Ah, the Blues! I love traditional country Blues. The languid, undulating and emotional sound just makes me want to sway and move.
But, why am I covering the Mississippi Old Blues Trail on my Road Trip to capture stories of people improving and sustaining the wellbeing of humanity and planet in their communities. Because the Trail not only honors the unique heritage of the Blues. Its recognition of those who gave the music life brings pride to their descendants and residents in the small towns along its path. Plus, it brings joy to all who meander along it.
When I reached out to Allan Hammons, whose company produced a terrific video of the Blues Trail, and told him I was interested in video interviewing people involved in making the Trail possible, I was touched by the warmth of his response and his passion for the Trail. He told me the story of a bitterly cold day in the village of Glendora MS, when they were planting the marker to honor Sonny Boy Williamson, a Blues’ harmonica player and singer. Standing nearby were two teenage girls, who out of curiosity came over to see what was happening. When they read the marker, they were visibly moved by the recognition as they were Sonny’s great-nieces and until that moment had no idea of his importance in the Blues world.
Allan has connected me to Malcolm White, Director of Mississippi Tourism and Chair of the Blues Commission, whom I will be interviewing about the passion and history that brought the Blues Trail to life over a decade ago. Although the Trail started in Mississippi, it currently goes through five states.
The interest that the Trail sparked in honoring the history of the Blues helped to spawn a $15M museum in Indianola, MS to preserve the legacy of Blues singer, songwriter and guitarist BB King and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta.
Also exciting for me is the fact that I will be interviewing Bobby Rush, who plays guitar, bass and harmonica and whose dynamic stage show was captured in Richard Pearce’s documentary The Road To Memphis, part of the PBS series Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues. He has much to say about what the Blues Trail means to him and others in the Blues world.
The Blues has deep roots in African American history and grew up in the Mississippi Delta. Its inventors were slaves, ex-slaves and the descendants of slaves, who sang as they toiled in the cotton and vegetable fields. The music evolved from African spirituals, African chants, work songs, and field hollers. It is music of deep sadness and even of unbridled joy that was birthed by people of strength, who endured horrific lives. The Mississippi Old Blues Trail brings vibrancy and renewal to the unique and rich legacy of the Blues.
It’s Sunday morning and now it is time for a bagel with cream cheese, wild smoked salmon and capers, the New York Times and Muddy Waters’ After the Rain.