The birthplace of America’s music celebrates iconic musicians
It’s fitting that the 136th Rose Parade held this January 1in Pasadena, California, had a Visit Mississippi float, featuring the year-long celebration of Mississippi, the Birthplace of America’s Music. The float honored two Mississippi musicians who impacted the music world. Elvis Presley, the King of rock and roll and B.B. King, the King of the Blues. This year marks momentous birthdays for Presley (90th) and for King (100th).
Mississippi’s musical roots run deep, from King and blues legend Robert Johnson to Elvis Presley’s groundbreaking style to the country twang of Jimmie Rogers. Each of these iconic artists were born in Mississippi and left a lasting impression on the world’s music.
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo and 90 years later, remains an icon of American music and culture. He rose to fame quickly with his blend of rock and roll, country, blues and gospel. His early recordings of Heartbreak Hotel and That’s All Right at Sun Records captured a generation and shaped the music industry. Elvis was a cultural phenom with his challenge to social norms and breakdown of racial barriers.
The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a popular Tupelo stop for groups. Mark your calendar for June 4-8 for the 27th annual Tupelo Elvis Festival. This memorable celebration of Elvis’s 90th birthday features live music, dance performances, various activities for all age groups and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition. Talented performers compete for prizes including cash, a guitar, trophy and more.
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Visit the B.B. King Museum in Mississippi
Born in Itta Bena, B.B. King rose from humble beginnings to become the King of the Blues. A dynamic guitar player with a soulful voice, his signature style became known worldwide with hits like Three O’clock Blues and The Thrill is Gone. King performed hundreds of concerts throughout the world from small to large venues. He recorded numerous albums, earned 15 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center located in Indianola will celebrate his birthday and legacy throughout the year. Through unique exhibits, this must see museum chronicles the musical legend’s life. On April 26,the Natchez Festival will honor King with a centennial celebration live performance by Vasti Jackson, a Mississippi recording artist. Honoring King’s impact on the world’s music, his daughter Claudette King will lead The Thrill on Tour, a dynamic10-piece band performing across the country. They’ll reintroduce King’s classics as well as traditional Mississippi blues with a funk-infused twist.
Robert Johnson was born in Hazlehurst and perfected his guitar skills at local juke joints throughout the Mississippi Delta region. A myth that persists to this day is Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar skills. The Crossroad where the event took place is where U.S. Highways 61and49 intersect in Clarksdale. Despite recording only 29 songs, Johnson’s music influenced numerous rock stars that covered his music. The Delta Blues Museum was opened in January 1979 as the first museum dedicated to the Blues. It moved to its present home in 1999. There’s blues music nightly in Clarksdale.
Meridian was the birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers in 1897. His blend of blues, folk and country music led him to be known as the Father of Country Music. His prolific recording shaped what became the early country music genre. Rodgers passed away at 35 years old, but his influence on American music is recognized by his inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Learn more about Rodgers’ legacy and music career at the Jimmie Rodgers Museum in Meridian. On view is the original guitar of The Singing Brakeman and memorabilia and treasures from his life and career. And don’t forget America’s Longest-Running Music Festival returns May 12-18 for the 72nd Annual Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival.
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The Birthplace of America’s Music
Mississippi’s story as the Birthplace of America’s Music doesn’t stop with the legendary musicians mentioned above. They were just the beginning. In total more than 52 musicians/vocalists serving every music genre have roots in Mississippi.
Charlie Worsham, an American country music singer, songwriter and actor won the coveted 2024 Country Music Association Award “Musician of the Year.” Born in Jackson, he grew up in Grenada. His talent was first recognized by the Mississippi Senate in 1999 when he was 14 years old. He was honored for his music accomplishment and being a model straight A student.
Grammy Award Nominee Cedric Burnside was raised by his grandfather R. L. Burnside and extended family in Holly Springs. He’s an American electric blues guitarist, drummer, singer and songwriter. At the age of 13 he began touring with his grandfather’s band. He’s won numerous awards including, Best Traditional Blues Album for I Be Trying at the 64thAnnual Grammy Awards in 2022.
A Mississippi Delta native, Steve Azar is a hit song writer, recording artist, bestselling author, keynote speaker and the official Music & Cultural Ambassador of Mississippi. He has nine charted singles on Billboard Hot Country Songs and seven acclaimed studio albums. Azar is the author of the No.1 best selling children’s book, One Mississippi. He has been enshrined as the Mississippi Country Music Trail’s 32nd marker. He has been nominated for a 2025 Grammy.
The Mississippi Mass Choir is an American gospel choir based in Jackson with dozens of awards. The choir has ministered in more than 40 states and traveled to Japan, Spain, Bahamas and Greece. During the Umbria Jazz Gospel and Soul Easter Festival in Terni, Italy, the choir sang for Pope John Paul II at his summer residence. The choir has been the recipient of numerous Grammy awards and nominations.
To get a full feeling for the history and culture of American music a visit to the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is a must. Along with current exhibits, 11 permanent exhibits are the foundation for innovative programming, cutting edge interactives and exciting exhibits. Not to be missed is the Mississippi Gallery. The Music Bar offers countless hits by Mississippians for a taste of all genres. The Music Table allows visitors to select an artist and view their photo, songs, awards and more. Listen to a song while learning about the artist.
By Dave Bodle
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