Any discussion of American musical history inevitably leads with Mississippi, and the list of musical geniuses from the state is out of proportion to its population. Dig a little deeper and the discussion begins to focus on the Delta, in particular, and the “Delta Blues” that influenced the musical scene in Chicago, New York, St. Louis and across the globe.
But there is another region in Mississippi that rivals The Delta for its musical roots and influence. The Black Prairie, named for its fertile black soil, which runs from northeast Mississippi to south central Alabama, is the birthplace of famous bluesmen such as Howlin’ Wolf, Big Joe Williams, Bukka White, Lucille Bogan and Willie King. Tupelo is at the northern end of The Black Prairie, and it was there that Elvis was reportedly influenced by bluesman Lonnie Williams. For some, the genius of Black Prairie bluesmen would not be recognized until late in their lives. Some gained fame only posthumously as emerging artists began to cite them as their own musical influences across a variety of genres.
It’s been said that there may have been no “British Invasion” in the 1960s without the influence of Mississippi bluesmen, some from The Black Prairie. The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton all say their first musical inspiration came listening to those artists.
This week, we are reminded yet again of the tremendous influence of The Black Prairie with the passing of Barrett Strong (81), who helped put Motown on the map.
Like Howlin’ Wolf, Strong was born in White Station community outside of West Point. He, his parents and four sisters moved to Detroit shortly after WWII, when Strong was 5.
In some respects, Strong is to Motown what Mississippi blues was to rock-and-roll.
His 1959 recording “Money (That’s What I Want)” for Motown founder Berry Gordy was the infant recording company’s first hit, generating funds to keep the label going in those formative years.
But Strong’s contribution to the growth of Motown goes far beyond a footnote. Although he recorded, performed and produced music for almost 60 years, his greatest legacy was his songwriting. Together with writing partner Norman Whitfield, they wrote hit after hit for legendary Motown artists, especially The Temptations during a particularly rich song-writing decade of the 60s and early 70s.
It’s hard, in fact, to imagine Motown without Strong/Whitfeld songs like “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “Just My Imagination, “War (What Is It Good For),” “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby” and, finally “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” which won an Emmy for song-writing for the duo.
As we know, musical talent is not confined to Mississippi, the Delta or Black Prairie. But the musical genius born here is a mystery hard to explain.
“I’m continually amazed at the people who come from this area who have just incredible talent,” said Black Prairie Blues Museum board member, Bob Brzuszek. “You look at the Delta, and then you parallel that with the Black Prairie and it’s nothing short of stunning how many talented musicians of all stripes are from here. How do you explain it? It must be in the water.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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