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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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Photo used under Creative Commons from Kheel Center, Cornell University Library