Clarksdale Blues Trail Info

by Mauka · Published February 29, 2024 · Updated April 24, 2024

CLARKSDALE BLUES TRAIL INFO

The Clarksdale Blues Trail info offers a journey through a town rich in history and culture.
While the area may be experiencing some economic struggles,
there is a vibrant energy that comes alive at night.

During our visit, as we emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic,
the town was relatively quiet with many stores closed and only a few blues venues open.
However, we made the most of our time by exploring the town during the day,
venturing to remote areas of Clarksdale, and taking day trips.
Our nights were filled with incredible local music at popular blues spots like
Ground Zero, Reds, and Hambones.
And before leaving on Sunday morning, we indulged in
some delicious breakfast accompanied by live blues music at Bluesberry Cafe.

Clarksdale Blues Trail Info:
Overall, our experience in Clarksdale was unforgettable and
we highly recommend it to others looking for a unique and lively cultural experience.

“Born in the dirt of the cotton fields, the blues music emerged as a powerful force that changed the landscape of music around the globe.
With dominant guitar melodies and soulful vocal lines, this genre originated from the “field hollers” and “slave songs/chants” created by workers in these very fields.
And while many renowned blues artists once toiled in these fields, their talent and passion propelled them to international success.
Clarksdale remains a central hub for these musicians, cementing its place in music history.”

Clarksdale Blues Trail Info:
Something amusing happened…as we encountered some locals here in the Mississippi Delta,
who believed that the Delta variant of Covid-19 was named after this region.

Clarksdale Blues Trail Info: Let’s delve a little deeper into the history of Clarksdale, a city that has contributed significantly to the world of blues and soul music.

Some of the most influential names in these genres that have roots here, include Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke, Big Jack Johnson, W.C. Handy, Robert Johnson, Ike Turner, the Staple Singers, Pinetop Perkins – just to mention a few!
But Clarksdale’s musical legacy doesn’t stop there; it is also proud to claim renowned playwright Tennessee Williams as one of its own.

Clarksdale blues artists mural

Clarksdale Blues Trail Info:
Clarksdale was founded by John Clark in 1848 and incorporated in 1882.
It’s located on the Sunflower River,
where many of Clarksdale’s businesses were built.

In the early 1900s, Clarksdale was known as the “Golden Buckle of the Cotton Belt”, boasting a diverse community consisting of Lebanese, Italian, Chinese, and Jewish immigrant merchants, alongside African American farm laborers and white plantation owners.
It was in 1944 when Clarksdale witnessed a monumental event – the Hopson Planting Company successfully produced an entire cotton crop using only machinery, from planting to baling. This breakthrough resulted in African American workers being deemed dispensable due to the mechanization of cotton production.
Consequently, it fueled The Great Migration – the largest movement of Americans in U.S. history towards northern cities.
Clarksdale’s Illinois Railroad depot played a significant role during this time by serving as a primary departure point for many African Americans in the area seeking new opportunities up north.

Clarksdale blues artist mural

Today, Clarksdale attracts countless visitors who seek inspiration from the authentic Delta blues and are eager to connect with the birthplace of this influential genre of music.
The town is filled with various music venues that showcase talented local performers. Some of the most well-known spots include Reds, Ground Zero, and Hambones. For those looking to enjoy a delicious breakfast while listening to some amazing blues, Bluesberry Cafe is the perfect spot as it regularly features talented blues musicians.

Clarksdale Blues Trail Info:
So come on down and experience the true essence
of the blues in charming Clarksdale!

Clarksdale MS Blues Trail: Ground Zero Blues Club featuring blues music

Clarksdale Blues Trail Info: GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB

Clarksdale MS Blues Trail: Ground Zero Club featuring blues music

Clarksdale Blues Trail Info:
Did you ever hear the term “Southern Cool?”
Here in Clarksdale that’s what they call clutter!
The blues clubs we visited were all lined with “Southern Cool.”

Clarksdale Red's Club home of Big Jack Johnson

Clarksdale Blues Trail Info: RED’S BLUES CLUB

Clarksdale: Bluesberry Cafe

Hey there!
Just wanted to remind you that Clarksdale has live music all year round, 365 days, and nights. And the fun doesn’t stop there – several amazing festivals are lined up throughout the year in 2024. So, mark your calendars and start planning for some unforgettable experiences! Here’s a handy list to help you out.

Clarksdale Blues Trail Info: 2024 FESTIVALS HELD IN CLARKSDALE

APRIL
4/11-4/14: Juke Joint Festival
4/14: Cat Head Mini Blues Fest

MAY
5/2: Bones Fest XXVIII
5/11: Clarksdale Caravan Music Festival
5/24 & 5/25: Ground Zero Blues Club Anniversary
5/25: Deak’s Harmonica Block Party
5/26: Bad Apple Blues Festival

JUNE
6/14-6/16: BAM – Birthplace of American Music Festival

AUGUST
8/9-8/11: Cat Head 22th Anniversary Weekend
8/9-8/11: Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival
8/31: Red’s Old-Timers Music Festival Labor Day Weekend

SEPTEMBER
9/13 & 9/14: Mighty Roots Festival

OCTOBER
10/10-10/12: King Biscuit Blues Festival
10/13: Cat Head Mini Blues / Super Blues Sunday (after the Biscuit)
10/13: Bluesberry’s October Fest – Back Alley Bar – 10/13/2024 after King Biscuit
10/13: Pinetop Perkins Homecoming Celebration
10/17-10/19: 32nd Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival
10/17-10/20: Deep Blues Festival
10/24-10/27: Hambone Festival & Related Events