Music History

Start of the Blues, Birthplace of Southern Rock, Decades worth of music history...Jacksonville has a musical story to tell.

southern rock
  • DJ’s Record Shop-Started in 1974, owned by DJ Jerry West and still selling records.
  • Florida Theatre-The historic theatre has hosted hundreds of musical acts, including Elvis Presley.
  • Ritz Theatre and Museum-The Ritz Theatre hosted the Chitlin' Circuit, was a series of performance venues (mostly in the southern U.S.) that welcomed African-American artists during the Jim Crow era. Ray Charles also performed here.
  • Friday Musicale, Inc-Since 1890, Friday Musicale hosts outstanding concerts free of charge.
  • James Weldon Johnson Park-A public park named after musician James Weldon Johnson who wrote "Lift E'ery Voice and Sing."
  • Willowbranch Park-Public park where members of the Allman Brothers Band used to play music.
  • The Van Zant House-The childhood home of Ronnie, Johnny and Donnie Van Zandt was named a Florida Heritage site in 2018.
  • The Green House-Location of the first jam session of the Allman Brothers Band.
  • The Gray House-While living in the Gray House, Gregg Allman wrote most of the Allman Brothers Band's first album including the song, "Whipping Post."
  • Douglas Anderson School of the Arts-Famous alumni include musicians Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit), John Otto (Limp Bizkit), Ben Harper (Yellowcard) and actor Patrick Heusinger (Gossip Girl, Royal Pains, Absentia and Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce).
  • The Bolles School-Famous alumni include musician Gram Parson (International Submarine Band, the Byrds, and the Flying Burrito Brothers), actor Linden Ashby (Melrose Place and Teen Wolf), musician Bruce Crump (Molly Hatchet) and musician Brian Liesegang (Filter).
  • Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery-Final resting place of members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet.
  • Riverside High School(formerly known as Lee High School)-This is reportedly where future members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were scolded about their long hair by gym teacher Leonard Skinner, inspiring the band's name.
  • West Ashley Street-Blues music pioneer Arthur "Blind" Blake wrote "West Ashley Street Blues" about the street in the LaVilla neighborhood that was know for music, dining and performances in the early 20th century.
  • Downtown Jacksonville-For more than 40 years, Jacksonville has been home to one of the largest free jazz fests in the country.
  • Ronnie Van Zant Park & Whitey's Fish Camp - former hangout of Van Zandt and Allman brothers