Tutwiler Historic Events Info – Mississippi Blues Trail

TUTWILER HISTORIC EVENTS INFO

Tutwiler historic events info described below will show how
amazing it is to see how these small towns along the trail have played such a significant role in history.
There are several landmarks in this area that are connected to the blues and Civil Rights movement,
making it an incredibly special place to visit. While there may be concerns about safety in this region,
we can assure you that our visit did not make us feel unsafe at all.
We hope you will have a wonderful time exploring all the rich history of Tutwiler.

Tutwiler Historic Events Info: W.C. HANDY ENCOUNTERS THE BLUES

• W.C. Handy served as an orchestra leader in Clarksdale from 1903 to 1905, during which time he traveled throughout the Delta and other areas, performing at dance venues for both white and African American audiences.
• However, it was not until approximately 1903 when he heard a man playing slide guitar with a knife and singing “Goin’ where the Southern cross’ the Dog” at the Tutwiler railway station while waiting for a train that Handy began to incorporate blues into his repertoire.
• As a result of this experience, Handy became known as the “Father of the Blues” for seamlessly integrating the unique sounds he encountered in the Delta into his popular orchestrations.
• Additionally, he published his own version of “Goin’ where the Southern cross’ the Dog,” titled “Yellow Dog Blues.”

As a result, Tutwiler has been celebrated as “the birthplace of the blues” in honor of W. C. Handy’s encounter here.

In 1941 Handy wrote from his autobiography,
“A lean, loose-jointed Negro had commenced plunking a guitar beside me while I slept.
His clothes were rags; his feet peeped out of his shoes. His face had on it some of the sadness of the ages.
As he played, he pressed a knife on the strings of a guitar in a manner popularized by Hawaiian guitarists who used steel bars.
The effect was unforgettable. His song, too, struck me instantly. ‘Goin’ where the Southern cross’ the Dog.’
The singer repeated the line three times, accompanying himself on the guitar with the weirdest music I ever heard.” 
‘Goin’ where the Southern cross’ the Dog’ referred to the crossing of the Southern and Yazoo & Mississippi Valley railroads in Moorhead
nicknamed the “Dog,” or “Yellow Dog.”

• Despite the lack of an official record, the U.S. Senate accepted 1903 when it declared 2003 the centennial “Year of the Blues.”
• In 1905, Handy moved to Memphis, sparking America’s first blues craze with songs such as “Memphis Blues,” “Yellow Dog Blues,” “Beale Street Blues,” and the classic “St. Louis Blues.”
• In fact, by 1919, he was being hailed as the “Daddy of the Blues”.

Tutwiler Historic Events Info: SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON No. 2

• Did you know that the legendary blues musician Sonny Boy Williamson No. 2 is buried right beside the old Whitfield M.B. Church site, just northwest of Tutwiler?
• Interestingly, not only was he laid to rest in this small town, but he also played a crucial role in bringing the blues to a wider audience through his radio show, King Biscuit Time, which was broadcast from Helena, Arkansas.
• Moreover, this talented artist was known worldwide for his powerful singing, impressive harmonica skills, and songwriting abilities. He traveled extensively, performing in both the Delta and Chicago before making waves overseas with his tours that helped spark the British blues movement of the 1960s. 
• Some of his most iconic songs include “Eyesight to the Blind,” “Help Me,” and “Don’t Start Me Talkin’.”
• Tragically, he passed away on May 25th, 1965. But his music continues to live on as a testament to his talent and influence in the world of blues.

Tutwiler Historic Events Info: OTHER BLUES ARTISTS

• In addition, there were other talented musicians from Tutwiler, such as banjo and fiddle player Tom Dumas. His music was popular during the time of W.C. Handy.
  
• Notably, another performer from Tutwiler was pianist-guitarist Lee Kizart.
• These two musicians were both recorded by folklorist Bill Ferris in 1968 and their stories were highlighted in Ferris’ book “Give My Poor Heart Ease” in 2009.

Tutwiler Historic Events Info: TUTWILER QUILTERS: BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS

Tutwiler Historic Events Info: Besides learning about Tutwiler, I highly encourage you to also read about EMMETT TILL and how his powerful story played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.

The body of Emmett Till was brought to TUTWILER FUNERAL HOME. The image reveals the current state of the funeral home, which has since fallen into disrepair.

Here, more information on the BLUES MARKER can be found.

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HAPPY TRAILS!

This blog contains a lot of information for those that wish to explore above and beyond!
The Table of Contents below lists all posts.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL
Clarksdale Blues Markers
Clarksdale Points of Interest
Greenwood Blues Markers
Greenwood Points of Interest
Indianola Blues Markers & Points of Interest
Leland Blues Markers & City Info
Natchez Blues Markers
Natchez City
Natchez Points of Interest
Old Country Store – Windsor Ruins – Port Gibson Blues Markers 
Po Monkey’s – Cleveland – Greenville blues Markers
Rolling Fork Blues Marker & Mont Helena Indian Mound
Stovall Plantation – Friar’s Point – Tunica Blues Markers
Tutwiler Blues Markers & Emmett Till Story
Vicksburg Blues Markers
Vicksburg City
Vicksburg Civil War Museum & Coca-Cola Museum
Vicksburg McRaven House
Vicksburg National Military Park
Woodville Blues Markers & City
Mississippi Delta History & Jewish History
Mississippi Indian Mounds
Mississippi Sky Lake Preserve
Mississippi Itineraries