Features: Blues Trail

Mississippi is the birthplace of America's music. Blues, country, rock 'n roll - they all started right here. From blues legends Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and B.B. King to the king of rock 'n roll, Elvis Presley, to the father of country music, Jimmie Rodgers - the only place you'll find the history, heritage, legends and folklore that surrounds the sounds of America's music is Mississippi.

We're pleased to announce the arrival of the new Blues Trail markers which are being placed at key sites in Mississippi to honor Blues musicians and give visitors insight into this unique musical heritage. As these Blues Trail markers continue to be unveiled, you'll gain a firsthand appreciation for the people and places that inspired the invention of Blues music.

The first three sites of the Blues Trail markers were unveiled on December 11, 2006, with Governor Haley Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour joining the Mississippi Development Authority/Tourism Division Heritage Trails Program and the Mississippi Blues Commission at unveiling ceremonies in Holly Ridge, Greenville and Greenwood. Once completed, the Blues Trail will feature more than 130 markers all across the state.

Currently, Blues Trail markers have been placed at Charley Patton's gravesite in Holly Ridge, Highways 10 & 61 in Leland, Muddy Waters' cabin site in Clarksdale, Nelson Street in Greenville, Peavine Branch in Boyle, the Riverside Hotel in Clarksdale, Robert Johnson's gravesite in Greenwood, a site in Rosedale, and WGRM radio studio in Greenwood - and more are being added on a frequent basis.

A great deal of time and effort has gone into the planning and selection of each of the Blues Trail makers' locations. A distinguished panel of historians and Blues scholars developed an inventory of the most notable Blues sites to highlight. Each place will be identified with a distinctive cast marker, featuring high-resolution maps, photographs and text. These sites will eventually employ the latest technology to allow visitors to hear the sounds associated with each location. A detailed Blues Trail map will also be available that will provide driving directions, GPS coordinates and basic information for each site.

Now is a great time to experience Blues history firsthand by visiting Mississippi. As you plan your getaway to experience Mississippi's Blues Trail markers, be sure to check our website, and the Mississippi Blues Commission's website, frequently for updates and information that will be helpful in planning your next trip here.