Jacksonville’s Music Legacy
Jacksonville is an important part of America’s music story, producing groundbreaking artists across genres who shaped the soundtracks of generations.
From southern rock anthems to hard-hitting hip hop beats, soulful blues to chart-topping rock, the city’s diverse music scene reflects both its Southern roots and ever-evolving cultural mix.
To this day Jacksonville remains closely tied to the southern rock genre, with locals like Derek Trucks carrying the tradition forward with the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Additional Southern rock musicians with ties to Jacksonville include .38 Special, Blackfoot, JJ Grey and JJ Grey & Mofro.
Blues & Jazz
Jacksonville has deep blues roots, producing artists who channeled the raw emotion and soulful traditions of the genre. Early pioneers like Blind Blake and Sugar Underwood laid the groundwork, while talents such as Marcus Roberts carried the city’s musical influence into jazz and blues-inspired compositions.
In the early 1900s, Jacksonville’s vibrant Black neighborhood of LaVilla teemed with music and entertainment, giving rise to the blues genre, filling streets with soulful sounds and attracting legendary performers to its clubs and hotels. One of the most notable artists was Ray Charles, who moved to northeast Florida to attend the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. A lively stretch of Ashley Street in LaVilla was famous for its nightlife and it was in those clubs and bars that Ray, still just a teenager, earned a reputation as a remarkable blind musician.
This chapter of Jacksonville’s music history highlights the city’s role in shaping America’s most enduring art form, with other artists like Dorothy Shay, Eddie Hinton and Jackie Davis carrying its legacy.
Hip Hop
Jacksonville played a key role in the rise of subgenres of hip hop, including the Miami bass style, a high-energy, bass-heavy sound known for its danceable beats and party anthems. Groups like 95 South, 69 Boyz, Quad City DJs and artists like Mase helped bring this infectious sound to a national audience, putting Jacksonville on the map as a hub for Florida hip hop. These musicians combined booming 808 bass, catchy hooks and playful lyrics, defining the sound of 1980s and 1990s club culture.
Gram Parsons
Raised in Jacksonville, Parsons was a pioneer of country rock and a key influence on the southern rock movement. His work with the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers helped blend rock, country and soul, leaving a lasting mark on the nation’s music scene and inspiring generations of musicians.
LPT
A Jacksonville-based 10-piece band, LPT is known for its high-energy blend of salsa, Latin jazz and funk with powerful horns and infectious rhythms. Hailing from the city’s Riverside Avondale neighborhood, their electrifying live shows bring Latin dance culture to audiences across Florida and beyond.
Pat Boone
One of the biggest pop stars of the 1950s, Boone grew up in Jacksonville before becoming known for his clean-cut image and smooth vocals. With hits in pop, gospel and film, he became a household name across America with hits such as “Ain't That a Shame” and staring in films like “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”
Paula Kelly
Paula Kelly earned acclaim for her singing and dancing in “Sweet Charity ” on stage and film. She went on to appear in musical specials with legends like Gene Kelly, Quincy Jones and Sammy Davis Jr., showcasing her versatile talent.
From blues pioneers to southern rock legends and hip hop innovators, Jacksonville’s musical legacy is as varied as the city itself. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the sounds of Jacksonville, this city’s music will inspire you. Dive into the sounds that shaped Jacksonville by listening to Visit Jacksonville’s Band & Musician Legends Spotify playlist, featuring many of the artists highlighted here.
