Travels in Mississippi...so far SO FUN!

Below is where we've been so far. Once everything is underway (October), full blog posts will be on http://www.visitmississippi.org/ along with video footage and other interesting facts and photos.

The Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson: The Palette Cafe by Viking. Interviewed Chef Emily Burgess. She treated us to lunch and it was delicious.

Below is a "plantation sandwich": a Cornbread sammich made with turkey and roasted asparagus, topped with hollandaise and garnished with bacon with a side of fresh dill tomatoes. note: sweet tea in the background. She's been visiting the Farmer's Market on High Street to use in her culinary creations and also offers a "Green Plate Special" with all fresh veggies.

Chef Emily Burgess

Mr. Bill's Catfish Chips for sale in the Cafe. They are delicious.

We also interviewed Katy Simmons (of Simmons Catfish heritage, see below) who, with her sister and a catfish salesman, Mr. Bill, came up with the concept and have begun to market them.

Road Trip: Yazoo City
I was so disappointed that this wasn't our road trip vehicle:

Ubon's BBQ Restaurant: Championship Memphis-style BBQ and home cooking. Absolutely loved the shirt tacked up on the wall. We interviewed Leslie Roark Scott and her father, Garry Roark. They have been competing since 1989 and have the trophies to prove it. Their food was incredible and the interview was a lot of fun.

leslie roark scott and garry roark

the masterminds of Ubon's BBQ

pulled pork, beef brisket and the most decadent ribs evah.

home fries & sweet 'tater fries with a special comeback sauce made with a splash of their BBQ sauce in it...yum yum.

Garry and Leslie made some good friends at the Big Apple Block Party a few years ago. These fans were so impressed with their BBQ, they shadowed the Roarks and pretty soon started their own team. As Garry says, "I've heard of backslidin' Baptists Before but I've never heard of a backslidin' Jew!"

Jubon's - "At Least the Salt is Kosher!" (note: pig in yalmulke...haha)

Simmons Catfish (Farm and Processing Plant)

Awww, poor little catfish...on their way to become breaded, fileted and frozen.

that's alotta catfish!

Phillips Bros. Catfish Farms

We got to watch them feed the fish. It was so much fun to watch the frenzy.

150 ponds x 100,000 catfish/pond

Did you know that the catfish are taught to eat from the top of the water? Farm-Raised catfish are not bottom feeders. That's why they taste so good. They are checked daily to make sure their flavor is perfect.

A view from the car on the way out to the catfish farms.

Lee Hong Grocery in Louise, MS (a few miles NW of Yazoo City)

A Chinese-owned grocery famous for its "Hoover Sauce."

(I've been wondering who the namesake of this town is...who is "Louise"??)

Phew.

I've got so much to write about and only so much energy to be had right now.

Absolutely love this blog. It's so much fun and she is super sweet.

Lots going on here. What about you?

Taking a page from the book of The Rock Star Diaries, I have a few little letters to write:

dear facebook,
you annoy me because i'm curious if i don't check you out at least once a day. at least i don't feel the need to update my status message constantly. that's a whole other level of insanity. it also bothers me that people try to make their lives look so perfect to the world...

dear twitter,
still haven't quite gotten used to you yet.

dear nervous system,
can you just trust that everything is going to be alright? i don't have the specifics, but believe me, it's gonna be ok.

dear living room,
you look incredible with that new coat of paint. what a difference it makes! you are transformed and we are so happy with it!

dear dearest QB,
i love it when you come in from work and make sure the first thing you do is to give me lots of kisses and several hugs.

dear paste magazine,
you are there when i need you most. a lifeline in the darkness. i'm glad you are still around.

dear taylor guitar,
we make beautiful music together, don't we?

dear summer storm,
thank you for talking to us with thunder, spatter our faces with rain through the screen porch and serenade us with your lovely rhythms. p.s. you did leave some humidity behind, which i'll be happy to give back to you.

dear QB,
i'm sooo glad it's you.

much love, A

Chick Jam 06-09

Photos by William Patrick Butler. Incredible Photographer!

This was my first gig in quite a long time. I took a break when I moved to Jackson - uh, almost 5 year ago - sad - ok, that's not entirely true, because I've had a few gigs in Vicksburg and at Songwriters Nights but it's been sporadic.

So, like I was saying, a break to decide what I really wanted to do musically. After performing predominately Celtic music since high school (about the age of 16), I needed a break and wanted to officially spread my wings a little past those boundaries.

It felt so good to be back on stage. Me & my trusty Taylor.

This is the full post on WPB's blog page so you can witness all the lovely ladies that took the stage for the fundraiser before the fundraiser.

Coming soon is a video blurb of me (along with other video clips of the other musicians) performing during Chick Weekend (July 24-25, 2009) on the Chick Ball website.

I'm performing July 24th Songwriters Night right after the play. Be there and support the cause!!

My Funkadelic Soul Playlist

It's a happy thing!!

My%20Funkadelic%20Soul Playlist by Anna on MySpace Music - Play Playlist Songs & Download Tracks

Shared via AddThis

Trail Mix

(taken from the Mississippi Delta Tamale Trail website...Mmmmm!)

I'm learning that Mississippi is chock full of Trails. We have a Blues trail, Culinary Trail, Literary Trail - the list goes on. The one I'm currently working on is the Culinary Trail, which breaks down each region of the state: The Hills, The Delta, The Pines, The Capital Region and The Coast. Each area, each town has great stops and good eats. I've been joking that every afternoon my stomach begins craving hot tamales and fried catfish.

Actually, I'm not joking - I really do get a little hungry.

The Southern Foodways Alliance is incredible. In their own words:

The Southern Foodways Alliance documents, studies, and celebrates the diverse food cultures of the changing American South.

We stage symposia on food culture, produce documentary films, publish compendiums of great writing, and—perhaps most importantly—preserve, promote, and chronicle our region’s culinary standard bearers. We’re talking white tablecloth chefs and fried chicken cooks, barbecue pitmasters and peanut farmers.The SFA is a member-supported organization of more than 800 people.

Chefs and academics, writers and eaters: all are active participants. Though we are a lean and efficient organization, our work has great impact. In the Atlantic Monthly, Corby Kummer dubbed the SFA “this country’s most intellectually engaged food society.”

They publish cookbooks, put out documentary films and record oral histories.

Speaking of oral histories, did you know that the University of Southern Mississippi has an Oral History Program that records and documents stories about Mississippi from people of all walks of life? They just celebrated their 10 year anniversary in February.

Last week I was jealous because everyone in the Tourism office was gone to New York City to attend the Big Apple Barbeque Block Party, the Mississippi in the Park Picnic and all the other festivities happening. The only reason my other supervisor was still in the office is because she is 9 months pregnant! I'm glad she was there for company, though!

So, back to food: I can't wait to toodle around on the Hot Tamale Trail. (Yes, I used the word "toodle")

It's fascinating that there's more than one way to wrap a hot tamale. I've only ever seen them wrapped in corn husks; but there's also parchment paper and newspaper.

For recipes, information on the trail (and other food trails) and to watch videos click right here.

Memorial Day in the Quarter

Once my camera arrived, I purchased a lovely 1960s tweed train case from fruitsaladvintage on Etsy, took out the insides of my camera box (until I can get the thing fitted with foam) and voila! I have a camera case. It was great for travel, heavily protected and easy access to the goods.

Its first real trip was to New Orleans over Labor Day weekend. It was a highly anticipated trip for a few reasons: #1 the last time I was in New Orleans was during a trip with my Mom and sister. I was 13. #2 tagging along was my sidekick in the form of my new camera. #3 it was a special romantic weekend with QB...I had a sneaking suspicion that I might get a little "token of affection."

[Especially since it slipped out one night a few weeks before. ~ hee hee ~ We had been talking about marriage and all of a sudden over chips and a margarita buzz, we both got teary eyed and he was talking more seriously than he ever had. Before I knew it, we were engaged (in our favorite Mexican restaurant, no less)!]

We had such a great time in New Orleans and ate a lot of yummy food. I was on the mend from a bout of strep throat, so my stomach wasn't as tolerant of fried food and hot sauce as usual - very unfortunate! (those fried oysters were so totally worth it, though)

The thing I noticed about the area itself is that after driving through the Pines and flat land of Southern Mississippi the landscape begins to change and you are in a totally different world. It's interesting to me how that happens so quickly. Both sides of the interstate are surrounded by bayous, swamps and wetland plant and wildlife. Then the city of New Orleans is very tropical with Palm trees on Canal Street, much more humid and very European in style and atmosphere, naturally with all the Spanish and French influences.

It's a perfect getaway that isn't very far and especially helpful if you're on a budget. (Taking the train is a good option, too, for the budget conscious)

The sky was fairly dark with some ominous-looking clouds but the rain passed over the city.After we checked in to our hotel on Canal Street, we walked on the outskirts of the French Quarter for a late lunch. My camera was in tow around my neck and I couldn't help but want to take pictures of everything!!

How very European, no?

Lunch was at Napolean House on Chartres Street. A lovely restaurant, so full of character. I'm absolutely in love with all the buildings with the interior courtyards.

Below taken by QB...mine turned out dark.

For an appetizer we tried the charcuterie plate that came with a few different types of meats, mustard, foie gras and hearty french bread. We washed it down with a Pimm's cup.

The pictures below taken with his camera, I believe.

This one is mine.

(QB kept laughing at me because I constantly forgot to take my lens cap off. Throw a girl a bone!)

Then the main course arrived at the table. A Muffaletta. It was too good for words. My old boss at Malaco, Wolf, has raved about the Muffaletta's at Central Grocery for as long as I was there (4 yrs) - the original home of the Muffaletta. Next time, I want to try the original, although Napolean House is considered first-rate in its own right. After lunch, we wandered around the French Quarter. The shot below is of some buildings in the Quarter. Every time QB and I go to a city, we always imagine living there for a while and wonder how much it would cost to rent a cool apartment.

After seeing a really fun street show, we took in the view of the Mississippi River. QB was right when it's a strange feeling to see that the River is higher than the city itself. We walked over the cable car tracks and looked out at the River for a bit.

Of course, we had to visit Cafe Du Monde, a New Orleans institution and no-brainer. It's a veritable free for all dining experience - one that's memorable and full of character. The air is filled with the smell of fried dough and coffee. The tables and floor are covered with powdered sugar. It's a little bit of heaven.

It took us a few minutes to spot an empty table and once we did, made a beeline for it and sat ourselves down. I realized the menu was on the side of the diner-style napkin tins. A few minutes later a waiter came by and took our order. QB told me that he refused to share his beignets and that I had to get my own order.

So I did.

It was really warm and humid, so I got an frozen cafe au lait and was it good! Strong coffee is always a plus in my book so I was glad to find that it wasn't one of those wimpy frozen coffee concoctions. It was strong and delicious and hit the spot. My stomach could only handle one and a half beignets but I soaked up the experience, people watching and listening to the street musicians performing for the crowd. I never got tired of hearing bands play "When the Saints Go Marching In." It might get old if you lived there and heard it constantly but it was fun to hear it.

After wandering around in the Quarter for another few hours, up and down Bourbon Street and beyond, we went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. QB made reservations for us at the Court of Two Sisters but rescheduled for Sunday night in favor of Jacques-Imos, since it wasn't going to be open on Sunday.

Jacques-Imo's is Uptown on Oak Street. Don't be deterred by all the road work going on there right now. Park and walk to it. QB told grand tales of eating there in April for his conference, but unfortunately it was closed. There was a sign on the door that said the employees needed a break. Can't blame them for that, but our taste buds were sorely disappointed - especially when I'd heard about the fabulous bouillabasse. Instead, we drove back to the Quarter and looked for a restaurant where we could get our seafood fix. By this time it was around 9 p.m.

We decided on the Palm Court Jazz Cafe on Decatur Street, especially since there was a Dixieland Jazz band playing. What fun! Here is where I admit my fried food overload episode of the trip. Everything sounded so good, especially after being on a diet of Saltine crackers and Gatorade.

So began my overload.

I ordered the fried crawfish tails appetizer and QB got a cup of gumbo. They have so many wonderful options on the menu it was difficult to chose but I finally decided to get the fried oysters. QB got Crawfish Nantua. Mine was delicious and the oysters came with steamed veggies and this incredible pesto type butter. Divine. QB's was really tasty.

It all was.

So continued my overload.

The Jazz band was so much fun, we watched a couple dance their hearts out and we soaked up the music.

We stopped ourselves at dessert...there was really no way anything else would fit in our stomachs.

I'll skip the part where I woke up at 5 a.m. thinking I was going to lose my supper.

The next day, Sunday, we went to Cafe Beignet and met a friend for breakfast. QB had a buttery Belgian Waffle and fruit and I had some kind of Hashbrowns delight that was a combination of sausage, home fries, green peppers and onions...against my better judgement, I added a little hot sauce. Luckily, my stomach agreed with me. We shared an eclair just for the heck of it. The food was very good. The only thing about the place was the humidity. They kept the doors open and it stayed really warm inside.

There were some other friends nearby having brunch at the House of Blues. Part of me wished we'd gone there just because it is supposed to be really good, though a bit pricey ($40/each so maybe it's a good thing we didn't go).

After breakfast, we met our friends at the New Orleans Museum of Art.

It is an impressive museum - absolutely gorgeous - with three floors worth of galleries and displays. The girls and guys split up and my friend and I explored the modern art, a few other galleries of pottery and glass work, then wandered around in the sculpture garden.

We were amazed at all the lizards in the trees, bushes and scurrying across the sidewalk. (We found out later they are actually skinks.) There is a beautiful lagoon with bridges and flowers in the garden, along with some interesting modern art sculpture. My friend and I picked up the pace because we thought it was about to rain! (It didn't)

Below is a very cool piece outside the Museum store.

It was early and we were hungry but had dinner reservations a good bit later. So, we stopped by a sushi restaurant - Sekisui - and got a few appetizers. It was SO GOOD! It was fun to try a few different things other than sushi rolls. We wholeheartedly recommend the Gyoza and the Eel Sundae (eel, avacado and crushed macadamia nuts with balsamic vinegar sauce - I swear it had some crab in there, too). It was a perfect afternoon snack to hold us over until dinner. Cheap and delicious!

QB and I went back to the hotel, rested a bit and then got ready for our dinner reservations at The Court of Two Sisters.

We'd initially asked for Courtyard seating, though since rain kept threatening the sunny weather, they closed it off. They gave us a lovely table by the window looking out onto the Courtyard. It was a beautiful, airy interior.

After looking through the menu comprehensively, both of us decided to order the Prix Fixe menu. It had most of the food items we wanted to try.

Turtle Soup au Sherry started us out. It was delicious. This was the first time I'd had real turtle - honestly, I always thought turtle soup was a euphamism for something else. The sherry gave the soup a strong, almost tart flavor. Yum.

Next we had a salad, where I got the House salad and QB decided to get the Caesar salad, prepared tableside. The waiter prepared the dressing there in front of us - with egg, anchovy, oil and spices. It was incredible. I'd never had it before and wished I'd gotten the Caesar instead, although my salad was nothing to sniff at.

For the entree, I had Veal Oscar (baby white veal cutlets sauteed and covered with lump crabmeat, tasso hollandaise and fresh asparagus spears. Need I say more?!)

The real fun of a dinner like this is being able to share, needless to say! You get the best of both worlds during a sit-down. QB ordered Char-broiled Tenderloin of Beef, which came covered in marchand de vin and bearnaise sauces and vegetables.

The dinner was unbelievable. Decadent and rich; and, we haven't even touched on dessert yet.

After being teased the entire dinner by watching the waiters prepare bananas foster at everyone else's table, it was my turn! Buttery, brown sugary banana goodness over vanilla ice cream. That alone was enough to set me straight for the night. By this point, I could barely eat half of it. At one point, I felt a straw was necessary because it had all melted into a conglomeration of buttery yumminess. QB had bourbon pecan pie which he said was very good. I would never know since my eyes were transfixed on my own bowl.

Over dessert, it was then we began talking and QB surprised me with a beautiful engagement ring! I did more than get a little teary! It was so touching and special and sweet. He's the dearest. Ever. I mean it. Ever.

We dragged ourselves back home via taxi (I wore a pair of high heels that weren't condusive for walking long distances...how do other women do it?), we rested our stomachs and our bodies and talked into the night...and slept in!

Monday, it finally did rain. We checked ourselves out of the hotel and made our way back to the Quarter to explore one last time. We brought out the umbrellas and decided to go back to Cafe du Monde for a repeat performance of a good show (that would be the beignets and powdered sugar show!)

The street musicians were performing again, there were a different set of people in the cafe and it was so much fun to watch everyone (probably like they were watching us).

The ring looks so natural in a habitat of powdered sugar goodness.

We wandered around the Quarter a little more and by that time, it was time for lunch. Felix's - apparently where Ellen Degeneres used to shuck oysters and tell the patrons jokes.

The lunch was alright but not great. My stomach was reaching its limit of rich food as it was. They were out of chargrilled oysters (?!?) and so I set my sights on trying the blackened alligator. It was pretty good, kind of gamey in taste and very chewy. Overall, I liked it. It didn't taste like chicken...just like, well, alligator, I guess.

QB got jambalaya and I got red beans and rice. Everything could have used more seasoning honestly, but it's probably best for my stomach that it wasn't. A friend met up with us after lunch and so we wandered to Pirates Alley, got a drink and did some catching up.

We got in the car and headed back to Mississippi, out of that special world of New Orleans. We had such a great time exploring the city, one of our favorite things to do. The air was permeated with smells of fried dough and powdered sugar, chicory, spices and hot sauce. What a special place.

Win a bike!

Find out how to win one of these super cool bikes!

I have lots to share and will be back to post again soon. There's been so much going on lately and I'm exhausted.

The new job is so much fun!

Here's a fun read:

I found the book in Borders a few weeks ago and began to long for Paris in a major way. If you've ever gone to Paris in your early 20s, it will help relive some memories for you.

My Own Ponder Heart

Initially I wrote: "I am currently starting a new job." That doesn't quite fit. Let me try it again.

I am currently taking a leap of faith. Actually quite a few leaps have taken place.

There have been several leaps of faith materializing over the past several months. The leap didn't happen overnight, yet in many ways it has felt like it did. It is exciting and daunting, as all leaps tend to be. It's a strange feeling to have planned, waited (impatiently, I might add), to let the timing simmer to the right temperature for the precise chemical reaction to occur; and suddenly, the time is now.

So, alls I have to do is live it?! That's the best option I've had in some time! The opportunities coming my way are further steps in fulfilling my dream of being a creative and getting paid for it.

It was not an easy decision. Ok, yes, it was. It is scary and exciting, especially as the economy of our country goes down the tubes; but, I hate to dwell on that. (Don't get me started on my soap box on that topic!) The Lord brought these opportunities to me and the transitions happened before my very eyes.

While I will continue to work with the Mississippi Humanities Council,* I made the decision to officially launch a freelance business in music and film**, and accept a part-time position with the Culture & Heritage Development area for the Mississippi Development Authority and Department of Tourism.***

Wow.

For some time, one of the main things that I've wanted to do is be able to work in the arts in Mississippi and get to know the state better by traveling to most every corner. (I've also wanted to travel more, period, but that's beside the point at the moment...)

*It's thrilling for me to work for the Mississippi Humanities Council, which supports so many incredible research and community programs across the state. What is fascinating to me is how the Humanities Council truly rounds out the arts and development programs throughout the state and sadly, doesn't get half of the recognition it deserves. It is truly an incredible organization. I cannot stress enough to please be aware of the local Humanities Council in your own state and find out, and most importantly PARTICIPATE, what they are doing to preserve your regional culture, heritage and community.

**My freelance business, Anna Kline, Creative Project Management was a culmination of about 3 years worth of work and exploration in music and film. I have quite a few projects that I have been hired to do. Just recently, I changed the focus and scope of my business to include all the new projects I've been acquiring. Not a bad problem to have, eh?! I am currently finishing my first short film as well as collaborating on several other projects in music licensing, film production and PR.

***Thursday (yesterday) I was officially hired by the Mississippi Development Authority/Department of Tourism to work with their department of Culture & Heritage Development.

MDA has many facets. There is a Film Office, Culture and Heritage Division and Blues Trail, among others - but these are my favorite! :) (I have worked with the Blues Trail folks when I coordinated Malaco's Blues Marker Ceremony in April 2008.)

I will be working with Mississippi's Literary Trail and also with the Film Commission eventually. From what I understand, I will be traveling to the location of famous Mississippi writers and creating itineraries for potential travelers - recommending sites, restaurants and other pertinent information and taking photographs as well. Potentially even video footage, too.

Today I purchased my first real camera: an Olympus e410 kit that comes with 2 lenses. I have no clue how to operate it yet (I know how to work a camera, but this one has all kinds of bells and whistles). It will arrive sometime next week.
I am so excited and can't wait to get started!!

As Nanci Griffith sings, "...the asphalt is burnin' tonight." I'm ready to be where the rubber hits the road.

My first assignment is to complete the itineraries for Eudora Welty. Here is an quote from Eudora Welty as she talked about her job with the Works Progress Administration as a Junior Publicity Agent in Jackson:

"It took me all over Mississippi, which was the most important thing to me, because I'd never seen it ... [The experience] was the real germ of my wanting to become a real writer, a true writer" natural wonders. "there’s so much more of life that only words can convey.... "

She feels that southern writers care deeply about place. Nevertheless, she fears this subtle element may be escaping. Photography has a profound influence on Welty’s mode of writing, teaching her that “Life doesn’t hold still.” (by Carol Ann Johnston)

If you've made it this far, then you will now know the true purpose on this blog.

I will report about my adventures
across the state and beyond,
as I explore

Soulsville USA.

Directions to Soulsville, USA

Whether you take I-55, Hwy 51, I-240, Hwy 61, I-40 or whether you take the Old Bridge or the New Bridge, it all takes you to the same place: Soulsville, USA.

the best remedy for anything is Highway 55/
you head across the River/
to the Arkansas side...

~Anna K.

One of the first songs I wrote.

Soulsville USA, to me, is also a state of mind. As I delve more into being more authentic, it carries a deeper meaning each time I say it.

I consider Memphis my home away from home. I grew up in a small town in North Mississippi named Hernando. Home of The North Mississippi All-Stars, Garrison Starr, Robert Wilkins and Jim Jackson...and me. Ha! :) It's nestled between Soulsville USA and the Mississippi Delta. When I was a kid, it was a small town of 4,000 people at the very most.

Hernando is now officially a bedroom community, with close to 12,000 people, located just off of I-55 (or Hwy 51 if you like slow two-laners) just about 20 minutes south of Memphis. This is where my journey began and its course runs deep.

It reminds me of a quote from Mississippi writer, David Cohn, who said:

"The Delta begins in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis
and ends on Catfish Row in Vicksburg."

Before I go too much further, please note I'm not going to attempt a history lesson. (Other people have done that, much better than I could, but I do know my fair share!)

People can say what they want, but it seems my rose-colored shades immediately materialize when I say the name Memphis. I do expect a little ridicule from my friend, Jeff, who lived there for a long time and absolutely hates it. He said, "We live in the Bible Belt and Memphis is the ass hole."

I will never forget that as long as I live! It's not a perfect city, by any means, but I love it, regardless.

Before things get going, it is my staunch recommendation that you go online and buy this album immediately:

There are 12 new and used for $2.80 on Amazon, so they'ain't no excuse for you not to have it in your car, on your iPod or somehow, somewhere on your person. I'm juss sayin'.

My two favorite classes at the University of Memphis were Memphis Music and Songwriting/Publishing. Dr. David Evans taught the Memphis Music class and Danny Jones taught part of the Songwriting class.

Each had its own pull for me. In Danny's class: how can I resist being told that we had to listen, analyze and be tested on the album "Thriller" and its production/recording techniques?! He played those songs for us as we sat there, thoroughly amused (needless to say) and mentally confirming we'd chosen the right major after all, naysayers be damned!

Danny then put in another CD called Memphis Soul Classics. My life was never the same again. That sparked my love affair with Memphis. Danny talked about Malaco and Muscle Shoals, we listened to Wilson Pickett, The Box Tops, Booker T and the MGs along with gems from Hi Records.

As far as the Memphis Music class, Dr. Evans, helped nurture my love for early blues recordings. You almost hear more scratchiness from the old recordings themselves than from the guitarist's fingernails on the strings. Handy's Mr. Crump and Memphis Blues. Stories of five Handy bands playing at five different parties and he'd make an appearance at each one before the night was over. Gus Cannon and Jim Jackson. It's good stuff. I'm tellin' you, it's good stuff.

Memphis got its name "Soulsville USA" during the heyday of Stax Records, after the advent of Sun.

I wrote a paper on Jim Dickinson for Dr. Evans' class. I grew up with his boys. Jim told me how he'd listen to a radio station that was just across the river in West Memphis, Arkansas while he was under the covers at night with his flashlight. He was over there and saw Howlin' Wolf walk out of the studio. Heard the Memphis Jug Band on Beale Street. How when the Rolling Stones landed at the Memphis airport, Furry Lewis went to greet them. They sat down right on the tarmac and began playing music.

This ain't child's play. This is Memphis. (I only use the word "ain't" when it's appropriate...and it is.)

I was at a Halloween party in Midtown several years ago and started talking to a lady named Connie. She worked in the office at Stax Records when Otis Redding recorded Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay. They all stood around and listened to the track and thought..."Wow." Hardly a week later, he died in a plane crash.

For the past four years, I worked in the same office as Tim Whitsett, the man in charge of Stax Records publishing, became friends with songwriter George Jackson and worked for the men who recorded Mr. Big Stuff.

That's full circle for me in a big way.

...to be continued...