Mississippi Blues: 1900–2025 is a sweeping, century‑spanning history of Mississippi’s blues tradition

Mississippi Blues: 1900–2025 is a sweeping, century‑spanning history of Mississippi’s blues tradition written by Meredith Coleman McGee, and your query points directly to that book. Here’s the essential overview, grounded in the most authoritative sources available.

🎶 Core Takeaway

It’s a comprehensive, 382‑page history of Mississippi blues from its early 1900 roots through 2025, centered on pioneers like Charlie Patton and modern legends such as Bobby Rush, King Edward, and Jesse “Guitar” Robinson.

📘 What the Book Covers

  • Origins of the Blues (1900s–1930s) Begins with Charlie Patton (1891–1934) — called The First Rock ’n’ Roller and Grandfather of the Blues — along with other early Delta pioneers.
  • Jackson’s Elder Bluesmen (Mid‑century to present) Central chapters focus on three major Jackson artists:
    • Bobby Rush (1933– )
    • King Edward (1937– )
    • Jesse “Guitar” Robinson (1944– ) Their stories form the heart of the narrative.
  • Broader Mississippi & American Blues Lineage Profiles dozens of artists, including:
    • David “Honeyboy” Edwards
    • Muddy Waters
    • Howlin’ Wolf
    • Jimmy “Duck” Holmes And many lesser‑known musicians who sustained the tradition.
  • Cultural & Musical Evolution (20th–21st Century) Tracks blues from rural juke joints and street corners to electrified festival stages, showing how Mississippi shaped American music.

🖋️ About the Author

Meredith Coleman McGee — poet, publisher, book collector, lecturer, résumé writer, and small business owner — has authored multiple full‑length and children’s books, including Billie Holiday: Jazz Singer, Juneteenth: Freedom Day, James Meredith: Warrior and the America That Created Him, and more.

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