BLUES MUSIC
For more than a century, the Mississippi Delta has been the emotional heart of it all.
More famous blues musicians have come from this area than any other region (or state for that matter) combined. Today, you can still feel the authentic vibe of Mississippi Delta blues history.
More famous blues musicians have come from this area than any other region (or state for that matter) combined. Today, you can still feel the authentic vibe of Mississippi Delta blues history.
Blues artist Richard Pryor performs outside the Rock & Blues Museum at last year's Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Located at the crossroads of Highways 61 and 49, Clarksdale is famous for the blues. Legend has it that this is where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his mastery of the blues guitar. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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Robert Johnson (May 8, 1911 – August 16, 1938) was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His landmark recordings display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that has influenced later generations of musicians. He is now recognized as a master of the blues, particularly the Delta blues style. Legend has it, Johnson sold his soul to the Devil at the Crossroads (in the Delta) in exchange for his talent and fame.
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BLUES FESTIVALS
Juke Joint Festival
Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival Bentonia Blues Festival Delta Blues Festival B.B. King Homecoming Festival MS Deep Blues & Heritage Festival The Mississippi Takeover |
Father's Day Blues Festival
GOAT FEST Grassroot Blues Festival Mighty Roots Festival King Biscuit Blues Festival Hwy 61 Blues Festival |
Don't worry if you missed festival season in the Delta. You can catch lives blues year around on Walnut Street, Ground Zero or on someone's front porch if you're lucky.
MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL
The Mississippi Blues Trail markers tell stories through words and images of bluesmen and women and how the places where they lived and the times in which they existed–and continue to exist–influenced their music. The sites run the gamut from city streets to cotton fields, train depots to cemeteries, and clubs to churches. We have a lot to share, and it's just down the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Visit the MS Blues Trail site to learn more.
Visit the MS Blues Trail site to learn more.