The part of Highway 61 between Memphis and New Orleans is known as the Blues Highway. On this 500-mile stretch through the Mississippi Delta, American music history was made. Embark on the ultimate Blues Highway road trip with these 11 stops from Memphis to New Orleans, searching for the heart of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, fueled by the best Southern comfort food.

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#1- Beale Street & BB King’s Blues Club, Memphis

Beale Street in Memphis played a big part in American music history, as many blues artists took their first steps to success on this legendary street. Nowadays, it’s Memphis’ version of Bourbon Street, with neon signs, loud clubs and drinks in plastic cups. If you enter just one venue on Beale Street, make sure it is BB King’s Blues Club. This restaurant-club mixes Southern comfort food with live blues, soul and rock music, honoring BB King’s legacy since 1991.

#2- Lorraine Motel & National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis

Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968 while standing outside of his room in the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. The motel has since been turned into the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum dives into African-American history, from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and present day, shaping the context in which blues music originated. The Majestic Grill is located within walking distance of the museum, offering a great brunch menu and outdoor seating on Main Street.

#3- Graceland, Memphis

Elvis Presley was both discovered and laid to rest in Memphis. For 20 years, he found refuge in his beloved mansion Graceland. Stepping through the front door is like stepping back in time. Elvis’ passion for decorating turned each room into a work of art. The backyard houses Elvis’ two custom-designed private planes, one of them named after his only daughter Lisa Marie.

#4- Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis

Together with the iconic Motown record label in Detroit, Stax Records in Memphis shaped the sound of soul. Between 1959 and 1974, the record company launched the careers of many legendary soul artists like Otis Redding and Booker T.  & the MGs. In 2003, the recording studio was turned into a museum dedicated to American soul music.

#5- Sun Studio, Memphis

Another landmark in American music history is Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Elvis, Johny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis all recorded their first hits in Sun Studio. The iconic studio is open to the public for one-hour guided tours, which can only be purchased the day of the visit. Entertaining guides bring the tour to life, although a family of Elvis impersonators stole the show on our visit.

#6- Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale

Mississippi native Morgan Freeman co-owns the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale. Contrary to what you might expect from a club owned by a movie star, Ground Zero is unpretentious and laid-back. The live music is complemented with Southern staples like fried pickles and fried green tomatoes. You can even stay the night above the club at the comfortable Delta Cotton Company Apartments.

#7- The Blues Crossroads, Clarksdale

The location of Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi is no coincidence, as this unassuming town carries a lot of blues history. Legend has it that blues artist Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for musical talent in Clarksdale. The Devil’s Crossroads is marked by a three-guitar monument. Breakfast in town is served seven days a week at Our Grandma’s House of Pancakes. On Friday and Saturday night, the breakfast cafe turns into a Blues Bar with music until 2 AM.

#8- BB King Museum, Indianola

The BB King Museum portrays the life of the King of the Blues, shaped by the musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta. Born as the son of sharecroppers, Riley King imagined a humble life on the cotton fields. Instead, he became the man that introduced the world to the sound of blues. The museum takes you on a musical journey of BB Kings incredible life and career against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement.

#9- Vicksburg, Mississippi

Vicksburg is a historic city located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi river. It played a pivotal roll in the American Civil War, as a Confederate stronghold that was captured by the Union. Several heritage walking trails take you through the charming downtown streets. For expansive views over the Mississippi, rise ten stories to 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill.

#10- Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez is the oldest city on the Mississippi River, founded in 1716. It houses many historic landmarks and well-preserved antebellum mansions that can be toured. Enjoy old-fashioned Southern hospitality at the Monmouth Historic Inn, set in a mansion from 1818. You can sip on a mint julep in the stately gardens, dine at the onsite restaurant and get a complimentary tour of the mansion. In Downtown Natchez, The Camp Restaurant has an inviting porch overlooking the Mississippi.

#11- French Quarter & Frenchman Street, New Orleans

New Orleans is often considered the birthplace of jazz, and music can be found throughout the city. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival brings together the best jazz artists and Cajun food every year in May. One of the best spots for live music in the city is Frenchmen Street, with clubs playing everything from jazz to reggae and blues. You can also find great musicians playing in the streets of the French Quarter.

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