If there’s one thing that’s taken America by storm, it’s country music. With hundreds of artists and new songs released every week, there’s something for everyone in this genre of music. While country music’s history spans many states, there are few places where the love of it is so strong. Mississippi is one such place. In fact, Jimmie Rodgers, the undisputed Father of Country Music, is a native son of Meridian, which is located in east Mississippi. With numerous festivals, live concerts featuring the biggest names in country music, and the Mississippi Country Music Trail, Mississippi attracts country music lovers from all over the world. Visit Mississippi is here to help you experience Mississippi country music history with information on the best music attractions around.
Although Mississippi is known the world around for its connection to the blues, it also boasts an incredible collection of historic country artists that have helped shape the genre as we know it today. Due to the diverse population, you’ll find that anywhere in the Magnolia State, the music flowing out of one town might sound significantly different from that of another town just miles down the road – something celebrated along the Mississippi Country Music Trail.
The markers along the Mississippi Country Music Trail highlight points of interest relating to traditional country music stars, as well as the history of the location and the role it played in developing the artist’s style of music. Best of all, more and more markers are being added each year. From a marker in Nesbit commemorating Jerry Lee Lewis to one in Starkville honoring Johnny Cash and “Starkville City Jail,” the Mississippi Country Music Trail is not to be missed.
The ultimate destination for contemporary country fans, Mississippi also has a wide variety of country music clubs that feature live music and local musicians, including the occasional headliner if you’re in town at the right time. Some of our state’s live music venues include:
Established in downtown Hattiesburg, The Thirsty Hippo draws a unique blend of musical acts from across the South. The Thirsty Hippo has two performance areas, each with a bar pouring refreshments for performers and patrons.
This juke joint restoration quickly became a hotspot in Natchez’s historic downtown. With a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River, this venue prides itself on showcasing local artists, who can be found playing here at any time of the day.
This Jackson venue is one of a kind, as it was an elementary school back in the 1920s. Although it has undergone its fair share of renovations and remodeling, Duling Hall hasn’t lost the vintage vibe people love. If you’re passing through Jackson, be sure to stop by as they have local and national acts year-round.
Mississippi is the place where old-world music traditions meet the nuance and revivalism of today. From local artists playing original songs to cover and tribute bands to national headliners, few places in America work as hard as the Magnolia State to keep the history of country music so closely intertwined with contemporary country music. With venues of all sizes, Mississippi offers a constant stream of musical performances. To learn more about the Mississippi Country Music Trail, the history of country music, or where you can find some of the best live acts around, contact Visit Mississippi today.
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