TCHULA — The 167th marker in the Mississippi Blues Trail was unveiled Wednesday in this small Delta town that was the starting point for blues artists such as Elmore James, Hound Dog Taylor and Jesse Robinson.
The Tchula marker is the third in Holmes County. Others are in Lexington and at Newport Cemetery in Ebenezer.
Wednesday’s unveiling was attended by state Sen. David Jordan, D-Greenwood, and state Rep. Bryant Clark, D-Pickens. Blues artists Lewis “Love Doctor” Clark, Jesse Robinson and Pat Brown were also there.
Tchula, in its heyday, developed a thriving blues culture during the height of segregation. The area’s most famous performer was slide guitar master Elmore James.
Lexington Mayor Robin McCrory said the markers symbolize success.
“Even though our artists might not be with us, the blues are alive and well,” she said.
Blues tourism is a growing aspect of economic development for the impoverished county, McCrory said.
“We might not all speak English, we might not all speak Spanish, but music is the universal language,” she said. “There’s nothing like it that can bring us together.”
McCrory praised the work of blues enthusiast Samuel Calahan to help make the marker a reality. Calahan appealed to the Holmes County Board of Supervisors to help with funding for the marker.
The board, using funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Agency, came up with three-fourths of the marker’s total cost.
James Young, president of the board, said the marker is historically significant.
“When you go down in history in a good way, it makes everybody feel good,” he said. “This is something for your kids, your grandkids, our grandkids and great-grandkids. They will stand and look at this marker. Something happened years ago that made this city stand out. They’ll be able to say, ‘This is where my roots are.’”
Blues artist Pat Brown said the music is loved by millions.
“You really don’t know how much the blues is appreciated until you leave the United States,” she said.
She said this was evident in people she met on a trip to Finland. “They didn’t know what we were saying, but when we started singing the blues everybody knew,” she said.
Calahan said getting the marker was a victory.
“We got it done. Those that tried to help, we thank them,” he said.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
