The Music Scene in Richmond VA

Richmond, Virginia has always been a city built on music - from WRVA's early radio shows sending the Carter Family across the nation, to concert halls filled with symphony music, to small clubs where new bands get their start, to modern recording studios like Spacebomb carrying on that tradition today. This rich mix of music-making has both drawn established artists to Richmond and helped new ones find their sound.

Symphony Orchestra, Ballet & Opera in Richmond VA

The city's classical arts institutions form a strong cultural foundation. The Richmond Symphony Orchestra performs at the Dominion Energy Center's Carpenter Theatre, while the Richmond Ballet and Virginia Opera regularly present world-class performances. The Modlin Center for the Arts at the University of Richmond serves as another premier venue, hosting an eclectic mix of international touring artists and collegiate performances throughout the year.

The Godmother of Rock and Roll - Sister Rosetta Tharpe

One of Richmond's earliest and most profound musical connections is through Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as the "Godmother of Rock and Roll," who chose Richmond as her home at the height of her fame, living on Barton Avenue. Her groundbreaking guitar work laid the foundation for rock and roll as we know it - but she wasn't the only pioneering guitarist to call Richmond home.

Maybelle Carter & the Carter Family

The Carter Family's legacy is deeply intertwined with the city. Maybelle Carter, whose innovative guitar technique revolutionized American music and influenced countless artists from Elvis Presley to Bob Dylan, moved her family to Richmond in 1943. Her "Carter Scratch" style, where she played melody on the bass strings and rhythm on the treble strings, helped turn the guitar from a rhythm instrument into a lead instrument, influencing the development of both country music and bluegrass. Her daughter June Carter Cash later studied at John Marshall High School while performing with Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters on WRNL and WRVA radio stations.

Richmond's rock connections grew stronger in later decades. Pat Benatar's early career flourished here in the 1970s, where she worked as a bank teller in Hopewell while performing at venues like Sam Miller's in Shockoe Slip and taking voice classes at VCU. Bruce Springsteen established deep ties to the Fan district, even sharing meals at his favorite Shields Avenue restaurant since his teenage years.

Richmond's Contemporary Music Scene

The city's contemporary music scene continues this rich tradition. D'Angelo, Richmond native and Grammy-winning R&B pioneer, maintains strong ties to the city. Lucy Dacus emerged from Richmond's indie rock scene to national acclaim. The Dave Matthews Band, though Charlottesville-based, built their early following playing Richmond's Flood Zone, even recording tracks for their first live album in the city.

Today's Richmond music landscape centers around venues like The National, Virginia Credit Union LIVE!, and intimate spaces like The Broadberry, The Camel, Richmond Music Hall, and Canal Club. Brown's Island hosts the Friday Cheers summer series, Dominion RiverRock and the Richmond Folk Festival, drawing massive crowds annually.

The city's musical education and production infrastructure, particularly VCU's renowned jazz program and Spacebomb Records, continues fostering new talent. Bruce Hornsby's time at University of Richmond and J. Roddy Walston's years in the city further demonstrate Richmond's ability to nurture and attract musical talent.

Local record stores like Plan 9 Records, in Carytown, help maintain Richmond's reputation as a city that takes its music seriously, supporting both established artists and emerging talents in the scene.

While Richmond may not always get the national attention of cities like Nashville or Austin, its deep musical roots, diverse array of venues, world-class educational programs, and constant creative output make it one of the most vital - if sometimes overlooked - music cities in America.