Delta Blues E-Vite

On Wednesday, August 28th, 5 to 7 pm, the Delta Blues Museum will host a public "thank you" reception for DBM employee Bob Kimbrough. Kimbrough is retiring after eight years of service.

Kimbrough has greeted Museum visitors, sold products in the gift shop, guided tourists to local blues sites, answered many questions about blues music and history (most asked: "Where's the Crossroads?"), helped kids play the blues, and performed many maintenance tasks to keep the Museum's galleries and offices up and running in top condition.

We asked Kimbrough about his years at the Museum:

Bob Kimbrough Photo Credit: Lee Pharr

How did you begin work at the Museum?

I moved here because I loved the blues. I met Director Shelley Ritter and took a "temporary" job--45 days turned into 8 years!

What sparked your interest in the blues?

My blues interest began around 1956 because of a song called "Fannie Mae" by Buster Brown. I loved the way he played the harmonica and it caused me to buy one for myself. I was around 12 years old. But what really made me get going was when I met my best friend in the Army, Jimmy Jenkins, who was from Chicago. I went home with him on leave and his sister worked for Chess Records. I had the opportunity to meet some true legends of the blues like Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon. I even hung out in an old rusted-out car in a field with Big Walter while he drank gin and told me everything about his own blues story! It still give me goose bumps to remember that!

Who would you name as influences?

Jimmy Reed and Sonny Boy Williamson 1, Big and Little Walter.

What did you like about working at the Museum?

I have really enjoyed meeting so many people from all over the world who shared my interest and passion for the music. I also enjoyed seeing and helping the growth of the museum.

Any advice for visitors?

Just don't be in a hurry! You gottta go with the flow of things and give yourself time to enjoy it.

What are you going to do with your free time?

I've got a "Honey-do" list to keep me busy for the rest of my life! But I also want to try to play a little bit and just enjoy myself.

Any closing notes?

I want to thank everyone at the museum and say that I have thoroughly enjoyed all my time here. I have met some truly great people and I will miss everybody! Although I hope to see y'all around Clarksdale enjoying the blues with me.

The public is invited to thank Bob at a party, Wednesday August 28, 5 - 7 pm. Music by the Delta Blues Museum Band. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information contact the Delta Blues Museum 662-627-6820, or visit the Museum web site at www.deltabluesmuseum.org.

The Delta Blues Museum is located at #1 Blues Alley Lane in downtown Clarksdale.

~ ends ~

Shelley Ritter, Director

This newsletter is supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and,
in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.