The Mississippi Blues Commission honored thelegacy of the blues in Pensacola with a designation as an official stopon the Mississippi Blues Trail. A dedication ceremony for the officialMississippi Blues Marker takes place in the historic Belmont-Devilliersneighborhood of Pensacola on Friday, Jan. 18.
“What an incredible honor for such animportant piece of Pensacola history,” President of Visit PensacolaSteve Hayes said. “Our destination is excited to welcome Blues-loversfrom around the world.”
An early center for blues, ragtime, vaudevilleand jazz activity, Belmont-Devilliers developed into a regionalcornerstone as the “chitlin’ circuit.” Touring acts and local musiciansfound a welcome base in the African American business and entertainmentdistrict for several decades. Blues performers such as B.B. King, JuniorParker, and Sam Cooke found a welcomed home in the neighborhood’stheaters and clubs.
The marker will also recognize the works ofthose in the neighborhood dedicated to fostering the growth andappreciation of the Blues including Gussie Streeter of Gussie’s RecordShop and Abe Pierce Sr., of Abe’s 506 and Savoy Ballroom.