We rose this morning on the site of the Hopson Plantation, ‘first mechanized plantation in Mississippi,’ a title, it seems, that it shares with any number of other Delta agricultural enterprises.
We dressed and headed up Route 61 to The Crossroads, at Route 49, the site where bluesman Robert Johnson famously sold his soul to the devil. A few blocks North and East took us to (John Lee) Hooker Street, where our hosts Guy and Bill said we could find a good breakfast at Delta Amusement, Food and Drink.
Delta Amusement appears to be a bar, restaurant, blues club, backyard BBQ and social hall in the heart of Clarksdale. As we were finishing our eggs (no grits this morning) the regulars came in with their cards (and dice, if you look carefully to the right of the gentleman above). We assume all the games are friendly… in any case, you don’t want to shoot dice with this guy… trust me.
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In that one picture, you have most of the strong archetypes that I grew up with. And Clarksdale! That’s like Jerusalem or something. Wow, good for you. Have fun, Michael
No photo of the actual crossroads?
Michael- Really great to hear from you…! I seem to be spending a lot of time with ‘your people’… hope you enjoyed John Hiatt, speaking of authentic…
Yes, they are my people. Just please don’t read the Middle Tennessee State University Poll published this week (http://www.mtsusurveygroup.org/mtpoll/f2009/MTSU%20Poll%20National%20Report%20Fall%202009%20final.htm) – doesn’t make me too proud of where I’m from.
Yes, Hiatt was a monster. He starts off slow and by the time the house lights come up you can tell he’s just getting started. The real deal, and his acoustic show with Lyle is really something to see.