Chattanooga's Jazz & Blues Scene: Top Events, Venues, and Legendary Musicians
Chattanooga, known as the Scenic City, was the childhood home of Bessie Smith, the legendary Empress of Blues. Whether you're a devoted fan or discovering these genres, explore our curated list of premier jazz and blues events, venues, and iconic musicians who hail from here.
Wednesday Jazz in the Lounge
Barking Legs Theater
Every Wednesday, 8-10 PM
Experience top regional jazz talent in a casual lounge setting at Barking Legs Theater. Best of all, there's no cover charge—one of Chattanooga's top entertainment values.
Thursday Night Jazz
St. John's Meeting Place
Every Thursday, 6-9 PM
Savor innovative cuisine, craft cocktails, and live jazz at this premier Chattanooga dining spot. Pair your meal with unforgettable performances.
Jazzanooga
401 MLK Blvd.
Open year-round
Launched as a 2011 jazz festival, Jazzanooga is now a nonprofit delivering year-round events to thousands. Visit their website for the latest show updates.
Monthly Jazz Jam
Barking Legs Theater
Last Sunday of every month, 3 PM
Inspired by Nashville's Jazz Workshop, this jam session welcomes aspiring musicians to collaborate and perform in a supportive environment.
Levitt AMP Chattanooga Music Series
Lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Thursday nights, Aug 23-Oct 25
Returning for its second season, enjoy 10 weeks of free live music, local food trucks, and beer on the historic lawn. Lineup details coming soon.
Blues in the Knob
Corner of Vine Street & Hawthorne
Check website for schedule
This annual concert and block party in historic Orchard Knob features passionate local and regional blues acts, family-friendly vibes, and top food vendors.
Bessie Smith Strut
MLK Blvd. in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Check the Riverbend website for schedule
Part of Riverbend Festival, this street party closes MLK Blvd. for live blues, regional artists, and savory local BBQ.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
200 E M. L. King Blvd.
Open year-round
In downtown's MLK district, discover African American heritage exhibits, live music, interactive displays, and theater. Check the events calendar for happenings.
Famous Chattanooga Jazz and Blues Artists
Bessie Smith
Born in 1894, Bessie rose from Chattanooga street corners and churches to become the era's top-selling artist, earning the title Empress of Blues. Her powerful voice carried Delta stories with a local twang worldwide.
Valadia Snow
Chattanooga-born Valadia Snow toured nationally, earning Louis Armstrong's praise as 'Little Louis,' the second-best jazz trumpeter. She dazzled audiences in Europe and China.
Jimmy Blanton
The first true jazz bass master, Jimmy Blanton revolutionized the instrument in Duke Ellington's 1930s band, influencing generations.
Lovie Austin
A pioneering female jazz pianist, Lovie studied music theory in college—rare for the era. She collaborated with Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, and Paramount Records.
Yusef Lateef
Praised by The New York Times for pioneering 'world music,' this Grammy winner received the NEA Jazz Masters Award, later becoming a research fellow and professor.
Wilfred Middlebrooks
Son of a bassist, Chattanooga native Wilfred trained with the Symphony Orchestra from age 12. He toured globally, played with Ella Fitzgerald, and taught locally upon retirement.
The Impressions
Founded by Chattanooga's Fred Cash and Sam Gooden as The Roosters on 'Big 9' (now MLK Blvd.), they became soul legends in Chicago with multiple Billboard Top 10 hits. I-24 honors them.
Lenell Glass
Chattanooga-raised Lenell Glass performed with The Temptations, Sammy Davis Jr., Buddy Guy, The Platters, and more.
