South Carolina
Country, Bluegrass, and Jazz
Jazz flourishes in the cities like Charleston, while bluegrass echoes through proud communities and festivals statewide. Country music reflects our Southern heritage, and all of it brings us together through the sharing of rhythms and stories.
Louisiana
Jazz, Cajun, Zydeco, and Blues
Experience New Orleans jazz, Creole zydeco, Delta blues, and Cajun sounds. Discover historic venues, festivals like Jazz Fest, and street performances.
TENNESSEE
Country, Blues, and Rock 'n' Roll
Visit the legendary music hubs like Nashville and Memphis, home to the Country Blues, Sun Studio, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
MISSISSIPPI
Blues and Rock
Hear the soulful rhythms that inspired rock legends and shaped Delta Blues pioneers like Robert Johnson.
ALABAMA
Country, Rock, and Blues
Experience Alabama’s musical legacy, from the soulful sounds of Muscle Shoals to vibrant festivals. A sweet blend of Country, rock and Blues.
Win 2 Flights to Southern USA
Discover the soulful charm of Southern USA through its rich musical heritage, a journey that promises unforgettable experiences. From the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the birthplace of country music in Nashville, every corner resonates with the rhythms of history and culture. Its dynamic live music scene – spread across hidden bars to world class festivals – will make a trip to The American South as unique as it is unforgettable.
How to enter
Simply tell us below in 100 words or less which of the 2 itineraries below speak to you musically and why. You’ll be in the running to win 2 Flights to Southern USA. Good luck.
Competition Terms and Conditions
Chris Watson Travel Privacy Policy
Choose your southern soundtrack.
There are countless itineraries you can create to travel your way through The American South and the music-travel experts at Chris Watson Travel can create one specifically for you. To get you started, check out these 2 itineraries we’ve put together below. Tell us which one you prefer and why in under 100 words and you will be in the running to win 2 flights with Delta Air Lines to kick off your American South musical adventure.
Southern Sounds: Blues, Jazz,
Zydeco, Rock & Soul
Destination #1
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Your adventure kicks off in New Orleans. Explore the vibrant French Quarter and
enjoy live jazz at Preservation Hall.
Destination #2
Lafayette, Louisiana
Take a stop at the State Capitol Baton Rouge on your way to soak up Cajun culture in
Lafayette. Recently voted the Happiest City in the US!
Destination #3
Jackson, Mississippi
You'll pass Natchez – Mississippi's oldest city on your way to Jackson – the "City with Soul".
Culture is alive from vibrant music venues to the Civil Rights Museum.
Destination #4
Clarksdale, Mississippi
Travel across the famous Mississippi Delta past Indianola and Cleveland before stopping at the Crossroads in Clarksdale where Robert Johnson made his pact with the Devil.
Destination #5
Memphis, Tennessee
You can swing by the Tina Turner Museum in Brownsville – you might just catch one of the many festivals there – on your way to Memphis. The city where blues, soul and rock n roll all hang out together.
Southern Grooves: Bluegrass, Country,
Pop, Gospel & RNB
Destination #1
Charleston, South Carolina
This itinerary kicks off in Charleston – home to over 300 live music venues and some big
names playing regularly throughout the year.
Destination #2
Greenville, South Carolina
Marvel at the grand old homes of picturesque Buford and then find your favourite small bar
in Columbia on your way to Greenville where you could take in a bluegrass concert at Table Rock State Park.
Destination #3
Huntsville, Alabama
Time to head for the stars at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville. On your way
pay homage to one of the greatest musical exports from The American South – Dolly Parton at Dollywood near the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee .
Destination #4
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Next stop is Muscle Shoals and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio – a site where music royalty has come to record. From the Rolling Stones to Paul Simon and Linda Ronstadt.
Stop by Florence on the way to soak in some traditional Southern charm.
Destination #5
Nashville, Tennessee
Your journey finishes up in Nashville, a place synonymous with music for decades. "Music City" is home to country music and many other genres – inspiring musicians from Elvis to
Taylor Swift.

EXPLORE MORE OF AMERICA'S MUSICAL SOUTH
Louisiana
Discover Louisiana’s vibrant Creole culture and soulful jazz sounds, home to the birthplace of jazz.
Alabama
Explore Alabama’s vibrant heritage, from Muscle Shoals’ sounds to the heart of country music in Montgomery.
South Carolina
A vibrant and diverse history in rock, metal, and hip hop, with each genre playing an important role in shaping the state’s musical identity.
Mississippi
Experience Mississippi’s deep blues roots and musical heritage, where the Delta gave birth to American blues.
Tennessee
Connect with the Blues, Country and Rock ‘n Roll that has shaped global musical history.