JACKSON — A new Mississippi Blues Trail marker in Amory recognizes the lineage of musicians linked to the historic railroad city.
“The railroad lines of Amory carried more than freight out into the world. They also helped to carry Mississippi’s blues legacy through the talents of locals who later became performers in the genre,” said Visit Mississippi Director Craig Ray.
Several generations of blues, soul and gospel performers came from the families of African-American workers employed in Amory by the Frisco railroad line. Others worked as sharecroppers or for local businesses. Amory native Lucille Bogan was a prominent blues recording artist in the 1920s and ’30s, and other native performers have included Frank Swan, James Whitfield, Roger and Dudley McKinney, the Top Hats, Al Rachel and Michael Freeman.
The marker is located at 314 Main St. N. It is the 207th installment on the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Launched in 2006 by the Mississippi Blues Commission, the Mississippi Blues Trail commemorates the people, places and history of blues music, the American art form responsible for shaping modern popular music. The free Mississippi Blues Trail app is available now for iOS and Android devices. For additional information, visit msbluestrail.org.
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