William Faulkner said, “To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.” To understand American music, you also must first understand Mississippi. After all, the roots of our nation’s music run through the Magnolia State. Whether it’s the father of country music Jimmie Rodgers, the father of the Delta blues Charley Patton or the King of Rock ’n’ Roll Elvis Presley, Mississippi’s impact on music is immeasurable—the state’s musical heritage is as rich as Delta soil. As Robert Plant said, “Once I heard the music of the Mississippi Delta, I was no longer English. I was a man of the world.”
As part of our continuing 50 States Project, below are 12 bands with Mississippi roots worth checking out, ranging in genre from gospel to punk.
1. Bass Drum of Death
Hometown: Oxford
Members: John Barrett, Print Chouteau, Len Clark
Current Album: GB City (2011)
John Barrett began performing as a one-man band, playing both guitar and drums, when he formed Bass Drum of Death in 2007. GB City, which was released on Oxford’s own Fat Possum Records, is lo-fi garage rock at its best. Their song “Velvet Itch” was included in the movie Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, and their song “Get Found” is featured on the baseball video game MLB 2K12. The band has toured extensively in Europe, including a performance at the Rock en Seine Festival in France, and the US—most recently at SXSW. They will be supporting Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on several dates in April and May, and their second LP is due out later this year.
2. Cedric Burnside
Hometown: Holly Springs
Current Album: The Way I Am (2011)
A list of Mississippi musicians wouldn’t be complete without an artist representing the blues, and what better artist to mention than the grandson of R.L. Burnside, the quintessential Delta juke joint bluesman. Cedric was raised playing Hill Country Blues and began performing as a high-spirited drummer at the age of 13 in his grandfather’s band—you can hear him on albums such as Burnside on Burnside and_Mr. Wizard_. In addition to being an accomplished drummer, Cedric Burnside also plays guitar in the style of his grandfather, who he refers to as “Big Daddy.” The Way I Am pays tribute to the style of blues he was surrounded by growing up and also incorporates elements of funk, R&B and rap.
3. The Como Mamas
Hometown: Como
Members: Ester Mae Smith, Angela Taylor, Della Daniels
Current Album: Get an Understanding (2013)
Gospel trio The Como Mamas are the newest addition to the Daptone Records family. The group hails from Panola County—a community that lies just east of the Mississippi Delta and was once home to famous blues musician Mississippi Fred McDowell. With the absence of instruments, these three spirited church women create powerful a cappella harmonies that will move even the most dour listener.
4. Dead Gaze
Hometown: Oxford
Members: Cole Furlow
Current Album: Dead Gaze (2012)
Cole Furlow has been releasing material under the moniker Dead Gaze since 2009. Over the past few years, Dead Gaze has released a mishmash of psychedelic and lo-fi pop through the DIY collective, Cats Purring Dude Ranch in Oxford. The new self-titled album brings together the best tracks from his previous releases as well as new, unheard material.
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