Tag Archives: Mississippi blues

Old and New Converge

Old and New Convergeby Deborah Fagan Carpenter   Once a thriving town on the Illinois Central Railroad line, when the train repair shops relocated in 1930 and mechanization took over farming, Water Valley, Mississippi, like so many small towns, was … Continue reading

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Mississippi Musings

Mississippi Musings by Joe Goodell “Mississippi Hot” In Mississippi, “hot” refers to that time of year when the sun behaves as if it were a hammer, and we are its own private anvil. When nerves wilt under that horrific sun, … Continue reading

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Interesting Southern Stuff!

Interesting Southern Stuff! by Gary Wright   “History is not necessarily what happened but what is recorded.” —Debbie Terranova   An abundance of negativity has been written about the American South. Indeed, there has been much to lament, from the … Continue reading

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BARBEQUE, MUSIC AND SOUTHERN MADE!

Barbeque, Music, and Southern Made! By Deborah Fagan Carpenter   Barbeque, Music, and Southern Made! Three southern festivals, Memphis in May International Festival, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Southern Makers in Montgomery, Alabama are unique and innovative … Continue reading

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SPREADIN’ THE BLUES

SPREADIN’ THE BLUES By Deborah Fagan Carpenter Otha Turner’s Barn Their Mississippi roots run deep, and their Mississippi musical roots run even deeper. They’re the North Mississippi Allstars, and with a style heavily influenced by those roots, but uniquely their … Continue reading

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Jukin’ at the Joints by Deborah Fagan Carpenter

  Clarksdale, Mississippi: Home of the infamous crossing of highways 61 and 49, where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil so he could play a “mean” guitar.  Today, Clarksdale is home to the annual Juke Joint Festival, … Continue reading

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Mississippi Fred McDowell – I do not play no rock’n’roll By Johnny W. Sumrall Jr

From the back cover of the album “Mississippi Fred McDowell…I do not play no rock’n’roll”  Fred introduces himself and his music with these words: ” My name is Fred McDowell. They call me Mississippi Fred McDowell. But my home’s in … Continue reading

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Cat Head Delta Blues Inc. by Deborah Fagan Carpenter

  “the culture behind the music…”   Look closely. At first glance, Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, Inc. on Delta Avenue in Clarksdale, Mississippi appears to be a store where one can purchase Blues CDs, books about the … Continue reading

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