From The Beatles and Hendrix to grunge gods, Seattle’s rich musical history is hard to beat. By Chelan David

Known for its musical legacy as much as for damp weather and affinity for java, the Emerald City is the place where many musicians began their ascents to stardom and, in some cases, ended their lives.
The suggested destinations for the visiting music fan vary by musical genre and historical significance, but all have one thing in common: Each location has shaped the sound of Seattle and the history of music.

EDGEWATER INN
Extending over Elliott Bay at Extending over Elliott Bay at 2411 Alaskan Way on Pier 67, the 2411 Alaskan Way on Pier 67, the Edgewater Inn ( Edgewater Inn (edgewaterhotel. com) has served as a haven for) has served as a haven for musicians since it was built for the musicians since it was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Musicians who 1962 World’s Fair. Musicians who have visited include members of have visited include members of the Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, the Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
According to hotel management, According to hotel management, The Beatles were so hounded by The Beatles were so hounded by fans during their first world tour fans during their first world tour that many young girls took to the that many young girls took to the frigid bay waters in an effort to frigid bay waters in an effort to circumvent the hotel’s security; circumvent the hotel’s security; then staked out the entrance and then staked out the entrance and snuck into the hotel to meet their snuck into the hotel to meet their heroes. Following the Fab Four’s heroes. Following the Fab Four’s stay, carpet squares from Suite stay, carpet squares from Suite 272 were a hot item. Now you 272 were a hot item. Now you can experience Beatlemania by can experience Beatlemania by staying in the same suite, though staying in the same suite, though reservations should be made well reservations should be made well in advance. Be sure to stop by the in advance. Be sure to stop by the hotel’s bar, which offers stunning hotel’s bar, which offers stunning panoramic views of Puget Sound panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. and the Olympic Mountains.

COBAIN HOUSE
In 1994, Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love purchased a mansion in the Denny-Blaine neighborhood. With an idyllic setting upon the shores of Lake Washington, the residence—one of the oldest and largest in the neighborhood—was sold by Love in 2000. The greenhouse where Cobain was found after he took his life was torn down in 1998.
While more than a decade has passed since Cobain’s death, fans still make the pilgrimage to Denny-Blaine. Directly next to Cobain’s former residence lies tiny Viretta Park, at 151 Lake Washington Blvd. East, which now serves as hallowed ground for Nirvana fans. On the anniversary of his death—April 8—flowers and artifacts are always left at the park in memory of the singer.

BROADWAY STREET
Sir Mix-A-Lot immortalized this street in Seattle’s Capitol Hill district in his ’80s rap anthem, “Posse on Broadway.” He put Seattle on the map of rap with a melding of clever lyrics and booming bass. In “Posse on Broadway,” the Seattleite pays homage to the city’s delights.
Some of the destinations mentioned in the song are still standing today, including Dick’s, a Seattle fast food institution. Sir Mix-A-Lot would go on to forge a successful career punctuated by his huge hit, “Baby Got Back.”

WASHINGTON HALL
Billie Holiday performed at Washington Hall, located at 153 14th Ave., in the early ’50s. It is also where a teenage Hendrix and his band, The Rocking Kings, first performed. In addition, the Central District landmark has hosted such African-American icons as Mahalia Jackson, W.E.B. Du Bois, Joe Louis, Duke Ellington and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

JIMI HENDRIX MEMORIAL
Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle on November 7, 1942. His remains now rest in a domed memorial structure located at Greenwood Memorial Park, 350 Monroe Ave. NE, in Renton, Wash., about 20 miles southeast of Seattle. Fans of Hendrix make the pilgrimage and leave mementos for their hero. It is estimated that nearly 15,000 visitors pay tribute at the memorial each year. www.jimihendrixmemorial.com

EXPERIENCE MUSIC PROJECT
Cap off your visit to Seattle with a trip to the Experience Music Project (emplive.org). Whatever your taste in music, EMP, located at 325 5th Ave. North, will have something that suits you. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, EMP opened in June of 2000 and has 140,000 square feet of space devoted to various musical genres. Visitors use interactive headphones as they view the exhibits. The Sound Lab—where guests can pretend they are famous musicians—is loaded with the latest in audio technology.

CHECK THESE OUT

CROCODILE CAFE Featured in the 1996 film Hype!, this establishment is also where Death Cab for Cutie got its start. www.thecrocodile.com
THE MOORE THEATER Where Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow” video was shot, the venue still holds live shows. www.themoore.com
THE SHOWBOX This downtown venue has hosted performances by such legends as Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters,Ramones and Pearl Jam. www.showboxonline.com