A

These destinations march to the beat of their own drum. So put on your dancing shoes and head to these sweet-sounding cities.

New Orleans

In the 19th century, slaves gathered on Sundays to play drums, dance, and sing in Congo Square. Those lively rhythms of Africa ran head on with the sounds of Europe to create jazz, a typical American art form that has inspired generations of Americans and spread around the globe. But this isn’t suit-wearing, head-nodding, polite jazz. New Orleans jazz sweeps you off your feet and makes you jump and clap and sing along.

Chicago

Large numbers of African Americans left the South in search of better opportunities during 1916~1970 and Chicago attracted scores of these people, who brought with them the sound of the Mississippi River. Here, it changed into something sad and symphonic: blues. Blues was not born in Chicago, but it was here that it found a new voice and began to spread its message around the world.

Memphis

Memphis is the birthplace of rock and roll. It was here in Sun Studios in the summer of 1951 that Ike Turner and his band the Delta Cats recorded “Rocket 88”, widely regarded as the first rock and roll song. But, like so many great things, it happened by accident the guitarist’s loudspeaker broke down during the recording, creating a unique guitar sound that would become a hallmark of the music.  People didn’t know how to classify it, but they knew they loved it. The rest is history.

New York City

New York is one of the world’s greatest cities where you can listen to all kinds of music. But to experience a true New York state of mind, you have to leave the shiny towers and Broadway shows of Manhattan and head to Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens to explore the city’s hip-hop history.

1. What do New Orleans jazz and Chicago blues have in common?

A. They sound very sad.                                              B. They have similar origin.

C. They happened by accident.                                     D. They are played on the guitar.

2. When was rock and roll born?

A. In the 19th century.                                                 B. In the late 19th century.

C. In the early 20th century.                                         D. In the mid-20th century.

3. What are Harlem and Queers known for?

A. Blues.                            B. Jazz.                              C. Hip-hop.                        D. Rock and roll.