Cincinnati Music History
Drive around and visit some notable local spots that helped shape music history. Afterward, grab dinner with a view followed by drinks in historic (and hilly) Mount Adams.
King Records
1540 Brewster Avenue
While it may not look like much right now (there are plans underway to restore it), this building was once the home of the famous King Records from 1943–1971. King Records’ most notable recording artists included James Brown, Lula Reed, Hank Ballard, Vicki Anderson, Bootsy Collins, Philip Paul, and the Delmore Brothers.
Herzog Studio
811 Race Street
Hank Williams recorded some of his biggest hits on the second floor of this building, where Bucky Herzog operated a studio from 1945 to 1955. Today, the Cincinnati Music Heritage Foundation hosts regular events in the space. Herzog Music’s instrument, repair, and record shop are located on the ground floor.
The Who Tragedy Marker
Between U.S. Bank Arena and Great American Ballpark
On December 3, 1979, eleven concertgoers waiting to see The Who were killed near this site when open “festival seating” caused a stampede into Cincinnati Coliseum. Although a not pleasant part of music history, it’s important to remember the lost lives of these music lovers. The Who Concert Memorial Foundation still provides scholarships at high schools the victims attended.
Artworks Cincinnati Music Murals
Artworks Cincinnati partners apprentices with professionals to create vast murals throughout the area. While the subjects vary, several celebrate Cincinnati music specifically: Mr. Dynamite featuring James Brown (1437 Main Street), Swing Around Rosie featuring Rosemary Clooney (1606 Pleasant Street), It’s Your Thing celebrating the Isley Brothers (311 E 13th Street), and The Singing Mural featuring Elton John, Grover, Ruth Lyons, and others lifting their voices in song (1223 Central Parkway).
The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting
8070 Tylersville Road (GPS use Crosley Boulevard), West Chester, OH
Visit this interesting museum in West Chester which houses thousands of hours of local radio and television recordings beginning in the 1930s. The collection features shows like Renfro Valley Barn Dance, Boone County Jamboree, and many more local favorites that helped shape early radio and TV history.
The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch Street
Cap off your day with a stop in Mount Adams, where The Blind Lemon (named after blues singer Blind Lemon Jefferson) has been hosting live music and thirsty patrons since 1963.