This week, the Mississippi Blues Trail unveiled its 140th marker. Vicksburg’s own Blue Room was recognized with the historic marker, which was the fifth for the Vicksburg area. The unveiling took place at 601 Clay Street overlooking the Catfish Row Children’s Art Park in Vicksburg. Entertainment was provided by Vicksburg local blues musicians Osgood and Blaque.



One of the most storied night spots in the South, the Blue Room, which stood at 602 Clay Street, was operated for more than thirty years by flamboyant owner Tom Wince Jr. Ray Charles, Fats Domino, B. B. King, Dinah Washington, Louis Armstrong and Little Milton were among the many stars who played here. In the 1940s and ‘50s, Wince was the most important blues promoter in Mississippi, booking bands through a network of nightclubs and halls across the state and in Louisiana. 

Members of the Wince family were on hand to receive the honor. Tom Wince died in 1978.



The Mississippi Blues Trail is a museum without walls taking visitors on a musical history journey through Mississippi and beyond. The trail started with the first official marker in Holly Ridge, the resting place of the blues guitarist Charley Patton, and winds its way to sites honoring B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Son House and others. Out-of-state markers are located in Chicago; Memphis; Los Angeles; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Ferriday, Louisiana; Helena, Arkansas; Rockland, Maine; Grafton, Wisconsin; and Tallahassee, Florida.

For more information about the Mississippi Blues Trail, visit http://www.msbluestrail.org/.