This city of 339,000 in the center of the state's north was put on the music map by local musicians, most notably Bo Diddley (1928-2008) - who lived here in his later years and played a key role in the transition from blues to rock and roll, as well as influencing a number of major talents such as Elvis Presley and the Beatles - and native Tom Petty, memorialized by various murals around town. Among places where music is performed is Bo Diddley Plaza (above), which stages the city's largest and longest-running free outdoor concert series. 

Gainesville's one of   9 U.S. Towns and Cities with Big Music Chops.recently posted by Tripatini member Victor Block.