Celebrate 40 years of the Blues Archive with the opening of a new exhibition, performances, and more!

Shortly after B.B. King donated his personal record collection to the University of Mississippi, which then also took over publication of Living Blues,  the Blues Archive first opened its doors to the public on 13 September 1984. Visitors can see rare items like Robert Johnson and Charlie Patton 78s, Trumpet Records test pressings and artist contracts, handwritten lyrics from Tampa Red and Percy Mayfield, and so much more.

Come celebrate with us!

At noon Mississippi Blueswoman Libby Rae Watson sings some songs and shares memories of some of her Blues mentors Sam Chatmon, Big Joe Williams, and Trumpet Records founder/owner Lillian McMurry.

Head of Special Collections and Blues Curator Greg Johnson will then speak on the history of the Blues Archive and officially open the new exhibition Soul & Spirit: 40 Years of Preserving The Blues

At 3pm, Afrissippi performs their world boogie Senegal / North Mississippi Hill Country Blues fusion.

All events are in Archives and Special Collections on the third floor of the JD Williams Library and are free and open to the public.

For more information call 662-915-1595 or email archivesdept@olemiss.edu.