Tennessee/Louisiana

Music Cities USA: Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans

Program No. 21979RJ
From the historic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to legendary Beale Street in Memphis and the iconic jazz of New Orleans, join us for a learning adventure that will be music to your ears.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

To experience the true pulse of American music, you have to find its source in the heart of the South. Go on the road in Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans to discover the roots of jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, country, the blues and much more! In Nashville, music comes to life at Studio B — formerly Sun Records — the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. Tap your feet to the rhythms of Beale Street in Memphis, take a field trip to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and pay homage to the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” at Graceland. Complete your musical pilgrimage in New Orleans, where live jazz performances and contemporary Creole sounds bear witness to America’s musical foundation.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles daily, some uneven terrain. Standing for museum lectures. Stairs in historical homes/no elevator.

What You'll Learn

  • Thrill in a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry from your reserved seats in the music hall.
  • Visit B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street for a southern smorgasbord of Memphis-style BBQ ribs, pulled pork and more and a modern blues performance by the house band.
  • Learn how to cook Creole and Cajun at the world-famous New Orleans School of Cooking as a local chef demonstrates a traditional dish — then lunch on the creation.

General Notes

For a 6-night version of this program, check out "Music Cities USA: Nashville to Memphis" (#21154).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Dick Cockrell
Dick is a lifelong Memphian. A product of Memphis public schools and a graduate of the University of Memphis, he has been married to his wife, Ellen, for 46 years and is the father of two. Dick spent his career in selling food services to restaurants. He retired after 32 years from Sysco Food Service. He has been a Memphis city group leader since 2015.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Terrie Dal Pozzo
Terrie Dal Pozzo View biography
Terrie was raised in New Orleans and moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands at the age of 18. She became the youngest woman in the Virgin Islands to obtain a Coast Guard license to operate motor and sailing vessels. Terrie skippered sailing vessels, taking guests on journeys through the Leeward Islands, teaching them to sail and snorkel and educating them on island life. She later lived in Kitzbuhel, Austria and Perth, Australia before returning to the Virgin Islands. She currently lives in eastern Tennessee.
Profile Image of Dick Cockrell
Dick Cockrell View biography
Dick is a lifelong Memphian. A product of Memphis public schools and a graduate of the University of Memphis, he has been married to his wife, Ellen, for 46 years and is the father of two. Dick spent his career in selling food services to restaurants. He retired after 32 years from Sysco Food Service. He has been a Memphis city group leader since 2015.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





Recommended For You

loading spinner