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Many people from all over the Mid-South gather at Memphis Levitt Shell to celebrate country blues; the special guest was Blind Mississippi Morris, an American blues musician.
For over 50 years the Memphis Country Blues Festival has been celebrated in Overton Park-Levitt Shell. African American country blues musician who was talented but ignored along with white musicians have had the opportunity to share their music at this festival. The country blues sound of harmonicas and guitars gives medley to powerful voices of the southern soul. The Smithsonian Folk Ways Recording mentions that the lyrics of country blues gives “the African American experience and the hardships of work, life, and love in the American South, and themes of travel, loneliness, and wandering of the blues musician lifestyle.” Friday, October 8, 2021, the Memphis Levitt Shell auditorium was covered from front to back with blankets, lawn chairs, and faces of all colors and ages listen and appreciate the sound of country blues. The Memphis Grizzlies supported with Head Coach, Taylor Jenkins, and Grizzles Grannies. Taylor Jenkins gives greetings and comments about the love and support of the Mid-South. In addition, the Grizzles Grannies was one of the highlights of the evening, these local senior Grizzles fans uplifted the audience with their dance presentation. Blind Mississippi Morris grace the Memphis Country Blues Festival accompanied by Bradd Webb. Blind Mississippi Morris opens his performance by explaining the heart and soul of country blues. He tells the stories of the struggles and the lifestyles of African American in country of Mississippi; and explains how their life experiences became their song of country blues. Morris tells the audience that “true country blues comes from pain.” Blind Mississippi Morris sings many of his greatest hits especially “Mysterious Woman” and “HWY61”. The audience listened and enjoyed the country blue. Gloria Johnson, local Memphis resident, said “I can't wait to bring my family again next year to Memphis Country Blues Festival.” Annually this festival is hosted at the Levitt Shell in Memphis, Tennessee. Many are looking forward to next year's events.
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A1GF Spook a local rapper and rising star from West Memphis, Arkansas shares his career path and views on the music industry.
Hip hop has been apart the fabric of the urban minority communities since the early 1970s, and it has evolved into a sound like no other. Hip hop flow, style, and beat combined with lyrics, poetry, and sound effects makes the listeners connect. Hip hop speaks to emotions and experiences, as well as fancies and dreams. According to Icon Collective “Hip hop has grown into one of the world’s most prominent musical genres and cultural influences.” Hip hop has affected the culture, it has affected languages, fashion, relationships, businesses, and music itself. A1GF Spook started rapping as a teenager, falling in love with music. At the age of 21, Spook pursued his passion for music and started recording. “I had to learn everything myself, “said A1GF Spook. Spook learned to create the song, sound effects, and arrangements all on his own abilities and talents. Spook started his own independent record label, No Gravity Records, at 21 years old. No Gravity Record tag is “elevation.” Elevation encourages everyone to live life without gravity. “Just float” says A1GF Spook. Spook was influenced by Lil Wayne as a teenager and now respectfully Young Dolph. Spook music is described as having range, covering topics with relationships, homeboys, and life situations. “My music tells people to be themselves,” said Spook. “Energy, delivery, and quality is what makes good music,” said A1GF Spook. A1GF Spook has relocated to Georgia and is working on new music and building his record label. A1GF Spook stressed the importance of studying his craft and producing the best quality of music. A1GF Spook wants his listeners to keep “positivity.” He has the philosophy that everything will be resolved with positivity. Connect with A1GF Spook music on all streaming platforms as well as on Facebook and Instagram. |
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Kheel Center, Cornell University Library