Blues Lovers, Musicians Make Pilgrimage to Mississippi Delta, Home of the Blues

Listen carefully in the juke joints, restaurants or the impressive interactive museums in Tunica, Cleveland, Clarksdale and Indianola, and you’re bound to hear fans talking about their love of the blues – many with international accents.

The genre gained notice outside the Delta in the 1940s when African-American folklorist John Work III led Alan Lomax and his famous audio recorder to Muddy Waters’ cabin. Since then, the Delta has been an essential pilgrimage for fans and musicians, including members of The Rolling Stones and other bands, informing and influencing their styles. For a complete index of historical markers, visit here.

Related story: Clarksdale, MS, Birthplace of the Blues, is Just Tuning Up

– Chris Schroder, The 100 Companies