Mississippi is rightfully known as the Birthplace of American Music
If blues music is your interest, The Mississippi Blues Trail is your place to visit. Documenting the rich history of the blues in Mississippi, there are more than 200 sites throughout the state and abroad.
Distinct and thoroughly researched historical markers tell the stories of performers, places and events impacting and shaping the course of America’s music. Each of Mississippi’s five regions contributes to the story. As you develop your itinerary, visit the Mississippi Blues website(visitmississippi.org/blues trail) and see what there is to see.
In the Delta region, checkout the Clarksdale Muddy Waters marker. He led the way in traditional blues to the electric Chicago-style blues that became rock and roll.
Another stop in the Delta region is the GRAMMY Museum in Cleveland, Mississippi. Opened in 2016, this museum was a testament to Mississippi’s rich musical heritage in blues, country, gospel, rock and other genres. Among Mississippi’s many GRAMMY winners, B.B. King received 16 awards and Muddy Waters received seven.
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Musical Talent Across Mississippi
Musicians from the Hills region in northwest Mississippi developed a “hills country” blues style branded by few chord changes and unconventional song structures. Perhaps the most famous artist to come from the Hills region is Tupelo’s Elvis Presley. The King of Rock and Roll revolutionized popular music by blending the blues he first heard as a youth in Tupelo with country, pop and gospel. Elvis first encountered the blues in Tupelo, and it remained central tohis music throughout his career. The Presley family lived in several homes in Tupelo that were adjacent to African American neighborhoods, and as a youngster, Elvis and his friends often heard the sounds of blues and gospel streaming out of churches, clubs, and other venues. The Mississippi Blues Trail marker commemorating Elvis Presley And The Blues is located at the Elvis Birthplace Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi.
In the Capital/River region, Bolton is where legendary blues master Charley Patton was born. Also, in the Capital/River region in Vicksburg’s historic African American community, Marcus Bottom was a center of early blues, jazz and gospel activity. The classic song Two Steps From the Blues was recorded by Pines region and Ackerman native “Texas” Johnny Brown.
The Coastal region’s Gulfport saw Stan “Rip” Daniels launch WJZD, the first African American-owned FM station on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Daniels’ concert promotions ensured support for the blues and soul performers on the area’s “chitlin circuit.”
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Mississippi’s Country Music Trail
The past and present of Mississippi’s country music contributions are experienced on The Mississippi Country Music Trail. The markers can be experienced in every Mississippi region. Each marker commemorates the people, places and events that were keys in shaping today’s country music scene. Even the most casual country music fans will recognize many of these native Mississippians. Regardless of your group’s theme, include some country music in your journey. Start planning here. (visitmississippi.org/things-to-do/country-music-trail)
Star, Mississippi is located in the Capital/River region and is the birthplace of Faith Hill. A glamorous face of country music, she became a star in the pop music market with millions of record sales and numerous awards.
Biloxi born in the Coastal region, Chris LeDoux achieved success as both a competitive rodeo cowboy and country singer–songwriter. The “Singing Bronc Rider” was the 1976 World Champion Bareback Bronc Rider.
The Delta region has been a hotbed of all Mississippi music. Charley Pride called Sledge, Mississippi home. Of his 52 Top 10 singles, 28 were chart toppers. Conway Twitty, from Friars Point recorded 55 No. 1 singles, including five with Loretta Lynn. From the Hill region came Nesbit’s Jerry Lee Lewis with his rockabilly style topping the country chart. Tammy Wynette was born and raised in Tremont. Her 20 era-defining No. 1 hits built her reputation as “The First Lady of Country Music.” Carl Jackson, from Louisville, Mississippi in the Pines region, was a vocalist, songwriter, instrumentalist and record producer of both bluegrass and mainstream country.
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Where’s the Music in Mississippi?
There are no limit to good places to enjoy live music in almost every Mississippi community from Hal & Mal’s in Jackson to Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale. Many of the blues clubs are perfect for smaller groups. Regardless of where you are staying, check with your local DMO to find the venue that fits your group’s size and musical interest.
For larger groups here’s a sampling of what a few destinations have to offer.
- Biloxi’s Beau Rivage Theatre will host Chicago two nights in early April 2025. Hard Rock Live welcomes Tab Beloit in mid April. The Turtles are coming to Studio A at IP Casino Resort and Spa on May 31
- Cadence Bank Arena in Tupelo has Riley Green on May 10
- Brandon’s Brandon Amphitheater has Styx / Don Felder on August 2 and Rod Stewart with Cheap Trick on August 5
- Bank Plus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove has Dwight Yoakam May 30, Thomas Rhett June 6, Teddy Swains August 16 and Little River Band September 18.
By Dave Bodle
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