Mississippi Blues Trail Marker Unveiled at Iconic Crossroads in Clarksdale
CLARKSDALE, Miss. —The Mississippi Blues Trail on Thursday unveiled a new historical marker commemorating The Crossroads of Highways 61 & 49, a legendary location deeply rooted in blues history and folklore.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the intersection of the two highways in Clarksdale and brought together community leaders, tourism officials, cultural partners, and music enthusiasts to recognize the site’s enduring significance to Mississippi’s musical and cultural heritage.
The program opened with welcoming remarks from The Honorable Orlando W. Paden, Mayor of Clarksdale, who spoke to the importance of preserving and promoting the city’s blues legacy. Supervisor Pat Davis Jr., President of the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors, District 2, also welcomed guests and emphasized the Crossroads’ role in the broader cultural and economic vitality of the Mississippi Delta.
Kinchen “Bubba” O’Keefe, Executive Director of Visit Clarksdale and the Coahoma County Tourism Office, recognized special guests and project partners, highlighting the Crossroads’ continued influence as a global destination for cultural tourism and music heritage.
Vic Barbieri, artisan and designer of the iconic Crossroads sign, shared insights into the symbolism and international recognition of the site.
Craig Ray, Chair of the Mississippi Blues Commission, addressed the significance of the marker within the broader Mississippi Blues Trail program and its mission to preserve and interpret the blues’ legacy.
The ceremony also featured live musical performances by acclaimed musician and luthier James “Super Chikan” Johnson.
“The Crossroads is one of the most recognized locations in blues lore,” said Rochelle Hicks, Director of Visit Mississippi. “This marker ensures that future generations will understand its cultural impact and Mississippi’s central role in the story of American music.”
The new marker joins more than 200 Mississippi Blues Trail markers, each documenting the people, places and events that have shaped the blues.
The unveiling was presented in partnership with the Mississippi Blues Trail, Visit Mississippi and Visit Clarksdale.
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About the Mississippi Blues Trail:
The Mississippi Blues Trail celebrates the profound cultural impact of blues music by honoring the musicians, venues, and cultural landmarks that have defined Mississippi’s reputation as the Birthplace of America’s Music. Administered by Visit Mississippi, this statewide initiative showcases over 200 markers commemorating the roots of blues music in Mississippi and inviting visitors to experience its enduring legacy firsthand.
For more information about the Mississippi Blues Trail, visit msbluestrail.org.
About Visit Mississippi:
Celebrated as The Hospitality State and proudly known as the Birthplace of America’s Music, Mississippi invites visitors to experience a rich tapestry of culture, history, and unforgettable adventures. From the soulful sounds of the Delta to the serene beauty of the Gulf Coast and Appalachian foothills, Mississippi is a destination where every journey tells a story.
Visit Mississippi, a division of the Mississippi Development Authority, serves as the state’s official destination marketing organization. As storytellers and cultural ambassadors, we champion Mississippi through strategic global marketing, innovative partnerships, and creative collaboration. Our mission is to elevate the state’s thriving tourism economy and inspire visitors from around the world to discover the magic that is Mississippi.
For more information, visit visitmississippi.org.
Media Contact
Katie Coats
Chief Marketing Officer
Visit Mississippi
Office: 601-359-3035
Cell: 228-357-4086
Email: KCoats@mississippi.org
