The Blues

It’s a fact that every Mississippian will proudly tell you: Our state spawned the genre that is the taproot of modern popular music. Whether you’re a die-hard blues fan or a casual traveler in search of entertainment, you’ll discover facts you never knew, sights you’ve never seen and a whole new appreciation for the area that gave birth to the blues.

So where do you start?

THE MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL
Throughout the state, the markers on the Mississippi Blues Trail tell the stories of blues artists both renowned and obscure through words and images. From sprawling cotton fields and rustic train depots to cemeteries, clubs and churches, you’ll see firsthand how the people, places and culture around them influenced and shaped their music.

THE DELTA — AND BEYOND
It’s true — blues in Mississippi is not just in the Delta. The Mississippi Delta is known around the world as the birthplace of the blues and remains home to historic stages, modern venues and major landmarks. For example, the infamous “Crossroads” is where blues legend Robert Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for musical ability to put mere mortals to shame. But the blues can be heard and seen all over the state.

LIVE BLUES PERFORMANCES
To catch a performance, look up local music listings in the town or region you plan to visit. From Bentonia to Clarksdale, Jackson to Tupelo, Hattiesburg to Natchez, along the Gulf Coast and anywhere in between, musicians pour their heart out on the stage night after night.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Of course, you don’t have to set foot in a juke joint or blues club to find authentic blues music in Mississippi. Thanks to the numerous blues and music festivals that draw thousands of fans to our state every year, blues is as easy to find in Mississippi as hospitality itself. Check out our annual calendar of entertainment and events in all parts of the state.

MUSEUMS AND MORE
In between performances, music fans can still find plenty of applause-worthy attractions (and escape the summer heat into some much-needed air conditioning). It’s amazing what can be learned about Mississippi-born blues musicians like B.B. King and the genre as a whole by visiting Mississippi’s many museums, homes and cultural attractions dedicated to giving casual visitors and enthusiasts alike an inside look at the roots of the blues — and the rise of America’s music.

Music
Country Music

Inspiration

Discover America’s Music Roots in Mississippi
DAY 1 • MEMPHIS – TUPELO Once you cross the state line into the Birthplace of America’s Music, make your way to Tupelo where you can explore the hometown of the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. Start the day at the all-encompassing Elvis Presley Center, which includes the humble, two-room house where Elvis […]

Artists On The Move In The Blues
Mississippi is the Birthplace of the Blues, but there are plenty of artists today churning out their own unique sounds while honoring the bold Bluesmen of the past. Our state has produced Blues legends such as Charley Patton, Muddy Waters and B.B. King, but today there’s a new crop of artists forging their own path. […]

Explore Mississippi’s Living Museums – The Cultural Trails
As the birthplace of some of the most influential and talented musicians, writers, activists and entertainers in the world, Mississippi offers visitors an incredibly unique opportunity to not only visit significant locations, but to further explore and dive into their story through the state’s four cultural trails. Mississippi Blues Trail – The first of the […]

Oxford Trip Ideas For Music Lovers
David Swider owns The End of All Music record store, offering thousands of vinyl records and cd’s to the music enthusiast. David knows a thing or two about the diverse music scene Oxford has to offer and he’s picked out some highlights for us below: North Mississippi is steeped in the music of hill-country blues, […]

10 Best Live Music Venues in Mississippi
Mississippi is known as “The Birthplace of America’s Music,” and that title still holds true today. The state that produced talents such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Jimmie Rodgers and many other music legends has some of the most unique music venues to catch the next big thing in Mississippi music. Here is […]

Discover America’s Original Music Art Form – The Blues
Blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll are all rooted in the rich culture of Mississippi, the “Birthplace of America’s Music.” The Mississippi Blues Trail celebrates the people, places and history of blues music. the American art form responsible for shaping modern popular music. Markers placed across Mississippi and at important locations across the U.S. and beyond […]

Must-See Museums in Mississippi
With the dreary winter months upon us, what better time to take a day (or two) and explore Mississippi’s enlightening state-of-the-art museums. Mississippi is home to a number of museums, and visitors often have a hard time choosing which to see first. The latest museums to open in the state are the Mississippi Civil Rights […]

Experience The Blues Where They Were Born
The Mississippi Blues Trail is your unforgettable journey into the land that produced arguably the single most important inspiration of modern popular music. Whether a die-hard blues fan or a casual traveler in search of an authentic experience, follow the trail and you’ll visit places you’ve never been and learn facts that you didn’t know […]

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B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center

Indianola , MS  FEATURED

Located in the heart of the Delta in Indianola, the B.B. King and Delta Interpretive Center, through exhibits, tells the story of King’s life and music. “The mission of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to empower, unite and heal through music, art and education and share with […]

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Gateway to the Blues Museum & Visitors Center

Tunica , MS  FEATURED

The Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitors Center on Highway 61 is the first place many people see when they roll into Tunica. This rustic train depot, circa 1895, is a must-stop for travelers before and after a visit to Tunica. Inside, travel counselors are ready to give directions, advice and the latest information about […]

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Hollywood Cafe

Tunica, MS

Beale Street and Elvis aren’t the only stars in Marc Cohn’s “Walking in Memphis”—Tunica’s own Hollywood Café was also immortalized in the hit song for its soulful live music. But this local eatery’s real claim to fame is the food. It is, after all, the home of deep-fried pickles and the hubcap burger! For more […]

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Joe Callicott Mississippi Blues Trail Marker and Gravesite

Nesbit, MS

Born in October 1899, Joe Callicott was a Nesbit native who spent his whole life in the area south of Memphis and is regarded as one of Mississippi’s finest early bluesmen. His chief musical associate was Garfield Akers and it was as Akers’ second guitarist that he first recorded in 1929. He recorded some final […]

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Mississippi Blues Trail – MS Gulf Coast Blues & Heritage Festival

Pascagoula , MS

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues & Heritage Festival is part of the Mississippi Blues Trail. Since 1991 this festival has featured southern soul, blues, zydeco and gospel acts. Mississippi blues and soul headliners have included Bobby Rush, Theodis Ealey, O.B. Buchana and Nathaniel Kimble. […]

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Landers Center

Southaven, MS

Landers Center is a multi-facet facility capable of hosting a wide variety of events each year. The arena plays host to the Memphis Hustle, of the NBA’s G-League. Not only is basketball held in the arena, but other sporting events such as boxing, hockey, rodeos, concerts are held throughout the year. Landers Center is one […]

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