STARKVILLE — Before author and publisher Joe Lee ever put his name on a book cover, he was a Starkville kid buying CliffsNotes at the old Book Mart on Main Street – a shop owned by the parents of the woman who would one day become his wife.
So returning to Starkville on Thursday for a Books and Authors event at the Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library felt a bit like coming home.
“I grew up here,” Lee said. “I love any speaking opportunity, but it’s very special to come back here.”
Lee visited the library to discuss his newest book, “Jacktown USA,” co-written with entertainment attorney Kamel King. Hosted by Friends of the Library, the event drew local readers, music lovers and longtime supporters of Mississippi’s creative community. By the time the space cleared out, Lee had sold out of every copy he brought – a moment he called “tremendously flattering.”
A musical legacy hiding in plain sight
“Jacktown USA” began with a conversation inside the Jackson entertainment law firm, Frascogna Law Group, where King works as a practicing attorney. Senior partner Mike Frascogna Jr. had been discussing Mississippi’s surprising national ranking: the state leads the country in Grammy Awards and nominations per capita, according to Recording Academy data dating back to 1959.
That statistic sparked a bigger idea.
“We agreed Mississippi is not always known for the things it does right,” Lee said. “But we excel at the creative economy. We don’t want to be the country’s best-kept secret when it comes to music.”
The book profiles giants of Mississippi blues and Southern soul – names well known to regional audiences but often more celebrated abroad than at home. Lee spent months interviewing musicians whose careers took them from Jackson clubs to international tours across France, Switzerland and beyond.
One story that stayed with him came from bluesman Dexter Allen, who described how different communities perceive the genre.
“He told me, ‘Blues doesn’t have to be an old Black guy sitting on a stool with a straw hat picking a guitar…,’” Lee said. “‘It’s about life. It’s about common experiences.’”
Allen, who often teaches in local schools, said he’ll introduce children to the form with sing-alongs like “I Got Them Old Math Test Blues,” reminding students that everyone – happy or sad – has “the blues sometimes.”
“That really struck me,” Lee said. “Music brings people together. Whatever Mississippi has done wrong, we do music really well.”
Finding the story
From the start, Lee knew the book was something he wanted to write.
“From the first conversation with Mike and Kamel, I said, ‘This is a story I’m telling. Just let me know when you’re ready to get started,’” he said.
As he researched, certain profiles took on a natural arc. Blues artist Eddie Cotton opens the book; producer Benjamin Wright closes it.
“Benjamin’s story of how hard he worked, how he refused to give up – that sealed it,” Lee said. “I thought, ‘This is the last chapter.’”
Thursday’s event was part of the library’s ongoing effort to connect readers with regional authors. For Lee, those small, face-to-face community gatherings are still the most powerful tool a writer has.
“Word of mouth – you can’t put a price on that,” Lee said. “I preach this to the authors I publish: your launch may have 100 people there… but you might drive two hours to a library and have five people. You still put on the best show you can.”
And he says that’s exactly how the musicians work too. “Every time you get out and play or speak about your work, you may make a new connection,” Lee said. “That’s what drives the people in the book, and it’s what drives me as an author and publisher.”
‘Jacktown’ – Mississippi’s best-kept secret
Ask Lee why the book’s focus on Jackson is important, and he doesn’t hesitate.
“The City of Jackson is a tremendously well-kept secret when it comes to its influence on the national and international music scene,” he said.
He points to the generations of musicians who not only perform but mentor – judging open mic nights, coaching young artists, hosting jam sessions and keeping the city’s music culture alive despite a shrinking number of venues.
With a second printing already on the way and enthusiastic reactions from early readers, Lee said he’s grateful – and still slightly amazed – by the response.
“I don’t work a day in my life,” he said, smiling as he signed books. “I’m honored people care about this story.”
Friends of the Library, who organize the Books and Authors series, said Lee’s presentation was exactly the kind of storytelling they hope to bring to the community: rich local history, personal connection and a spotlight on Mississippi’s creative talent. They plan to host an event with Robert St. John Dec. 2 and they encourage the community to keep up with their events via their Facebook page, Starkville Public Library.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
