New Orleans Music Tour

4.5
(51 reviews)

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Although New Orleans is heavily associated with Jazz, this tour will show how every form of American popular music is informed by New Orleans. As the outgrageous New Orleans R&B legend Ernie K-Doe said: “I'm not sure, but I'm almost positive, all music came from New Orleans.”

What's Included

A look at current street music and where the hottest live acts
Tour Guide
Visits to music-related landmarks
What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, and rain/sun protection
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet the tour guide at the Rampart Treehouse, 740 North Rampart Street

End point

The legendary Preservation Hall at 726 St. Peter Street where people will be already lining up for the 5 PM show.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Louis Armstrong Park

    Explore the world’s richest musical city, starting with Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, historic site of African slave gatherings, the only place in North American where pure West African religious ritual and musical traditions were performed.  Congo Square is considered the wellspring of all New Orleans music and, consequently, so much of worldwide popular song. It is also the site of the first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1970. From Armstrong Park, view the building which housed Cosimo Matassa’s groundbreaking J&M Studios which created the “New Orleans Sound” with such New Orleanians as Professor Longhair, Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Guitar Slim, Shirley & Lee, Lloyd Price, Ernie K-Doe, Allen Toussaint, Clarence “Frogman” Henry & visitors including Little Richard, Ray Charles, & Jerry Lee Lewis.   J & M Studios is the true birthplace of rock ’n roll.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

    From outside St. Louis Cemetery #1, see the New Orleans Musicians Tomb, the use of which was donated by the musical dynasty Barbarin Family for free burial to musicians. The first burial to take place was for Lloyd Washington of the Ink Spots on October 23, 2004.  The Musicians Tomb was restored and is administered by Robert Florence of Historic New Orleans Tours.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Basin St. Station

    You will visit Basin Street Station and stroll down Basin Street where you’ll see the remains of Storyville (including Frank Early’s “My Place” Saloon where “Pretty Baby” was written), fabled turn-of-the-century red light district whose parlors presented the likes of King Oliver, Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet and many more during the early days of jazz.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    May Baily's Place

    Then stroll through the Tango Belt to May Bailey’s and the site of the Old French Opera House.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Preservation Hall

    End at the legendary Preservation Hall, a place which represents the past, present, and future of New Orleans music. Learn the origins of New Orleans Bounce Music and check out the world’s greatest street musicians who are carrying the flame to this very day.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Historic New Orleans Tours

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Tags

Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Music Tours
Excellent Quality
Carnival
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.5 Based on 51 51 reviews
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