Museum performance stage five days a week.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
Created in 1994 to celebrate the origins and evolution of jazz, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park is located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, near the French Quarter. This U.S. National Historical Park's primary visitor center is located at 916 N. Peters Street and is a good starting point to learn about the history and culture of New Orleans jazz. Ranger-led demonstrations, talks, video documentaries and live music are held at both the visitor center and the New Orleans Jazz Museum performance stage five days a week.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the old US Mint (credit: neworleanspass.com)
5. The New Orleans Jazz Museum
New Orleans, LA
www.nolajazzmuseum.org
Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, and strategically located at the intersection of the French Quarter and the Frenchmen Street live music corridor, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is in the heart of the city’s vibrant music scene. Dynamic interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, research facilities and engaging musical performances, the museum honors the music New Orleans made famous.
New Orleans, LA
www.nolajazzmuseum.org
Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, and strategically located at the intersection of the French Quarter and the Frenchmen Street live music corridor, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is in the heart of the city’s vibrant music scene. Dynamic interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, research facilities and engaging musical performances, the museum honors the music New Orleans made famous.
John Coltraine House in Philadelphia, PA (credit: johncoltranehouse.org)
6. The John Coltrane House
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
www.johncoltranehouse.org
The John Coltrane House in Philadelphia is a National Historic Landmark. The former Philadelphia residence of John Coltrane as a publicly accessible historical site celebrating the life and music of this extraordinary musician, containing valued possessions and keepsakes from his career as a musician and from his childhood in North Carolina. A definite visit for those who love this music virtuoso.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
www.johncoltranehouse.org
The John Coltrane House in Philadelphia is a National Historic Landmark. The former Philadelphia residence of John Coltrane as a publicly accessible historical site celebrating the life and music of this extraordinary musician, containing valued possessions and keepsakes from his career as a musician and from his childhood in North Carolina. A definite visit for those who love this music virtuoso.
7. Dizzy Gillespie Homesite Park
Cheraw, South Carolina
www.cheraw.com
The town of Cheraw, South Carolina, is where trumpet great, Dizzy Gillespie grew up and in 2002, the town honored him with the dedication of this park on the site of his fame's home. Known to the world as "Dizzy", Gillespie was the youngest of nine children born on October 21, 1917, and from the first time he picked up a trumpet at age twelve, to playing with Cab Calloway at the age of 22, and to receiving a Kennedy Center Honors in 1999 for his outstanding lifetime achievement in the performing arts, this park is a tribute to this jazz great. Most notably in the park is the the stainless steel fence depicting the notes to "Salt Peanuts", one of Dizzy's best-known works.
Cheraw, South Carolina
www.cheraw.com
The town of Cheraw, South Carolina, is where trumpet great, Dizzy Gillespie grew up and in 2002, the town honored him with the dedication of this park on the site of his fame's home. Known to the world as "Dizzy", Gillespie was the youngest of nine children born on October 21, 1917, and from the first time he picked up a trumpet at age twelve, to playing with Cab Calloway at the age of 22, and to receiving a Kennedy Center Honors in 1999 for his outstanding lifetime achievement in the performing arts, this park is a tribute to this jazz great. Most notably in the park is the the stainless steel fence depicting the notes to "Salt Peanuts", one of Dizzy's best-known works.
8. Bix Beiderbecke House and the Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
Davenport, Iowa
www.bixmuseum.org
Since its grand opening in August 2017, the Bix Beiderbecke Museum in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa, honors the great American jazz cornetist and composer Bix Beiderbecke. Born in 1903 and departing the world in 1931, Leon Bismark "Bix" Beiderbecke made an amazing impact on the world of jazz music in his short thirty-one years as an American jazz cornetist, pianist, and composer. With Louis Armstrong and Muggsy Spanier, he is was one of the most influential jazz soloists of the 1920s.
Sights and sounds include unique artifacts, rare photos, storyboards, touchscreens, videos, home movie clips, heartwarming letters and, of course, magnificent recordings are on view at this museum.
Davenport, Iowa
www.bixmuseum.org
Since its grand opening in August 2017, the Bix Beiderbecke Museum in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa, honors the great American jazz cornetist and composer Bix Beiderbecke. Born in 1903 and departing the world in 1931, Leon Bismark "Bix" Beiderbecke made an amazing impact on the world of jazz music in his short thirty-one years as an American jazz cornetist, pianist, and composer. With Louis Armstrong and Muggsy Spanier, he is was one of the most influential jazz soloists of the 1920s.
Sights and sounds include unique artifacts, rare photos, storyboards, touchscreens, videos, home movie clips, heartwarming letters and, of course, magnificent recordings are on view at this museum.
(credit: 1976 Tom Marcello)
9. Village Vanguard
Greenwich Village, New York
www.villagevanguard.com
Located at Seventh Avenue South in Greenwich Village, New York City, the club was opened on February 22, 1935, by Max Gordon. At first, it featured many forms of music, such as folk music and beat poetry, but it switched to an all-jazz format in 1957. Featured jazz greats booked at this club include Miles Davis, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Jimmy Giuffre, Anita O’Day, Charlie Mingus, Bill Evans (a regular), Stan Getz, Carmen McRae. Today, it continues to feature jazz musicians.
Greenwich Village, New York
www.villagevanguard.com
Located at Seventh Avenue South in Greenwich Village, New York City, the club was opened on February 22, 1935, by Max Gordon. At first, it featured many forms of music, such as folk music and beat poetry, but it switched to an all-jazz format in 1957. Featured jazz greats booked at this club include Miles Davis, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Jimmy Giuffre, Anita O’Day, Charlie Mingus, Bill Evans (a regular), Stan Getz, Carmen McRae. Today, it continues to feature jazz musicians.
10. Harlem 1958 photo site – Art Kane’s historic portrait of 57 jazz icons, subject of the 1994 documentary A Great Day in Harlem
17 East 126th Street
New York, New York
Imagine waling along East 126th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues in Harlem past #17, on August 12, 1958, only to see so many of America's jazz greats posed for a photo! Well, that is precisely what occurred on this date, when Esquire Magazine freelance photographer, Art Kane, took this iconic photograph. Too many to mention, the photo includes such talents as Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Sonny Greer, Buster Baily and Count Basie, tired of standing, so he sat down on the curb with the kids (far right).
The site is still there, and a great place to see and imagine what it must have been like to be there on this historic day in jazz history!
17 East 126th Street
New York, New York
Imagine waling along East 126th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues in Harlem past #17, on August 12, 1958, only to see so many of America's jazz greats posed for a photo! Well, that is precisely what occurred on this date, when Esquire Magazine freelance photographer, Art Kane, took this iconic photograph. Too many to mention, the photo includes such talents as Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Sonny Greer, Buster Baily and Count Basie, tired of standing, so he sat down on the curb with the kids (far right).
The site is still there, and a great place to see and imagine what it must have been like to be there on this historic day in jazz history!
The Apollo Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and a New York City Landmark (credit: nydailynews.com)
11. Apollo Theater
New York, New York
www.apollotheater.org
Known the world over and featured in numerous Hollywood movies, The Apollo Theatre, which opened its doors in 1914, originally as a Burlesque Theatre. Through several owners, it was purchased in 1933, by Sidney Cohen, who owned other theaters in the area, and after lavish renovations it re-opened as the "Apollo Theater" on January 16, 1934,catering to the black community of Harlem.
The Apollo Theater Legends Hall of Fame has inducted such renowned performers and music-industry figures as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Michael Jackson, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Elton John, Mymoena Davids, Little Richard, Hall & Oates, Ella Fitzgerald, Smokey Robinson, Billy Eckstine, Gladys Knight, The Pips, The Jacksons, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, D'Angelo and Prince.
Performers have included Billie Holiday, Pearl Bailey, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown & The Famous Flames, King Curtis, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Parliament-Funkadelic, Wilson Pickett, The Miracles, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Rush Brown, Stephanie Mills, Dionne Warwick, Bobby Short, The Jackson 5, Patti Austin, Patti LaBelle, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Ben E. King, Mariah Carey, The Isley Brothers, Lauryn Hill, Sarah Vaughan, Jazmine Sullivan, Ne-Yo, and Machine Gun Kelly. Wow!!
It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as well as being a NYC Landmark.
New York, New York
www.apollotheater.org
Known the world over and featured in numerous Hollywood movies, The Apollo Theatre, which opened its doors in 1914, originally as a Burlesque Theatre. Through several owners, it was purchased in 1933, by Sidney Cohen, who owned other theaters in the area, and after lavish renovations it re-opened as the "Apollo Theater" on January 16, 1934,catering to the black community of Harlem.
The Apollo Theater Legends Hall of Fame has inducted such renowned performers and music-industry figures as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Michael Jackson, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Elton John, Mymoena Davids, Little Richard, Hall & Oates, Ella Fitzgerald, Smokey Robinson, Billy Eckstine, Gladys Knight, The Pips, The Jacksons, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, D'Angelo and Prince.
Performers have included Billie Holiday, Pearl Bailey, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown & The Famous Flames, King Curtis, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Parliament-Funkadelic, Wilson Pickett, The Miracles, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Rush Brown, Stephanie Mills, Dionne Warwick, Bobby Short, The Jackson 5, Patti Austin, Patti LaBelle, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Ben E. King, Mariah Carey, The Isley Brothers, Lauryn Hill, Sarah Vaughan, Jazmine Sullivan, Ne-Yo, and Machine Gun Kelly. Wow!!
It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as well as being a NYC Landmark.
Renamed in honor of Miles Davis on May 26, 2014, which would have been his 88th Birthday (credit:wikipediacommons.org)
12. Miles Davis Way
77th Street, New York City
On May 26, 2014, 77th Street in New York City was rededicated and named 77th Street “Miles Davis Way.” This day would have been Miles’ 88th birthday. In a celebration that included a ceremony and complete street closure, the event was attended by hundreds of fans of the late trumpet icon as well as members of Davis’ family, who were on hand to host the event. Those included including son Erin, daughter Cheryl and nephew Vince Wilburn Jr., as well as actress Cicely Tyson (previously married to Miles).
Great photo op for those who loved the late great jazz legend.
77th Street, New York City
On May 26, 2014, 77th Street in New York City was rededicated and named 77th Street “Miles Davis Way.” This day would have been Miles’ 88th birthday. In a celebration that included a ceremony and complete street closure, the event was attended by hundreds of fans of the late trumpet icon as well as members of Davis’ family, who were on hand to host the event. Those included including son Erin, daughter Cheryl and nephew Vince Wilburn Jr., as well as actress Cicely Tyson (previously married to Miles).
Great photo op for those who loved the late great jazz legend.
American Jazz Museum located in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, MO (credit: americanjazzmuseum.org)
13. American Jazz Museum
Kansas City, Missouri
www.americanjazzmuseum.org
Located in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, MO, the American Jazz Museum showcases the sights and sounds of jazz through interactive exhibits and films. Since its inception in 1997, the Museum hosts thousands of students, scholars, musicians and fans of the arts for over 200 performances, education programs, special exhibitions, community events and more each year, providing an opportunity to learn about the legends, honor their legacy, or simply enjoy the sounds of modern day jazz.
Kansas City, Missouri
www.americanjazzmuseum.org
Located in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, MO, the American Jazz Museum showcases the sights and sounds of jazz through interactive exhibits and films. Since its inception in 1997, the Museum hosts thousands of students, scholars, musicians and fans of the arts for over 200 performances, education programs, special exhibitions, community events and more each year, providing an opportunity to learn about the legends, honor their legacy, or simply enjoy the sounds of modern day jazz.
(photo credit: pinterest.com)
14. Ella Fitzgerald Monument
Yonkers, New York
One of my all-time favorite singers - Ella Fitzgerald, is honored in Yonkers at the Metro North station. There, she stands, a life-size bronze statue by Vinnie Bagwell, measuring 5 feet 10 and titled ''The First Lady of Jazz.'' The most celebrated jazz singer of her generation, the statue was placed on a two-tiered granite pedestal in Trolley Barn Plaza at the corner of Buena Vista Avenue and Main Street in October 1996.
Having grown up in Yonkers, Fitzgerald Fitzgerald lived near School Street and Park Hill Avenue and attended Public School 18 and Benjamin Franklin Junior High School.
Yonkers, New York
One of my all-time favorite singers - Ella Fitzgerald, is honored in Yonkers at the Metro North station. There, she stands, a life-size bronze statue by Vinnie Bagwell, measuring 5 feet 10 and titled ''The First Lady of Jazz.'' The most celebrated jazz singer of her generation, the statue was placed on a two-tiered granite pedestal in Trolley Barn Plaza at the corner of Buena Vista Avenue and Main Street in October 1996.
Having grown up in Yonkers, Fitzgerald Fitzgerald lived near School Street and Park Hill Avenue and attended Public School 18 and Benjamin Franklin Junior High School.
National Jazz Museum in Harlem (credit: twitter)
15. National Jazz Museum in Harlem
New York, New York
www.jazzmuseuminharlem.org
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is New York City's museum dedicated to preservation and celebration of Harlem's jazz history. The Museum was founded in 1997 by Leonard Garment, Counsel to two U.S. Presidents, and an accomplished jazz saxophonist, Abraham D. Sofaer, a former U.S. District Judge and matching funds from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. Hosting more than 80 free events and education programs annually, the Museum is committed to keeping jazz present and exciting in the lives of a broad range of audiences: young and old, novice and scholar, artist and patron, enthusiast and curious listener.
New York, New York
www.jazzmuseuminharlem.org
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is New York City's museum dedicated to preservation and celebration of Harlem's jazz history. The Museum was founded in 1997 by Leonard Garment, Counsel to two U.S. Presidents, and an accomplished jazz saxophonist, Abraham D. Sofaer, a former U.S. District Judge and matching funds from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. Hosting more than 80 free events and education programs annually, the Museum is committed to keeping jazz present and exciting in the lives of a broad range of audiences: young and old, novice and scholar, artist and patron, enthusiast and curious listener.
The Charlie Parker Residence (credit: charlieparkerresidence.net)
16. The Charlie Parker Residence
New York, New York
www.charlieparkerresidence.net
Built in l849, this Gothic Revival-style rowhouse was home to the alto saxophonist Charlie Parker (Bird) from l950-l954. The Charlie Parker Residence was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in l994 by the U.S. Department of the Interior. In l999 the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Charlie Parker Residence a New York City Landmark, finding the house at l5l Avenue B has special character, historical and aesthetic interest and value as part of the development, and heritage and cultural characteristics of New York City, New York State, and the nation.
New York, New York
www.charlieparkerresidence.net
Built in l849, this Gothic Revival-style rowhouse was home to the alto saxophonist Charlie Parker (Bird) from l950-l954. The Charlie Parker Residence was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in l994 by the U.S. Department of the Interior. In l999 the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Charlie Parker Residence a New York City Landmark, finding the house at l5l Avenue B has special character, historical and aesthetic interest and value as part of the development, and heritage and cultural characteristics of New York City, New York State, and the nation.
(credit: wikipedia)
17. Preservation Hall
New Orleans, Louisiana
www.preservationhall.com
New Orleans’ Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America’s truest art forms – Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture.
Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 100+ local master practitioners. On any given night, audiences bear joyful witness to the evolution of this venerable and living tradition. Yet, another great jazz destination in the heart of NOLA.
New Orleans, Louisiana
www.preservationhall.com
New Orleans’ Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America’s truest art forms – Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture.
Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 100+ local master practitioners. On any given night, audiences bear joyful witness to the evolution of this venerable and living tradition. Yet, another great jazz destination in the heart of NOLA.
(photo credit: Alamy)
18. Brass Band statue in New Orleans' Congo Square, the birthplace of jazz.
New Orleans, Louisiana
www.discoverhistoricamericatours.com
In Louis Armstrong Park in Congo Square is one of the most iconic brass statues, worth seeing and snapping a few photos. Yet, another great jazz destination in the heart of NOLA!
-Elisa
New Orleans, Louisiana
www.discoverhistoricamericatours.com
In Louis Armstrong Park in Congo Square is one of the most iconic brass statues, worth seeing and snapping a few photos. Yet, another great jazz destination in the heart of NOLA!
-Elisa
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