We dropped in to enjoy the memorabilia at the Highway 61 Blues Museum and we were simply delighted and amazed! Blues musician and artist Pat Thomas (son of legendary James "Son" Thomas) was inside, playing his guitar and was happy to chat and entertain us during our visit. Pat also demonstated his Cat head Art which is the basis of the name for the Cat Head Music and Bookstore in Clarksdale, MS. If you visit there you can see some of Pat's work in the gallery! We had a hard time leaving.....Pat was awesome! He also sells some of his sculptures and prints His dad's Blues Trail marker is just outside the front door. The museum has amazing displays a wonderful feel and great music for Sale. You can take as many pictures as you want! It's a must see while in the area and double that if you are a Blues fan!
Great place - see other reviews for details. Memorable time will be had so make the effort to go to Leland.
One of the few Blues Museums that was actually open during my visit to the Delta area.Very informative and my visit was enhanced by the presence of Cat Edwards serenading me on his guitar. The docent was very helpful and added to the experience.I highly recommend a visit.
Pat Thomas will draw you a cathead and give you a full tour of the blues at this eclectic museum. Spend time with the rare Steiber photographs that document the blues. Make sure you get the full story on a mojo bag, a cathead, and the folk art. The folk art interprets the journey of a bluesman back in the day. Stay around Leland and take your picture with all the blues murals. A very memorable experience awaits. Bring small bills to tip the free blues music in the lobby and buy an album.
If driving US hwy 61 it well worth the drive into Leland. Leland was also home at one time to Johnny and Edgar Winter I was told as well.
What a treat to meet local Blues musician and artist Pat Thomas, son of James "Son" Thomas who happened to be playing his guitar and singing for visitors during my visit. A continued treat to listen to his music while taking a look at all of the exhibits. Pat was more than happy to chat, banter, and joke around with everyone. The museum has a $5 admission for adults. A lot of photographs, memorabilia, and interesting information. A must for Blues fans.
Highway 61 Blues Museum is very artist-focused, so it is a perfect place to learn about individual Delta artists. Biographical information is very well presented. With it are artifacts from the artist's career, for example, a guitar, clothing, records, etc. It is a very informative experience. Another great experience we had was listening to local (Leland) bluesman Pat Thomas play in the lobby. We were an audience of only three, ourselves and a young musician from Australia, but Pat didn't care. He was there for us and played as though we were a full audience at Carnegie Hall. It all made for an unforgettable experience. Director Billy Johnson deserves great pride in this showcase for Delta blues artists.
James 'Son' Thomas Marker's outside - his son, Pat Thomas (b. 1960) stops by every now and then (Delta Bluesman/Folk Artist) and may draw cats for you, invite you over to his place, to play, - have some chicken, check out his pottery and... mighty take you to his daddy's grave.- Randy manages this Museum and will play for you, if you're lucky - cigarbox, 1-string! - You're right there, around the corner from the Mural honoring Bluesmen - Randy has the BEST Stories to tell - spoke/knew Sam Chatmon, Johnny Winter et al --- Great items in Museum -DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!!!!
and I didyou will tooif you are alive at the time of your visitwhat fun!Sorry, that's all I gotThe rest would just be the blues and you know that tune...Naincie
A must to see if you are a blues fan. This small museum is dedicated to the Delta Blues musicians and is very well organized. If you are lucky enought you may be able to listen Pat Thomas (James "Son" Thomas,) and you are nice enought perhaps you will go back home with a Domino Cat.....It has been a very good time spent with you and Pat in your museum talking about life and roots.Take careRachel - France