A Visit to the Ole Miss Blues Archives

Yours Truly and Greg Johnson standing in front of a very cool Edison cylinder  player 

Last week we had a wonderful visit to the Blues Archives at the University of Mississippi. Greg Johnson is the archivist and he set up a bunch of amazing stuff for us to check out. The Archives is believed to be the largest collection of Blues information and artifacts in the world. Greg is very cool and very knowledgable and we had a great time hanging out. He is also an excellent bass player and versatile musician who plays many styles and instruments.

Crazy Blues is the first Blues record and first successful African American recording
Recorded in 1920 by Mamie Smith

Holding this stuff in your hands is quite an experience to say the least. All of these 78s are extremely rare. 

one of Robert Johnson's very rare recordings
but not as cool as the next item . . . . .

Robert Johnson's Death certificate

The actual cause of Johnson's death has been a source of debate for many years. Greg thinks he had VD and legends say he was poisoned. The death certificate says "No Doctor" so we will never know. 

How about this. . . .WC Handy's gig contract from 1918 for a gig at Ole Miss. The band was paid really well just like we are today . . . . .FIVE DOLLARS!!!!!!