MS Blues Markers in Small Towns – Mississippi Blues Trail

by Mauka · Published March 17, 2024 · Updated April 15, 2024

MS Blues Markers in Small Towns
Uncovering the Hidden Gems:
MS Blues Markers in Small Towns

It’s worth noting that the following is a list of easy to miss, Blues Markers
that you can find in the surrounding areas when travelling along Hwy 61.
These markers are placed on historical sites, which adds to their significance,
and because most of the towns are small, it’s quite convenient to find them.

MS Blues Markers in Small Towns: on the road between Rolling Fork and Clarksdale:

Hollandale, MS – Sam Chatmon (c. 1899-1983), a celebrated singer and guitarist was from here.
Shaw, MS – David “Honeyboy” Edwards, was born in Shaw.
Peavine Railroad (west of Hwy 61 on 446) provided transportation for bluesmen of the Mississippi Delta. Moreover, Charley Patton made it famous through his popular “Pea Vine Blues.”
Mound Bayou Blues, MS – Simultaneously, Charley Patton, fiddler Henry “Son” Simms, singers Nellie “Tiger” Travis and Sir Lattimore Brown, and guitarist Eddie El have history here.
Winstonville, MS – Notably, the Harlem Inn, “The Showplace of the South,” featured B. B. King, Little Milton, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Howlin’ Wolf, Tyrone Davis,
T-Bone Walker, and Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm.
Shelby, MS – Henry Townsend, born in Shelby, was the only blues artist to have recorded during every decade from the 1920s to the 2000s.
Duncan, MS – Interestingly, Blues Legends of Duncan included Jimmy Reed, Eddie C. Campbell, Willie Love, Ernest Lane, Willie “Rip” Butler, and Anthony “Big A” Sherrod. Additionally, Charley Patton’s daughter Rosetta Brown was also a longtime resident here.
Alligator, MS – Similarly, George “G. P.” Jackson and Robert “Bilbo” Walker, singer Johnny Drummer (Thessex Johns), and the gospel and R&B group the Kelly Brothers are found here. In addition, Delta blues icon Robert Johnson also lived in this area in 1930.
Bobo, MS – Little Junior Parker, one of the most outstanding blues singers of the 1950s and ‘60s, was born on a plantation near Bobo.

MS Blues Markers in Small Towns: on the road between Tunica and Clarksdale

Lula, MS has a blues marker here for Charley Patton, Son House, Frank Frost, and Sam Carr.

Lula, MS Blues Markers in Small Towns

Lyon, MS is the site for blues marker Rocket “88”, Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats. Furthermore, Brenston and Raymond Hill, who played the saxophone, are buried in Heavenly Rest Cemetery on Highway 61 just north of the Lyon city limits.

Lyon, MS Blues Markers in Small Towns

MS Blues Markers in Small Towns: on the road between Greenwood and Sky Lake:

Berclair, MS – Ultimately, the birthplace of B.B. King found just SW of Berclair, MS.
Moorhead, MS is the Location of “Where the Southern Cross the Dog” – W. C. Handy, historically known as “The Father of the Blues”.

MS Blues Markers in Small Towns: on the road between Moorhead and Clarksdale:

Ruleville, MS has the Blues Marker is for Jimmy Rogers a guitarist and vocalist, in addition to being a member of Muddy Water’s band.
Ruleville, MS has a Blues Marker for Greasy Street notably the center of activity for African Americans.

Ruleville, MS Blues Markers in Small Towns

Drew – Location of a blues marker for Roebuck “Pops” Staples of the Staple Singers.

Drew, MS Blues Markers in Small Towns

Parchman Mississippi State Penitentiary – Known for being the inspiration of many songs like “Parchman Farm Blues”. Parchman, MS Blues Markers in Small Towns