The Mississippi Blues Trail Series: GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, MS
By Johnny Cole
Photos by Stephen Anderson
The Southland Music Line continues our Mississippi Blues Trail Series at the marker recognizing the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi located on the campus of Delta State University at 800 W. Sunflower Rd. in Cleveland, Mississippi.
Recently while attending the Mississippi Songwriters Festival: Delta Region 2023 in Cleveland, The Southland Music Line thoroughly enjoyed touring the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. In 2016, The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, California decided to add a sister museum in the state of Mississippi, “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” This expansion to Mississippi was a testament to the state’s rich heritage in blues, country, gospel, rock, and other genres.
Cleveland, Mississippi, located in the Delta region of the state, is only a short drive down the legendary Highway 61 from Memphis and a few hours north of New Orleans. The entire area around Cleveland, including several within its city limits, is also home to many Mississippi Blues Trail markers.
Top Photo: Grammy Museum Missisissippi in Cleveland, MS; above photo: The Mississippi Blues Trail marker recognizing the museum.
The primary case for choosing Cleveland and Mississippi for the museum’s location is the state’s deep history with music. Mississippi is home to a staggering list of influential musical legends including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Charley Patton, Bo Diddley, Tammy Wynette, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmie Rodgers, Sam Cooke, Conway Twitty, Robert Johnson, and of course, Elvis Presley. Mississippians represent a remarkable number of GRAMMY recipients, too. In relation to its population, Mississippi artists boast an impressive number of GRAMMY wins, particularly in the blues categories, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Additionally, Cleveland is home to Delta State University, the state’s only accredited college program for music industry studies. Its Delta Music Institute provides a wide range of opportunities for students majoring in fields associated with audio engineering and the entertainment industry.
The 28,000-square-foot museum features both permanent and special exhibits that explore great music from multiple genres of music and a history of the GRAMMY Awards. Also, the museum features high-definition touch screens and interactive technology making it one of the most advanced museums in the nation.
Grammy Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Mississippi
Similar to the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, the Mississippi location aims to educate its visitors with several impressive educational programs to advance a further appreciation for music, and its diverse history and cultural significance.
We truly enjoyed the entire museum, but particularly, the exhibits honoring Mississippi’s incredible legacy of amazing musicians. We also enjoyed visiting with museum staff – all demonstrating true Southern hospitality. We highly recommend you visit The GRAMMY Museum in Cleveland, Mississippi, a destination already being enjoyed by visitors from around the world.
Grammy Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Mississippi
Grammy Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Mississippi
Grammy Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Mississippi
Four time GRAMMY nominee Dorothy Moore performing for Grammy Museum Mississippi’s Grand Opening Gala in 2016. (Photo by Rory Doyle)
Grammy Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Mississippi
(Click Above for more Photos)
Click Here for Other Articles in our Mississippi Blues Trail Series.
Related Article:
The Southland Music Line Attends the Mississippi Songwriters Festival: Delta Region 2023 by Johnny Cole (includes an additional page of photos)
References:
1. Mississippi Blues Trail official website.
2. Grammy Museum Mississippi official website.
3. Grammy Museum official website.
4. Visit Mississippi
5. Delta Magazine
6. Visit Cleveland Mississippi
Page Designed & Edited by Johnny Cole
Additional Editing by Deborah Chatham
© The Southland Music Line. 2023.
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