Longtime Mississippi bluesman Jesse Robinson has been recognized for his contributions to a music genre with deep roots in the Magnolia State.
On Thursday, Robinson, fellow musicians, friends, family, and local officials gathered at Iron Horse Grill in Jackson as a Mississippi Blues Trail marker was unveiled in the storied artist’s honor.
Robinson, who was born in Benton in 1944, began playing guitar as a young child, which paved the pathway to a lengthy and prosperous career. Throughout his time as a blues performer, Robinson has played with other blues legends, including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Bobby Rush. He is known for his soulful performances and has been a significant figure in the Mississippi blues scene, contributing to the genre through both his music and his efforts in blues education.
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“We are very excited to commemorate Jesse Robinson’s significant and continued contribution to the world of blues music and music education, especially in March, as we celebrate Mississippi Musician’s Month in the state known as the birthplace of America’s music,” Visit Mississippi Director Rochelle Hicks said.
The Mississippi Blues Trail celebrates the profound cultural impact of blues music by honoring the musicians, venues, and landmarks that have defined the state’s reputation as the Birthplace of America’s Music. Administered by Visit Mississippi, the statewide initiative showcases over 200 markers commemorating the roots of blues music in Mississippi and inviting visitors to experience its enduring legacy firsthand.
