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Pine Bluff’s Cakewalk Dances
The cakewalk was a mid-19th century dance originally performed at get-togethers by the enslaved on Southern plantations. During this...
3 days ago3 min read


Louis Guida and the 1976 Blues Field Recordings
In the spring of 1976, former Pine Bluff Commercial writer Louis Guida recorded blues artists all across Arkansas to produce the 1983 blues album Keep It to Yourself, Arkansas Blues Volume 1: Solo Performances. 33 years later, he utilized the 1976 recordings, producing Meet Me in the Bottom: Arkansas Blues, Volume 2 - The Bands.
Jun 254 min read


Country Music Legends: The Browns
In the 1950s and 1960s, The Browns, a country music trio made up of siblings Jim Ed, Maxine, and Bonnie Brown, who grew up near Pine...
Mar 195 min read


Jazz Trumpeter Bitsy Mullins
From 1944 to the mid 1960s, Pine Bluff native and jazz trumpeter Bitsy Mullins performed with numerous orchestras across the country,...
Nov 29, 20244 min read


Les Spann
From 1957 to 1967, Pine Bluff native and jazz musician Les Spann appeared on over 78 top jazz sessions, recorded with jazz greats like...
Oct 9, 20243 min read


Gathright's Saturday Night Jamboree: One of the South’s Greatest Radio Shows
In the early 1940s to 1950s, Gathright's Saturday Night Jamboree was billed as “One of the South’s Greatest Radio Shows.” Much like...
Oct 9, 20242 min read


Vernon Garrett
Vernon Garrett is a blues singer who has released 3 compilations, 12 albums, and over 30 singles so far. He was also featured on the...
Sep 5, 20244 min read


Janette Davis
Janette Davis, also known as Jan The Pride of Pine Bluff, was a pop singer known for being a regular on Arthur Godfrey’s numerous...
Jul 24, 20244 min read


Larry Totsy Davis
Larry Totsy Davis was an electric blues musician best known for releasing and co-writing the song Texas Flood, which later launched the...
Jul 17, 20242 min read


Big Bill Broonzy
Blues musician Big Bill Broonzy served as an ambassador sharing the blues with international audiences across Europe and influencing...
Jul 10, 20244 min read


Joshua Altheimer
Hailing from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Joshua Altheimer was among the most talented pre-World War II blues pianists. He played alongside “Big...
Jun 26, 20242 min read


Elmore James
His signature slide electric guitar opening laid the foundation for his eleven-year recording career, with nearly 80 titles released on...
Jun 19, 20244 min read


The First Annual Juneteenth in the Bluff: Arts & Cultural Festival
On Friday, June 14, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) will host its first Juneteenth in the...
Jun 12, 20243 min read


The Incomparable Smokie Norful
Pine Bluff native Smokie Norful is a world-renowned recording artist, musician, composer, pastor, and entrepreneur who has launched the...
Jun 5, 20243 min read


Queen Sylvia Embry
Hailing from Arkansas, Queen Sylvia Embry was among Chicago’s few professional female blues singers and bass players, recording albums,...
May 15, 20242 min read


Bobby Rush
With over six decades in the music industry, racking up awards and playing alongside greats like Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Etta James,...
May 8, 20245 min read


Carl McVoy, Jerry Lee Lewis, & Boogie-Woogie Music
Pine Bluff resident Carl McVoy, a rockabilly musician, was instrumental in introducing his younger cousin Jerry Lee Lewis to the...
May 1, 20243 min read


James “Taildragger” Jones
After decades spent performing the Blues, James “Tail Dragger” Jones is best remembered for his magnetic performances and his decorated...
Apr 10, 20243 min read


George W. Thomas & Boogie-Woogie Music
George W. Thomas was the first to publish boogie-woogie songs, which were key in the development of Country Music, Rhythm and Blues, and...
Mar 6, 20243 min read


Miles Davis and his Jefferson County Roots
Miles Davis, one of the most influential musicians in the development of jazz music, got his early love for music while spending time at...
Feb 14, 20245 min read
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