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Center of the Blues Universe
Tommy McClennan (c. 1905-1961) was one of America's most successful down-home blues recording artists during the period when he recorded 20 singles for the Bluebird label (1939-1942). Among McClennan's most notable numbers were "Bottle It Up and Go," "Cross Cut Saw," "Travelin' Highway Man," and "New Highway No. 51 Blues." McClennan, famed for his raucous, uninhibited singing and guitar playing, frequented this section of Yazoo City when he lived on the nearby J. F. Sligh plantation.
Tyrone Davis, one of America's most popular Soul singers, was born on a plantation near Leland on May 4, 1938. Davis lived in Leland before moving to Chicago, where he began his career billed as "Tyrone the Wonder Boy." From 1969 to 1988 Davis had forty-three singles on the national Rhythm & Blues charts, including No. 1 hits "Can I Change My Mind," "Turn the Hands of Time," and "Turning Point." His aunt and uncle once operated a cafe at this site.
W. C. Handy (1873-1958), the "Father of the Blues," lived at this site from 1903-1905.
B. B. King was first heard on the air at WGRM's studio.
"WROX" Blues Trail Marker is in front of the WROX Museum on Delta Avenue. WROX was the home of legendary African-American blues/gospel pioneer Early Wright for 50 years. Other notables to take to the air on WROX include Ike Turner, Robert Nighthawk, and even Elvis Presley.