Clarksdale Walk of Fame

Clarksdale Walk of Fame
Sponsored byThe Clarksdale/Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce
LocationClarksdale, Mississippi
CountryUnited States
Reward(s)Bronze plaque embedded into the sidewalk
First awarded2008

The Clarksdale Walk of Fame honors notable people from Clarksdale, Mississippi who've made their mark on the culture of Clarksdale. It was created in 2008 by the Clarksdale/Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce as a self-guided walking tour in an effort to increase foot traffic in downtown Clarksdale.[1] The plaques are located near a site of historical significance associated with the honoree.[2] Singer Sam Cooke received the first plaque, dedicated outside the New Roxy theater where he once performed.[3]

Also in Clarksdale is the Blues Alley Walk of Fame which was a precursor to the Clarksdale Walk of Fame. Blues musician John Lee Hooker and the Texas-based rock band ZZ Top were honored. ZZ Top helped raise $1 million in support of the Delta Blues Museum, they have a plaque at the Carnegie Public Library (former location of the museum).[4]

  1. ^ King, Stephen A. (2011). I'm Feeling the Blues Right Now: Blues Tourism in the Mississippi Delta. Univ. Press of Mississippi. p. 16. ISBN 978-1-61703-011-6.
  2. ^ "Sam Cooke Walk of Fame Marker - Delta Blues Museum". Delta Blues Museum.
  3. ^ Gage, Justin; Gage, Melissa (2009). Explorer's Guide Memphis & the Delta Blues Trail: A Great Destination (Explorer's Great Destinations). The Countryman Press. p. 143. ISBN 978-1-58157-923-9.
  4. ^ Yonke, David (September 9, 2009). "ZZ Top: Rocking Hard Since '69". Delta Blues Museum.