If you are a music fan then New York is going to be like a theme park for you, packed with references which have been made in songs and iconic locations which have been touched with stardust. This city has influenced a huge amount of musical performers over the years and it has played a major role in the success of so many. If you plan to visit New York and you are looking for some musical landmarks to visit during your time there. Here are my top 5 picks for places you can go and see.
The Apollo
Harlem’s Apollo Theater has featured artists overt the years from James Brown to Billie Holliday, Sammy Davis Jr, to people like Parliament, Gladys Knight and Wilson Pickett to name just a few. This venue still puts on live music and when you step inside to check out a gig, you will be surrounded by the spirt of all of those magnificent artists who have performed here.
1520 Sedgwick Avenue
Hip-hop’s birthplace was at this location at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, where the iconic DJ Kool Herc used to play block parties for the neighborhood. The DJ began to cut and scratch vinyls when playing, and then brought forward some friends who were MCs to keep the party rocking. This set-up quickly grew and one of the most important elements of hip-hop was born. Visit this sacred place in the world of hip-hop, so you can see exactly where it all originated.
96-98 St. Marks Place
New York has long been used as a backdrop to alba covers and promotional photography for bands and artists, but there is one which stands out more than the rest. This spot on St. Marks Place is what was used for the front cover of the Led Zeppelin album Physical Graffiti. If you are a rock fan then this is the photograph which you need to take during your time in New York.
Broadway
New York isn’t just iconic in the world of pop music, it is also the home of stage performances and Broadway is the place to be if you love musicals. On this street there are more than 30 theaters putting on some of the finest shows and musicals, and you’ll also find the very best performers here. If you want to take in a show then head online for the best prices, I saw some great deals on Beetlejuice tickets which are far cheaper than you’ll find anywhere else.
Strawberry Fields
On the 8th of December 1980 the world stopped after news of the assassination of John Lennon spread. John was shot outside of his apartment building here in New York. His ashes were scattered in Central Park by his surviving wife Yoko Ono and it has since been turned into a memorial called Strawberry Fields. This is a great place to visit and one which any music fan needs to pass through.