Jacksonville, Florida, is a vibrant and diverse city that has a rich music history. From jazz to punk, country to rock, and everything in between, the music scene in Jacksonville offers something for everyone. In this article, we will take a closer look at the various aspects of the music scene in Jacksonville, including its history, venues, festivals, and notable musicians.
History
Jacksonville has a long and illustrious musical history that dates back to the early 1900s. During the 1920s, the city was a hub for jazz music, with numerous clubs and theaters hosting live performances by the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong.
In the 1950s, Jacksonville became a center for rock and roll music, thanks in large part to the emergence of local artists such as Ray Charles, who recorded his first hit, “I Got a Woman,” in a Jacksonville recording studio. Other notable musicians from this era include Freddie Cannon, Pat Boone, and Brenda Lee.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Jacksonville’s music scene was dominated by southern rock bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, and Molly Hatchet. These bands helped put Jacksonville on the map as a hotbed for southern rock music and influenced countless musicians in the decades that followed.
Venues
Jacksonville has a wide variety of music venues, ranging from small clubs to large arenas. Some of the most popular venues in the city include:
- The Florida Theatre: This historic venue has been a fixture in downtown Jacksonville since it first opened its doors in 1927. Over the years, it has hosted countless concerts by musicians from a wide range of genres, including blues, jazz, rock, and country.
- Daily’s Place: This state-of-the-art amphitheater is located next to TIAA Bank Field and is the home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. A Jacksonville house buying company told me it has a seating capacity of 5,500 and hosts concerts by some of the biggest names in music, including Elton John, Maroon 5, and Dave Matthews Band.
- Jack Rabbits: This intimate club in the heart of Jacksonville’s historic district is a favorite among local musicians and music fans. It has a capacity of 300 and hosts live music nearly every night of the week, featuring everything from indie rock to hip-hop.
- Mavericks Live: This large venue in downtown Jacksonville has a capacity of 1,200 and hosts concerts by national touring acts from a variety of genres, including rock, country, and hip-hop.
Festivals
Jacksonville is home to several music festivals throughout the year, including:
- Welcome to Rockville: This annual festival takes place in May and features some of the biggest names in rock and metal music. Past performers include Metallica, Disturbed, and Tool.
- Jacksonville Jazz Festival: This long-running festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend and features a wide variety of jazz performances on multiple stages throughout downtown Jacksonville. Past performers include Chick Corea, George Benson, and Boney James.
- Springing the Blues: This free, three-day festival takes place in April and features a lineup of blues musicians from around the country. It is held on the beach in Jacksonville Beach and attracts thousands of music fans each year.
Notable Musicians
Jacksonville has produced a number of notable musicians over the years, including:
- Ray Charles: Born in Albany, Georgia, Ray Charles spent much of his childhood in Greenville, Florida, and got his start playing music in Jacksonville. He recorded his first hit, “I Got a Woman,” at a local recording studio in 1954.
- Lynyrd Skynyrd: This southern rock band was formed in Jacksonville in 1964 and went on to achieve great success.