Chicago is famous for blues music. During the Great Migration, African Americans moved from southern states to northern states and brought blues music with them. As they settled into their new lives in cities, the music changed to reflect those places. In Chicago, it was electrified. Blues music became popular around the world, and for many years Chicago was a center for performing, recording, and producing blues music.

Join guide Wayne Galasek to explore South Side neighborhoods like Bronzeville. Discover how the Delta blues came to Chicago during the Great Migration and evolved into its own distinct sound. Stops include Maxwell Street, Pilgrim Baptist Church (future home of the National Museum of Gospel Music), and a private tour of Chess Records presented by Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation (tour involves stair climbing).

Tour runs 4 hours and begins and ends at the Chicago History Museum. Please note that the bus will most likely return to CHM after 4:30 p.m., which is when the Museum closes.

Masks are optional on bus tours. Learn more about our COVID-19 safety policies and procedures.