Dedicated to helping the re-emergence of The Mississippi Delta economically by publicizing the rich music history that spawned generations of other musical generes.
I grew up there, and although I heard some "real" blues almost mystically in the background of my childhood, I did not pay much attention (except at dances). The rhythms of just the right song bring up something innate as a result.
Elvis paid attention. Eric Clapton paid attention. Eurpoeans paid attention. America began to get it. There have been several "Blues Revivals" in rock and roll. Without all of the juke joints, blues musicians all over the Delta, not much of what we know as music today would exist.
The original Bluesmen, made very little from the record companies. Some went on to fame. There is history left in the Mississippi Delta as a result. It is not "theme parked" like Graceland. There are very few guides to where this all took place.
In my trips back home to the Delta, I began to see the history and a deep mystical soulfulness in places I passed by without notice for the first 20 years of my life. I do not want to see this richness lost.
In a perfect world there would be just the right amount of tourism and tourguides to preserve it. If it took the path of a "Theme Park" such as Graceland, so be it. Better that than lost.
There are musicians and folk artists there today who deserve a spotlight. The beginnings of this spotlight is already in place. Morgan Freeman, the actor, has invested in some terrific businesses there. Ground Zero is the perfect blues club/juke joint in the perfect place. His resturant is terrific!
Cat Head Blues and Folk Art is a business dedicated to all of the above. I have the highest admiration for Bruce who had this vision. I love hanging out there.
My grandparents had a business right around the corner form Cat Head. It was called "The Marion Shoppe" and the building is now occupied by a hair salon. The mosaic tile street entry is the same. They lived a few steps up the street in the Alcazar Hotel! Unfortunately, The Alcazar (later called Central Building) is in majnor disrepair.
My dream is to somehow see the Alcazar restored to its original glory when Ike Turner worked there and the radio station WROX spun records.
Economically, the Delta is poor,and has one of the poorest regions (per capita income) in the US. It is my mission to help alleviate that situation. I believe the rich blues history and talent can help. A preservation, revivial, and human interest is brewing. I hope it percolates, and I want to help.
Look for more creative endeavors yet to be announced.
