January 23rd, 2018 by Warren Matthews
The Arts & Culture District sign honorning Andrew Carr was just mounted in historic downtown Clarksdale. It is located at the corner of Issaquena Ave. and E. 2nd St., and is not far from the current headquarters of Coahoma Opportunities Inc, where Andy distinguished himself as a helpful, community minded and progressive young man. Andy […]
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January 23rd, 2018 by Warren Matthews
The Arts & Culture District sign honoring Rev. Walter Dakin was put up in front of St. Episcopal Church, where Dakin was the rector from 1915 to 1931. He was also the grandfather of Tennessee Williams, and a founding influence on his grandson’s remarkable literary career. (More information here.) Reverend Dakin’s sign was can be […]
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January 22nd, 2018 by Warren Matthews
Music history and highlights on January 22nd from the birthplace of the blues… and rock n’ roll. 1575: Queen Elizabeth grants Thomas Tallis and William Byrd music press monopoly in England. 1897: Blues and spiritial singer “Blind” Willie Johnson born in Pendleton, Texas. 1900: Microphone inventor David Edward Hughes passes away. 1904: Founder of New […]
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January 21st, 2018 by Warren Matthews
Here’s a Clarksdale documentary film, ” A Life of Service” off of the City website. Check out all Clarksdale documentary films here. “A Life of Service” is about Clarksdale civic leader Bertha Blackburn, and it also features her friend Cozetta White. At an early age Bertha learned the importance of giving back to her community. […]
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January 21st, 2018 by Warren Matthews
Music history highlights that have happened on January 21st from the birthplace of the blues… and rock n’ roll. 1927: 1st national broadcast ever from a U.S. opera venue (Faust from Chicago). 1941: Opera tenor Placido Domingo born in Madrid. 1941: Folk singer Richie Havens born in Brooklyn. 1956: Victor Borge’s “Comedy in Music” show […]
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January 20th, 2018 by Warren Matthews
“A Change Is Gonna Come” (WIKIPEDIA, research source) One of the most important songs ever, written Sam Cooke from the album “Ain’t That Good News”. It was released on December 22, 1964, and it was the “B” side of Sam’s single “Shake.” It was recorded on January 30, 1964 at RCA Studios in Los Angeles. […]
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January 20th, 2018 by Warren Matthews
Elvis Presley Birthplace, Vicksburg National Military Park, GRAMMY Museum and Clarksdale’s Mississippi Rock & Blues Museum in top five. (USA TODAY) The Magnolia State is many things; it’s the birthplace of the blues and a critical Civil Rights battle ground. It’s natural beauty includes the sandy beaches of the Gulf and the famed waters of […]
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January 19th, 2018 by Warren Matthews
Some music history on January 19th from the birthplace of the blues… and rock n’ roll. 1853: Verdi’s opera “Il Trovatore” premiers in Rome. 1938: Phil Everly born in Brownie, Kentucky. 1943: Janis Joplin born in Port Arthur, Texas. 1946: Dolly Parton born in Sevierville, Tennessee. 1949: Robert Palmer born in Batley, England. 1954: Katey […]
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January 16th, 2018 by Warren Matthews
A little bit of music history… from the birthplace of the blues. 1938: First jazz concert ever held in Carnegie Hall, and it was Benny Goodman. 1937: Ventures bassist Bob Bogel born. 1942: U.S. R&B singer Barbara Lynn born. 1943: Country singer Ronnie Milsap born in North Carolina. 1957: The Cavern Club opens in Liverpool, […]
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January 15th, 2018 by Warren Matthews
Some music history from the birthplace of the blues… and rock n’ roll. 1785: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s string quartet opus 10 premieres. 1895: Tchaikovsky’s ballet “Swan Lake” premiers in St. Petersburg. 1909: Drummer Gene Krupa born. 1929: Zydeco music’s “Queen Ida” (Guillory) is born. 1941: Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet) born. 1933: Songwriter Sammy Cahn […]
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