5 Places to Go if You Love Rock History

We at Adirondack Guitar are passionate about music, especially rock. That’s why we have one ofthe greatest selections of electric and acoustic guitars. That’s also why we have decided to put together a list of our top 5 rock music history landmarks in the USA.  Are you ready to rock? Here are five places every fan of rock history should see:

1. Big Pink in Saugerties, New York

Located at 2188 Stoll Road, this house was once where Bob Dylan and The Band lived. It’s also where “The Basement Tapes” was recorded. The recording sessions here also gave birth to The Band's premiere platter, “Music From Big Pink.” The singles, "This Wheel's On Fire" and "The Weight" are now classics. Nowadays,Rolling Stone reports that the Big Pink has been opened as a vacation rental, so you can actually stay in this famous house!

2. Chess Records in Chicago, Illinois

In 1957 the Chess Brothers (Phil and Leonard) set up shop at 2120 South Michigan Avenue to continue their decade-long business recording music. Many famous musicians recorded songs here. On February 29, 1958, Chuck Berry cut "Johnny B. Goode." Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and other greats recorded here. The Rolling Stones recorded the tribute tune “2120 Michigan Avenue” in homage. Today tours of the restored studios are available.

3. Muscle Shoals, Alabama Studio Tours

Many people wouldn't think about the town of Muscle Shoals, sitting on the Tennessee River, as a must see place for music, but many people'd be wrong.  Situated in the middle of the triangle of Memphis, Nashville and Birmingham, Muscle Shoals has a rich history in churning out tunes and putting on great shows from very well known artists.  Arethra Franklin, Bob Dylan, Lionel Richie, Otis Redding, Sam Phillips, the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and a hoard of others have played and recorded in the area.  Make sure to stop FAME Recording Studio and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio to check out where some hugely awarded albums were made.

4. Elvis Presley’s Birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi

Every year 50,000+ tourists stop at 306 Elvis Presley Drive to take a tour of a small two-room house that was constructed for only $180.00. This is where Elvis Presley, was born on January 8, 1935. Tupelo purchased the property in 1956. Today, it’s a part of the Elvis Presley Park and is now a state landmark. The 15-acre attraction also features a gift shop and a museum.

5. Gibson Guitar Beale Street Showcase in Memphis, Tennessee

Avis explains that because of Memphis’ diverse population, it has had a monumental impact on many music genres ranging from the blues, country, soul, hip-hop, and—as home to the King, Elvis Presley—rock ‘n’ roll. This isn’t to say that music is a thing of the past in Memphis. It still plays an important role in culture and in business there. Stop at 145 Lt. George Lee Avenue and enjoy the tour of the famous Gibson Beale Street Showcase. This tour allows visitors to see the Gibson facility and watch as trained luthiers create some of the best guitars in the world. Observe the processes of neck-fitting, buffing, binding, painting, and tuning. The entire tour runs for about 45 minutes. Afterward, you can visit the gift shop and actually buy a new guitar.  Then hit up Beale Street for incredible live music - BB King's is one of our favorites for fried alligator bites while listening to some local blues.

There you have it, five spots to visit if you love rock. What are your favorite places to explore rock history? Let us know!