Tune Into St. Louis' Unrivaled Music History on Your Next Visit

With a roster that includes Chuck Berry, Ike and Tina Turner, Nelly, "Black Venus" Josephine Baker, and the original "King of Ragtime" Scott Joplin, St. Louis could go pound for pound (or should we say, note for note) with just about anywhere. Lest we forget East St. Louis-raised Miles Davis; flugelhorn pioneer Clark Terry; and Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, who formed the Grammy Award-winning band here (not in Chicago).

"I find it difficult to imagine what American music would sound like without half those names," says Andrew Wanko, public historian for the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. "A local jazz expert once told me that St. Louis belongs on the Mount Rushmore of musical cities. After everything I've learned, I second that."

It's impossible to define St. Louis by a single sound, because it sits at the cross section of America—halfway north, halfway south, the Gateway to the West, the nation's last old Eastern city—and at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. In the early 20th century, thousands of African Americans moved north during the Great Migration, importing a mishmash of styles and ideas that birthed sounds never heard before. Take composer W.C. Handy. He arrived in St. Louis in 1892 and dreamed of making it big—instead, he wound up penniless and sleeping on the riverfront. Two decades later, his song "St. Louis Blues" filled the airwaves. Inspired by his six-month tenure onthe city's streets, it's now heralded as one of the first blues tunes to succeed as a pop song.

Pick a musical genre (any, really) and St. Louis is sure to strike a chord. In the Grand Center Arts District alone, you can take in riveting classical at Powell Hall; wine and dine at the nostalgic Jazz St. Louis; and watch world-class musicians as well as up-and-comers at The Sheldon, a historic venue known for its perfect acoustics—all within a four-block radius.

But these are just the opening notes of a magical musical tour through St. Louis. In The Delmar Loop neighborhood, stroll with legends at the St. Louis Walk of Fame, featuring brass stars honoring musicians such as Miles Davis, Ike and Tina Turner, and Nelly. Also in the neighborhood, Vintage Vinyl is one of the best record shops in America. And at the National Blues Museum downtown, learn about the genre's impact on American culture, then record a blues track in an interactive exhibit, adding your own voice to the city's rich musical legacy.

What to Do

An underground museum at Gateway Arch National Park explores the epochs of the city. Union Station houses St. Louis Aquarium and evening light shows in the Grand Hall. For freebies, check out Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo—all within Forest Park.

Where to Eat

City Foundry STL is St. Louis' first food hall. Vendors span diverse cuisines. For music with a side of memorabilia, grab a burger in The Delmar Loop at Blueberry Hill, a landmark that hosted more than 200 Chuck Berry concerts. A bounty of locally sourced brunch items awaits at The Clover and The Bee in nearby Webster Groves.

Where to Stay

In downtown's Garment District, The Last Hotel is a short stroll from the Blues Museum and occupies the early 20th-century digs of the International Shoe Company. Look out for period details like original marble, terrazzo and hardwood floors, plus vintage lighting in the guest rooms. For room service with an Arch view, indulge in Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. On-site Cinder House and Bar takes diners on a journey through South American influences by James Beard Award- winner Gerard Craft.

Hitting the road? Jam out to the Missouri History Museum's Spotify playlist of Missouri artists.