The Beat of New York: A Visual History of Music in the City

Explore New York City's vibrant musical heartbeat, celebrating its rich heritage through people, places, and performances.

Listen, and you will hear it: the beat of New York City. It's everywhere you go! From the subways to the streets, from parks to bars, from churches to concert halls. Music in all its glorious forms, sometimes sublime and sometimes spectacular, is a vital part of city life and has been for centuries. Whether a pair of dueling drummers on 42nd Street or break-dancers in Washington Square Park, a mural in the Village or a memorial to John Lennon--New Yorkers celebrate their musical heritage every day in so many ways. So many of the country's best-known musicians have lived or played in New York over the years. Come along on this visual journey through time and catch a glimpse at some of the people and places who have contributed to the Beat of New York.