As I travel to musical events in the Delta, I enjoy visiting the graves of blues players. It’s my homage and my way to show appreciation and care for the psyche of the makers of this music that I admire and enjoy.
A couple of years ago, along with my music buddy and girlfriend Jeanie, we ventured to find the grave of Mississippi John Hurt, who died on November 2, 1966. We left Greenwood on our way to Avalon, close to where Hurt lived. We followed the guidebook taking us down a gravel road and up a dirt road which we drove back and forth multiple times. Finally, through the woods we find the entrance to his family plot. All the way in the back Hurt rests, one of the gentlest of blues musicians. High up on the Yocona Ridge, overlooking the Delta lay the bones of this musical specialist. A tree canopy shelters his grave, covering what feels like holy ground as you approach and meander about. Words don’t do this special spot justice; Ken’s photo helps.
Over the years, we visited many blues graves of which Sonny Boy II is another favorite. It’s no telling what adornment tokens you will find left with respect. It’s not uncommon to find half a pint of whiskey left, placed after toasting, waiting for a spirit to return and imbibe.
Share your favorite blues resting spots you’ve experienced and the most unusual tokens observed. I would like to visit what’s meaningful to you and step into your story, especially with a toast for a by-gone blues singer.
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Ken Murphy and Scott Barretta will be signing at Lemuria on Thursday, November 11th.
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For a view of the beautiful photos, please visit the official State of Blues website.
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