Buy Tickets!

Welcome to the land where blues began

News and Press

Previous News Articles

2011 News and Events

Singer Etta James - Terminally Ill

(December 16, 2011)

NewYorkTimes.com
"At Last" singer and R&B Grammy winner Etta James is terminally ill. This news was confirmed by her live-in physician during an interview given the week of December 12, 2011. Read Article

Hubert Sumlin - RIP

(December 5, 2011)

Hubert Sumlin, the influential blues guitarist who made his name as a sideman for Howlin' Wolf and recently ranked 43rd on Rolling Stone's list of history's top 100 axmen, died Sunday (Dec. 4) of heart failure. He was 80.

Joanne Graham

(November 25, 2011)

Please send your thoughts and your blessings to West Side vocalist Joanne Graham, who worked a lot with the Steelers during their 1960s/'70s recording heyday and has been a club favorite in more recent years. She recently suffered a stroke.

Lee "Shot" Williams - RIP

(November 25, 2011)

Chicago-based vocalist Lee "Shot" Williams passed away this last Friday (November 25, 2011). A biographical sketch of his life is available on the website "Soul Blues Music" (a.k.a. "Blues Critic"). Read More

Sunflower's Thanksgiving Eve Blues Party

(November 15, 2011)

Kicking off Clarksdale's holiday season is the Thanksgiving Eve Blues Party at Ground Zero sponsored by the Sunflower River Blues Festival. Festivities began at 8:00pm showcasing five dynamite bands, fun contests, and zillions of door prizes tossed from the stage by MC Chris Coleman.

Delta Blues Museum - Book Signing for Roger Stolle

(September 29, 2011)

The Delta Blues Museum will be hosting a book signing for Roger Stolle author of Hidden History of Mississippi Blues on October 5, 2011 E-vite

Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, January 19, 1936 - September 16, 2011

(September 16, 2011)

BobCorritore.com
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Willie passed away this morning of a stroke. He was 75 and was musically active until the very end. A brilliant drummer, harmonica player and vocalist, he represented...

Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, January 19, 1936 - September 16, 2011

(September 16, 2011)

We are deeply saddened to report that Willie "Big Eyes" Smith passed away the morning of September 16, 2011 in Chicago from a stroke. All arrangements are pending and information will be forthcoming. Read More

Charlie Musselwhite Throws a Party -- and What a Party It Was

(August 30, 2011)

HealdsburgPatch
Hundreds of people packed the Healdsburg Plaza and surrounding streets Tuesday, dancing with abandon to the blues, Charlie Musselwhite-style. Read Article

David Honeyboy Edwards, Delta Bluesman, Dies at 96

(August 29, 2011)

New York Times
David Honeyboy Edwards, believed to have been the oldest surviving member of the first generation of Delta blues singers, died on Monday at his home in Chicago. Read Article

David "Honeyboy" Edwards - Rest in Peace

(August 29, 2011)

David Honeyboy Edwards, the Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen has died. This morning Monday August 29, 2011, about 3 am while resting peacefully at...

Dorothy Moore Earns Festival Favorite Crown

(August 14, 2011)

Press Release - Panny Mayfield
Although relief from triple-digit heat is a contender for crowd favorite at the Sunflower's 24th season, the festival crown belongs to headliner Dorothy Moore. Connecting emotionally with thousands, the rich voice of multiple Grammy nominee ...

Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival This Weekend

(August 11, 2011)

highway61radio.com
This year's festival is dedicated to a number of people in the local blues scene who died over the last several years - Big Jack Johnson, Wiley "Mr. Tater" Foster, Wesley James, Michael "Dr. Mike" James, James Alford, and Mrs. Sarah Moore of Sarah's Kitchen... Read More

Gravesite of Blues Pioneer Tommy Johnson to be Provided Public Access After a Decade of Challenges

(August 11, 2011)

highway61radio.com
Official press release from The Mount Zion Memorial Fund, which has been assisting the family of Tommy Johnson in trying to resolve the issue of gaining public access to the Warm Springs graveyard, located just north of Crystal Springs, MS, ...

Museum, Gallery Exhibits

(August 10, 2011)

clarionledger.com
Delta Blues Museum, book signing for Charles Farley's Soul of the Man: Bobby "Blue" Bland, 2 pm. Friday and 11 am. Saturday; Son House exhibit; State of Blues, through August... Read More

Blues, gospel fans heading to Clarksdale for Sunflower River fest

(August 10, 2011)

clarionledger.com
This weekend the 24th annual Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival takes place in Clarksdale, and as usual there's plenty of action in the clubs as well. On Friday night the... Read More

Charles Farley Book Signings at the Delta Blues Museum

(August 9, 2011)

The Delta Blues Museum is hosting two book signings on August 12th & 13, 2011 for Charles Farley, author of Soul of the Man: Bobby "Blue" Bland, New Biography. E-vite

IC Music Fest - Chicago, IL

(August 4, 2011)

Planning a trip to the Chicago area? Check out the ICMusicFest on Saturday, August 20, 2011. This event is sponsored by The Crossroads Bar & Grill. Donations collected during the festival will help support the History of the Blues at the Delta Blues Museum.

IC Music Fest - Chicago, IL

(August 4, 2011)

Steamy Nights no Problem for Cool Southern Soul Artists at the Sunflower

(August 2, 2011)

Press Release - Panny Mayfield
Steamy nights in August are no problem for the Sunflower Festival's insatiable appetite for cool Southern Soul artists, says co-chairman Melville Tillis. Following in the festival's Friday night tradition of presenting soul masters topped by Latimore packing 9,000 music fans in Blues Alley will be Mid-South favorites: David Brinston and Nathaniel Kimble. Returning following his 2007 performance...

Mississippi: 'The Help' Tours and Packages, Blues Trail & Great Food

(August 3, 2011)

Discover America - Sam in the City Blog
No matter how much you loved The Help, music will always steal the show in Clarksdale. From Wednesday through Saturday, musicians keep the local blues tradition alive at Ground Zero Blues Club (owned in part by actor and Delta native Morgan Freeman). You can stumble upon Blues Trail markers (Ike Turner's birthplace; Muddy Waters' cabin), visit the Delta Blues Museum, attend a number of music festivals and stand at the Crossroads where Robert Johnson allegedly traded his soul for his talent. Read More

Oxford Blues Fest Draws Chicago Greats

(July 20, 2011)

ClarionLedger.com
The second annual Oxford Blues Festival runs Friday through Sunday at venues across the Oxford area. Related events include a panel on Friday at 4 p.m. at the University Museum featuring photographer Dick Waterman, Shelley Ritter of the Delta Blues Museum and bluesman Ben Payton.

Mississippi Public Broadcasting

(July 17, 2011)

This week, Larry Morrisey visits the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale and talks with Shelley Ritter, the Executive Director. Ritter gives the history of the Museum, its current programs, and talks about their current expansion project.

What's on View at the Delta Blues Museum

(July 6, 2011)

Blue Star Museums Blog
Just as New Orleans is inextricably linked with jazz, Clarksdale, Mississippi is ground zero for its soulful sister, the blues. Here, deep in "the land where the blues began," the Delta Blues Museum is dedicated to preserving and teaching this uniquely American musical form.

Sunflower Festival Headliners and Festival Lineup

(June 17, 2011)

Dorothy Moore and Johnny Rawls to headline the 24th Annual Sunflower Festival on August 12-14, 2011. Read More Festival Lineup

Opening Reception for Son House Exhibit with Photos by Dick Waterman

(June 8, 2011)

The Delta Blues Museum will open its newest exhibit focusing on SON HOUSE, June 23, 2011 from 5:00 - 7:00pm Press Release Media Advisory E-vite

Pinetop Perkins Foundation Announces 2011 Scholarship Recipients

(June 6, 2011)

Delta Blues Museum music students and artists on the recently released CD "From Clarksdale to Kansas City, Vol 1" have been awarded scholarships from the Pinetop Perkins Foundation. Read More

Delta Blues Museum Listing

(June 2011)

The Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi, has been included in the Family Days Out USA online listing of kid friendly places to visit.

24th Annual Sunflower River Blues Festival

(June 2011)

The Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival is produced by the Sunflower River Blues Association who donate their time and services all year to showcase the unique cultural heritage of Mississippi Delta blues and gospel music. New members are welcome to join and attend meetings at the Delta Blues Museum. Membership dues are $15 per year.

DBM student band releases CD

(June 1, 2011)
Clarksdale Press Register

The Delta Blues Museum will host a CD release party on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at Ground Zero Blues Club from 6-8 pm to celebrate the release of "From Clarksdale to Kansas...

Passing Down the Blues in Alabama and Mississippi

(June 1, 2011)
HuffingtonPost.com

They know nothing about the blues." Fortunately, thanks to the Delta Blues Museum Educational Project in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and the Alabama Blues... Read Article

Get Your Custom Engraved Blues Brick Today!

(May 2011)

Show your support of the Delta Blues Museum by purchasing a custom engraved blues brick which will be used to complete the new Muddy Waters Addition. Read More Download Flyer

European Blues Union

(May 29, 2011)

Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale is writing that Pinetop Perkins died today ... RIP Pinetop Read More

DBM Band CD Release Party

(May 27, 2011)

On June 2, 2011 the Delta Blues Museum and Ground Zero Blues Club will be hosting a CD Release Party for Museum Bands CD "From Clarksdale to Kansas City". Press Release E-vite

Still Singing the Blues: The Ranks of Old Delta Blues Musicians ...

(May 26, 2011)

I find him on a Friday afternoon in Clarksdale, holding court before a rapt audience at the Delta Blues Museum. He's asked for his opinion on white rock 'n' ...

Festival Cancellations Due to Rising Flood Waters

(April 2011)

The Leland Blues Project has regretfully cancelled the following Festivals:
- The 20th Annual Leland Crawfish Festival on May 14th
- The 12th Annual Highway 61 Blues Festival on June 4th
- The Holly Ridge Jam on June 5th
Please join us in praying for all the tornado and flood victims in all of the affected areas.

George Winston Solo Harmonica Concert

(April 2011)

On May 6, 2011 the Delta Blues Museum will be hosting George Winston performing a solo harmonica concert on the DBM stage. Read More

Malaco Records Building Destroyed by a Storm

(April 15, 2011)
Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter/SpinningSoul.com

Malaco Records, which has recorded and/or released albums for dozens of soul and blues legends, had its offices and recording studios destroyed Friday afternoon when a tornado hit Jackson, Mississippi. Of the three buildings in the compound, one was a total loss, while the other two had more than half of the structure destroyed.

DBM Band CD Release "From Clarksdale to Kansas City"

(April 14, 2011)

In time for the 2011 Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, the Delta Blues Museum will release "From Clarksdale to Kansas City, Vol. 1," the first CD featuring the museum's own student band. Press Release

Acoustic Africa Featuring Habib Koite & Afel Bocoum

April 14, 2011 at 7:00pm

Coahoma Community College - The Pinnacle Read More

Great Museums to Highlight Delta Blues Museum on its Social Media Pages

(April 5, 2011)

Great Museums will be showcasing the Delta Blues Museum, sharing the groundbreaking on the Muddy Waters addition, on their website through their post "The Blues Live On: The Delta Blues Museum". Great Museums will also be tweeting and posting more information about the Delta Blues Museum during the month of April.

Delta Blues Museum Unveils New Exhibit

(March 31, 2011)

"Mississippi: State of the Blues", an exhibit of photographs by noted Mississippi photographer Ken Murphy, taken from the book of the same name will be unveiled April 7, 2011 with a reception and book signing at the museum. Read More

Muddy Waters Addition To The Delta Blues Museum Coming

(March 23, 2011)

The Delta Blues Museum broke ground on the Museum's new wing, to be dedicated as the Muddy Waters Addition. Read More

Delta Blues Museum Breaks Ground on Muddy Waters Addition

(March 23, 2011)
AmericanBluesScene.com

Press release for the ground breaking of the Muddy Waters Addition at the Delta Blues Museum.

Delta Blues Museum Breaks Ground on Muddy Waters Addition

(March 22, 2011)
Highway61Radio.com

The following is a press release from the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale that I'm reproducing verbatim. Congratulations to the Museum!

Delta Blues Museum Breaks Ground on Muddy Waters Addition

(March 22, 2011)

The Delta Blues Museum hosted its groundbreaking ceremony for the new Muddy Waters addition to the museum on March 22, 2011. The new addition is planned to be open to the public in 2012. Read More

Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins - RIP

July 7, 1913 - March 21, 2011

"Pinetop" Joe Willie Perkins, one of the last classic Delta bluesmen who still performed and a master of boogie-woogie piano, died on March 21st at his home in Austin, Texas, at the age of 97. Read More

Mississippi Fred McDowell - My Babe

(March 15, 2011)

The original stone was subsequently donated by McDowell's family to the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi

Big Jack Johnson "The Oilman" - RIP

(March 2011)

The Delta Blues Museum mourns the passing of Clarksdale blues legend Big Jack Johnson, who passed away on the morning of Monday, March 14, 2011 "around 6am" at a hospital in Memphis. Read More

Pinetop Perkins and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith win Grammy

(March 2011)

Please enjoy this great moment in time where two legendary Chicago blues artists, have a moment of glory as they receive their Grammy for their CD Joined At The Hip! Word has it that Pinetop, now 97, is the oldest living recipient of the award! Read More

Acoustic Blues & Slide Guitar Workshop with Scott Ainslie

(February 2, 2011)

On February 12, 2011 the Delta Blues Museum will be hosting a guitar workshop performed by Scott Ainslie Read More

Classic Mini-Film Fest Being Planned Around Mar 26th Birthday

(January, 2011)

Williams Festival Joins Global Celebrations Honoring the Playwright's Centennial Year Tennessee Williams 19th Annual Festival October 14th - 15th, 2011 Read More

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

January 30, 2011 at 3:00pm

Coahoma Community College - The Pinnacle Event Info Press Release

Tennessee Williams Spring Festival

(January 28, 2011)

Clarksdale Celebrates 100th Birthday of Tennessee Williams with Unique Multi-Faceted Spring Festival March 26, 2011 It's Free! Read More

Congratulations to Pinetop Perkins for his Lifetime Achievement Award!

(January 2011)

The 2011 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2011. Read More

Sunflower Festival to Celebrate Five

(January 8, 2011)

Michael James, Wesley Jefferson,'Tater' Wiley, Sarah Moore, James Alford to be honored at 24th Annual Festival August 12-14, 2011 Read More