Montreux has hosted the Montreux Jazz Festival since its founding in 1967.
The festival began in June 1967 in Montreux, a resort city on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. It was founded by Claude Nobs, Géo Voumard, and René Langel. The first edition lasted three days and was held at the Montreux Casino.
Although its name emphasizes jazz, the festival gradually broadened its program to include rock, blues, soul, pop, and other styles. Major artists associated with its history include Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, and Deep Purple. The event’s lakeside setting became part of its international identity.
A famous neighboring fact is that Deep Purple’s song “Smoke on the Water” refers to the 1971 fire at the Montreux Casino during a Frank Zappa concert. The festival itself continued and later moved to larger venues, including the Stravinski Auditorium.