Blues Reside in Mississippi Delta Community
Livin' Large in the Heart of the Delta
Clarksdale, Mississippi ain't your typical small-town USA. Sure, it's got that old-time charm with its brick buildings and wide avenues, but don't let appearances fool ya. Bubba O'Keefe, the town's tourism director, will tell ya: "People come here and say, 'Oh my gosh, this place is going down.' I say, 'Well, you should have seen it 25 years ago. We're on the upward swing.'"
Twenty-five years ago, blues aficionado Roger Stolle couldn't find a single lick of live music in this Delta city, despite Clarksdale's rich blues history. Some folks might call it a shame, but back then, it didn't seem to bother locals much.
That all changed when Stolle moved to town, saw the potential, and decided to shake things up. Now, Clarksdale rolls out the blues seven nights a week, thanks to him, O'Keefe, and a whole crew of believers. They've transformed this town into a music-lover's playground, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Speak to the likes of Charlie Musselwhite, a blues legend who grew up in neighboring Kosciusko, Mississippi, and later landed in Clarksdale, and you'll hear stories of days past and witness firsthand the town's resurgence. Musselwhite remembers crowded streets and bustling pickup trucks on Saturdays, back when Clarksdale was thriving. "The place is almost a ghost town," he says, "but now it's coming back."
Thanks to Moon River Festivals and plenty of dedicated locals, Clarksdale hosts over a dozen blues festivals annually. The town's music scene sizzles with daily performances, and it's not uncommon to catch a set at legendary venues like Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman. In fact, live music seeps into the town's fabric, spilling out onto street corners, outdoor stages, and makeshift stages wherever an amplifier can be plugged in.
But Clarksdale's not just about blues and festivals. Stop by the Shack Up Inn, a collection of former sharecroppers' shacks, for a taste of rural Mississippi living and music, or book a night at the stylish Travelers Hotel to enjoy a more thoroughly modern experience. Restaurants and bars abound, serving up Delta-influenced polished takes on Southern staples, Creole-inspired cuisine, and even gourmet fare. Visit Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, or the Delta Blues Museum, to take a deep dive into the town's legacy and musical heritage.
And don't forget about Clarksdale's festival town vibe. With over two dozen performance venues to choose from, you can catch a show just about anywhere you go. "You're walking back in time," O'Keefe says, summing up the magic of downtown Clarksdale.
So, come on down to Clarksdale, where music's the heartbeat, and good times are waiting around every corner. You'll find live blues, good eats, and Southern charm—all in an authentic setting that feels like a movie set. Just remember, you gotta experience it for yourself. "Get out and do stuff," Ann Williams, owner of the Travelers Hotel, encourages. "Who wants to spend their whole evening staring at a box, right?" That's TV talk for ya, friend.
Travelers can immerse themselves in a unique blend of entertainment and lifestyle in Clarksdale, where the heartbeat of live blues music pulses through the streets, accompanied by vibrant dining experiences and festivals that showcase the town's rich musical heritage. Sports enthusiasts might even catch a performance at the legendary Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman, making Clarksdale a perfect destination for an unforgettable travel adventure.
