Delta Blues Press Release

April 14, 2022

DELTA BLUES MUSEUM

Clarksdale, Mississippi

New Trumpet Records Exhibit at Delta Blues Museum

New traveling exhibit on display beginning April 20th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Clarksdale, Mississippi - APRIL 14, 2022] - Delta Blues Museum is unveiling its newest exhibit on the history of Jackson-based Trumpet Records, focusing on founder Lillian McMurry and the success of Trumpet's many Delta-based artists. The traveling exhibit - along with its accompanying website feature - was funded by Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area (MDNHA) grant.

Museum Director Shelley Ritter looks forward to unveiling the completed project to the public with an opening reception on April 20, 2022 at 5:00pm, adding, "We are excited to have the opportunity to share the history of Trumpet Records and the amazing woman behind it: Lillian Shedd McMurry - with no prior experience in the music industry - opened a record store, launched a record label and ran a recording studio where she produced, promoted, and engineered many Blues classics by artists such as Elmore James, Big Joe Williams, and Sonny Boy Williamson. We are grateful to the Mississippi Delta National Heritage area for making it possible for us to tell her important story."

In an effort to reach new audiences interested in Delta Blues artists and Trumpet's history, the exhibit will be available to travel beginning in Fall 2022, and online materials will also be made available to registered partners who host the exhibit. Interested organizations should contact Ms. Ritter at Delta Blues Museum for details.

One of many Juke Joint Festival special events, the Museum's opening reception will be held on Wednesday, April 20th at 5PM, with live music provided by Libby Rae Watson. This event is sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) along with MDNHA, Visit Clarksdale, Downtown Liquor and Becky & Bill Gresham. Public donations and tips are welcome.

About the Delta Blues Museum
Established in 1979 by the Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees and re-organized as a stand-alone museum in 1999, the Delta Blues Museum is Mississippi's first music museum. A 2013 recipient of the IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Services - the nation's highest honor for museum and library service to the community - and a 2014 recipient of the National Arts & Humanities' Youth Program Award, the Delta Blues Museum is dedicated to creating a welcoming place where visitors find meaning, value and perspective by exploring the history and heritage of the unique American musical art form, the Blues. The Museum is also recognized as a Great River Road Interpretive Center. For more information on events or programs, please call (662) 627-6820, or visit the Museum web site at www.deltabluesmuseum.org.

Members of the press may register in the Press Room on the Museum's website to access further information, downloadable images and related materials.

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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.

This site is made possible through support from the Mississippi Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Rock River Foundation.