Dubbed the gateway to the West, St. Louis sits at the center of the United States, enabling the city to absorb the cultures of its surrounding cities. Blues from Mississippi and jazz from New Orleans migrated upriver, eventually blending with ragtime to create the distinct sound for which St. Louis became famous.

The rich history of the city makes it a perfect destination for anyone attracted to music. From W. C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues” to Nelly’s “Hot in Herre,” St. Louis has cultivated some of the most impactful artists of the last century.

HOLLY RAVAZZOLO | STUDENT LIFE

Blueberry Hill, a restaurant and music venue on the Delmar
Loop, hosts both up-and-coming and more established artists.

The so-called “King of Ragtime,” Scott Joplin entertained throughout St. Louis, specifically at the Rosebud Cafe. Ragtime might not seem like the most exhilarating music genre; however, in the early 1900s, it was revolutionary, and thousands turned up for Joplin’s performances.

Today, fans can pay homage to the late pianist by visiting the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, the restored home where Joplin lived from 1900 to 1903. Visitors will get a glimpse into the entertainer’s life through pictures, timelines and an authentic player piano.

Still, when thinking about St. Louis music, ragtime is not the first genre to come to mind. Blues and its many forms saturated the St. Louis music scene as pioneers of the genre, like Walter Davis and James Crutchfield, honed their crafts here. The National Blues Museum, located on Washington Avenue, emphasizes the importance of this poignant genre, examining and educating on the effect blues artists have had on rock ‘n’ roll, pop, country or jazz. With an aim to preserve blues, the museum consistently holds live shows and intimate jam sessions for anyone interested.

In the 1950s, Chuck Berry, considered the father of rock ‘n’ roll, began his career in his hometown of St. Louis. The artist, well-known for songs like “Johnny B. Good” (yes, the one Marty McFly plays in “Back to the Future”) and “Maybellene,” performed his iconic music in the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill monthly from 1997 until 2014. Luckily for students at Wash. U., Blueberry Hill is only a short walk away.

Located on the Delmar Loop, Blueberry Hill cements itself as an essential stop for any music lover—after all, “Rolling Stone” ranked Berry fifth in its article “100 Greatest Artists.” Furthermore, the Duck Room continues to feature incredible live music from both up-and-coming and established artists. Past performers include Ed Sheeran and the Lumineers.

While you’re at it, definitely check out what the rest of the Loop has to offer. Situated right outside of Blueberry Hill is Berry’s star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, and across the street stands his incredibly lively statue. Continue to explore the star-studded street, and you’ll discover several music legends. Josephine Baker, the Jazz Age singer and dancer, and Miles Davis, a highly influential jazz musician, are among the St. Louis natives to adorn the Loop’s sidewalk.

Vintage Vinyl, ranked among the 10 best record stores in the United States by USA Today, is another must-see on the Loop. Build your vinyl collection with the store’s wide variety of records. It’s the perfect opportunity to break out that record player you bought at Urban Outfitters.

Although Tina and Ike Turner may not have been born in St. Louis, they, too, share in the musical history of the city. The talented couple met during one of Ike’s performances in East St. Louis, subsequently beginning their recording career. Later, the duo hit it big with their R&B songs, including “Proud Mary,” “River Deep – Mountain High” and “I Wanna Take you Higher.”

While blues and St. Louis may be deeply intertwined, it is not far-fetched to suggest the genre has taken a backseat to more contemporary sounds and artists. St. Louis remains intensely loyal to its bluesy roots, showcasing upcoming artists during events like the Big Muddy Blues Festival, which will take place this Labor Day weekend.

However, for individuals drawn to more modern music, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore and experience live music. LouFest, an annual music festival, will feature Robert Plant, the Head and the Heart, Misterwives, Kacey Musgraves, as well as several other artists this Sept. 8 and 9. Ed Sheeran will also be making an appearance at Busch Stadium on Sept. 6.

Regardless of your preference, St. Louis’s thriving music scene can entertain any interest. Its variety of venues coupled with an incredible history build an environment perfect for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of past, present and future music.