Whether you want to experience the landscapes that inspired your favourite songs or see the stars in action, one thing’s for sure - you’ll find what you’re looking for in the USA.

We have whittled down our favourite US music destinations to ten, although there are many more to discover in the country that brought us musical styles like rock and roll, rhythm and blues and jazz. Enjoy your trip!

New York

The Big Apple has seen its fair share of musical firsts and of course if you want to see world class musical theatre, don’t miss a show on Broadway.

Fans of artists like Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin won’t want to miss visiting the infamous Chelsea Hotel at 222 West 23rd Street, Manhattan.

If you’re a bit of an ageing punk then you might like to take a pilgrimage to the former site of CBGBs on Bleecker Street, Manhattan - Patti Smith, The Ramones and Blondie were just a few of the headline-grabbing acts to play at the club during its 35 year history.

Detroit

Detroit, the Motor City, has produced more than its share of legends, from Count Basie to Madonna. The legendary Motown label started in the city in the 60s, while more recently Eminem’s film ‘8 Mile’ portrayed Detroit’s burgeoning rap scene.

New Orleans

The Big Easy is world renowned as the birthplace of jazz. New Orleans was the only North American city where slaves were allowed to gather in public and perform native music - in Congo Square, now part of Louis Armstrong Park.

At the end of April, the city celebrates indigenous music at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and throughout the year you’ll be able to hear live music at the dozens of venues along Bourbon Street and in the narrow alleys of the French Quarter.

San Francisco

During 1967’s Summer of Love, San Francisco was the most influential city in the world. Thousands of young people converged on the city that came to symbolise hippy ideology.

Visit Golden Gate Park where 50,000 people gathered for a ‘Human Be-In’ , or make a pilgrimage to the Haight-Ashbury district, which formed the centre of the counter culture and music scene.

Memphis

Memphis is the home of the blues and a good time to visit is during the Memphis in May celebrations, which begin with the Beale Street Music Festival and ends with the Sunset Symphony.

Naturally, everybody wants to visit nearby Graceland – former home of Elvis Presley - but be prepared to queue as it welcomes 600,000 visitors a year!

Nashville

Nashville is the self-styled capital of country music, and visitors won’t want to miss out on a tour of the Country Hall of Fame.

Anyone who wants to pay homage to the celebrated Grand Ole Opry radio show, which launched hundreds of musical careers, may also fancy taking a look at Ryman Auditorium, where the show was based.

Seattle

When visiting Seattle, it’s hard to ignore the spectre of her most famous son, Jimi Hendrix. His birthplace and memorial are here.

Between September and July, the Grammy award-winning Seattle Symphony (highly regarded for its showcasing of American composers) might also tempt you downtown.

Austin

Willie Nelson made Austin, the surprisingly-liberal capital of Texas, famous for its country music, and it has kept its reputation as a haven for the struggling musician. The city is jam-packed with music venues, and the massive South by Southwest music festival is held in the city every spring.

Las Vegas

Sin City has a lot to thank the Rat Pack for. They helped to establish Las Vegas as entertainment capital of the world, driving crowds wild with their impromptu ensemble shows.

What’s more, they’re still packing audiences in – tribute acts here are among the best in the world. Try The Rat Pack is Back, which plays nightly at the Plaza

Lafayette

For something completely different, you could take a trip to Lafayette in the heart of the Louisiana Bayou. It’s the home of Cajun music and culture, which is the legacy of the French settlers who fled here after being expelled from their Canadian homes by the British in the mid 18th century.

Along with our suggestions you’ll find almost every major American city has a musical connection, and lovers of every conceivable musical style are bound to find something to keep their toes tapping. Paste Magazine have put together a useful guide to some of the best rock and pop venues across the States, while legendary jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis gives his lowdown on his favourite US jazz clubs.