Ep 4. The Blues Lives On: The Delta Blues Museum

The Great Museums series takes viewers on a journey through some of the most incredible museums around the world. In season 2, episode 4, entitled "The Blues Lives On: The Delta Blues Museum," viewers are brought to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where they are able to explore one of the most iconic museums in the United States.

Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the Delta Blues Museum is home to one of the largest collections of blues memorabilia in the world. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the blues, a style of music that originated in the deep South and has had a profound impact on American culture. Through interviews, musical performances, and archival footage, this episode of Great Museums explores the rich history and heritage of the blues, and delves into the ways in which this unique genre of music continues to inspire and influence artists today.

The episode begins with a brief history of the blues, tracing its roots back to West Africa and following its development in the United States as a form of expression for African American slaves. Viewers are introduced to some of the pioneers of the blues, including artists like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King, who helped to popularize the genre and bring it to a wider audience. Through interviews with musicians and scholars, the episode explores the various styles of the blues, from the raw, emotional sound of the Delta blues to the more polished, urban sound of Chicago blues.

From there, viewers are taken on a tour of the Delta Blues Museum, which is housed in a historic train depot that dates back to the early 1900s. Inside the museum, visitors can see a variety of exhibits and artifacts related to the blues, including guitars, harmonicas, and even the original jail cell from the old Coahoma County jail where Robert Johnson is said to have spent a night. The museum also features a recording studio, where visitors can try their hand at playing and recording their own blues tunes.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to performances by a variety of musicians, including local blues performers and well-known artists like Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal. The episode also explores the impact that the blues has had on other genres of music, such as rock and roll, jazz, and hip hop, and showcases how modern artists continue to draw inspiration from the blues.

Overall, "The Blues Lives On: The Delta Blues Museum" is a fascinating and engaging exploration of one of America's most important musical genres. Whether you're a fan of the blues or simply appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the United States, this episode of Great Museums is sure to entertain and inform.