Jazz, Blues and Soul on the River
Follow the music north from New Orleans to Memphis.
Get Lower Mississippi QuotesA Delta Blues and Jazz River Cruise
The lower Mississippi is the soundtrack of America. Jazz grew up in New Orleans, the blues came out of the Delta fields, and Memphis turned both into soul and rock and roll. A cruise between New Orleans and Memphis follows that musical road north, much as many musicians did themselves.
The Music Stops
| Place | Music | Where to hear or learn |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | Jazz, brass bands, zydeco | Frenchmen Street clubs; the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park |
| Natchez | Blues and gospel | Local venues and blues trail markers |
| Greenville / Cleveland | Delta blues | The Mississippi Blues Trail and the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi |
| Memphis | Blues, soul, rock and roll | Beale Street, Sun Studio, Stax Museum |
How the Music Travelled the River
In the early 20th century, river excursion boats hired New Orleans bands, and musicians carried jazz upriver to Memphis, St. Louis and Chicago. Later, the Great Migration took Delta blues players north by road and rail. The cities you visit on this cruise are the stations on that journey.
For the steamboat side of that history, read Steamboating Cruises.
Music Ashore, Stop by Stop
Before boarding
Spend an evening on Frenchmen Street, or catch a free ranger talk or performance at the jazz park in the French Market area.
On the River Road
Cajun and Creole traditions shape the music of south Louisiana; listen for fiddles and accordions in the local performers who come aboard.
In the Delta
Blues trail markers stand in towns, crossroads and churchyards; a Cleveland stop puts you near the GRAMMY museum and Delta State University.
In Memphis
Beale Street clubs in the evening, Sun Studio by day, and the Stax museum in the Soulsville neighborhood.
Most departures also have nightly entertainment on board, which often reflects the region the boat is passing through. If music is the main reason for your trip, tell our cruise advisors so they can favor departures with a Delta stop and a free evening in Memphis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there live music on board?
Yes. Lower-river ships feature nightly entertainment, often jazz, blues, Dixieland or Elvis-era rock and roll, and local musicians sometimes come aboard for an evening.
Can I see the Mississippi Blues Trail on a cruise?
You will pass close to many markers, and a Delta stop at Greenville or Cleveland usually includes blues sites. Seeing the full trail needs a separate road trip.
Book a Music-Lover’s River Cruise
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will look for departures with the best music stops and send free quotes.
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