Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Meaning of Anam Cara
Anam Cara refers to the Celtic spiritual belief of souls connecting and bonding.
In Celtic Spiritual tradition, it is believed that the soul radiates all about the physical body, what some refer to as an aura. When you connect with another person and become completely open and trusting with that individual, your two souls begin to flow together. Should such a deep bond be formed, it is said you have found your Anam Cara or soul friend.
Your Anam Cara always accepts you as you truly are, holding you in beauty and light. In order to appreciate this relationship, you must first recognize your own inner light and beauty. This is not always easy to do. The Celts believed that forming an Anam Cara friendship would help you to awaken your awareness of your own nature and experience the joys of others.
According to John O'Donahue, an accomplished Irish poet, philosopher and Catholic priest, "...You are joined in an ancient and eternal union with humanity that cuts across all barriers of time, convention, philosophy and definition. When you are blessed with an anam cara, the Irish believe, you have arrived at that most sacred place: home."
Friday, March 22, 2013
New Orleans Opera 2013 Lexus ES350 Raffle Video
Support New Orleans Opera buy buying a raffle ticket to win a new Lexus. There are only 1,111 tickets being sold and winner will be drawn opening night April 12 at Madame Butterfly performance. Opera Lovers Unite!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
American Routes ~ The Sonic Journey of Alan Lomax: Recording America and the World
American Routes ~ The Sonic Journey of Alan Lomax: Recording America and the World
Hour 2 has recordings and interviews from our Lomax repatriation even in Como last February in 2012. History in the making! Connecting the old with new...
Hour 2 has recordings and interviews from our Lomax repatriation even in Como last February in 2012. History in the making! Connecting the old with new...
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
le Krewe de Fu Mardi Gras 2013 (I'm in the orange wig)
le Krewe de Fu Mardi Gras 2013 (I'm in the orange wig): le Krewe de Fu Mardi Gras 2013 (I'm in the orange wig)
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Olga Munding: North Mississippi Christmas
Olga Munding: North Mississippi Christmas: Olga Munding is a blues, soul singer from North Mississippi. This is an acoustic collection of blues adapted holiday songs that would bring warmth to even the coldest winters. She is part of the community that encircles the North Mississippi Allstars, last year releasing an album with Cody Dickinson called, Whatever You Want.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Pulse Records USA: SUCCESS STORY: Olga - "Just Take Your Time"
Pulse Records USA: SUCCESS STORY: Olga - "Just Take Your Time": MUSIC VIDEO PLACEMENT: Olga had her song " Just Take Your Time " selected by producers as part of our Mainstream Music Video Opportunity...
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Loving You Is All I Know
Loving You Is All I Know by Olga from the movie "Statue"
Winner of Best Original Song in a movie, Treasure Coast Film Festival, Port St. Lucie FL 2012
Winner of Best Original Song in a movie, Treasure Coast Film Festival, Port St. Lucie FL 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Just Take Your Time and Statue film festival screenings
April is busting out with film festivals for us! Our music video for "Just Take Your Time" (dir. Ryan Shovey) and also our award winning Indie short film "Statue" are being screened at several film festivals.
"Just Take Your Time" will screen at Crossroads Film Fest in Jackson, MS on April 14 at 5pm; at Memphis International Film Fest on April 21st, and River Bend Film Fest in South Bend ID, April 14th at 9am; Tupelo Film Festival in Tupelo MS May 16-19 time TBA.
http://riverbendfilmfest.org/?page_id=1096
http://onlocationmemphis.org/2012/official-2012-selections-announced
http://www.crossroadsfilmfestival.com/
Please do me the honor and vote for fan favorite for our music video here:
http://onlocationmemphis.org/fanfav
"Statue" will screen at Johns Hopkins Film Festival April 6-8 TBA in Baltimore MD, and Treasure Coast Film Festival in Port St. Lucie, FL April 19-21 TBA.
http://www.tcifilmfest.com/
http://hopkinsfilmfest.com/home.php
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Como's Celebration in the Panolian
Page.Title
The procession up Main Street that kicked off Como's Hill Country Blues Celebration is pictured on the front page of today's (Feb. 7, 2012) Batesville paper, The Panolian! We Como citizens were celebrating the fact that many historic photos, recordings, and films of our local musicians - most of them made by musicologist Alan Lomax in 1959 and in the 1970's - were being placed in the Como Library. Thanks for the historic items, as well as for the Celebration, go to many folks and organizations, but especially to the Alan Lomax Collection, the Jessie Mae Hemphill Foundation, the Association for Cultural Equity, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, Como Librarian Alice Pierotti, and singer Olga Wilhelmine. See the picture here below.
The procession up Main Street that kicked off Como's Hill Country Blues Celebration is pictured on the front page of today's (Feb. 7, 2012) Batesville paper, The Panolian! We Como citizens were celebrating the fact that many historic photos, recordings, and films of our local musicians - most of them made by musicologist Alan Lomax in 1959 and in the 1970's - were being placed in the Como Library. Thanks for the historic items, as well as for the Celebration, go to many folks and organizations, but especially to the Alan Lomax Collection, the Jessie Mae Hemphill Foundation, the Association for Cultural Equity, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, Como Librarian Alice Pierotti, and singer Olga Wilhelmine. See the picture here below.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Where Y'at Review
WHERE Y’AT? Nov. 2011
Olga Whatever You Want 219records
New Orleans-based blues singer Olga is back with an album that seems anything but the genre she usually sings. Teaming up with North Mississippi Allstars drummer Cody Dickinson, the duo has crafted a purely pop album that fits more with contemporary adult listening, teeming with smoothly produced guitar licks and melodic, slight bass.
Often compared to Bonnie Raitt in vocal stylings, the comparison proves even more apt with Whatever You Want, as the album is eerily reminiscent of Raitt’s early ‘90s work. Though not necessarily musically revolutionary, as far as a commercially successful album goes, Olga and Dickinson are solid gold in their partnership, with songs like the title track and “Better in Some Way” creating a sweet soundscape of layered harmonies and driving drums. Those wanting a truly bluesy Olga may have to wait but Whatever You Want makes for some easy listening in the meantime.—April Siese
http://npaper-wehaa.com/whereyat/2011/11/?g=print#?article=1421831&page=27
Olga Whatever You Want 219records
New Orleans-based blues singer Olga is back with an album that seems anything but the genre she usually sings. Teaming up with North Mississippi Allstars drummer Cody Dickinson, the duo has crafted a purely pop album that fits more with contemporary adult listening, teeming with smoothly produced guitar licks and melodic, slight bass.
Often compared to Bonnie Raitt in vocal stylings, the comparison proves even more apt with Whatever You Want, as the album is eerily reminiscent of Raitt’s early ‘90s work. Though not necessarily musically revolutionary, as far as a commercially successful album goes, Olga and Dickinson are solid gold in their partnership, with songs like the title track and “Better in Some Way” creating a sweet soundscape of layered harmonies and driving drums. Those wanting a truly bluesy Olga may have to wait but Whatever You Want makes for some easy listening in the meantime.—April Siese
http://npaper-wehaa.com/whereyat/2011/11/?g=print#?article=1421831&page=27
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Review Fix Exclusive: Olga Wilhemine Interview: Broken Heart Inspired
Review Fix Exclusive: Olga Wilhemine Interview: Broken Heart Inspired
Album titled "Whatever You Want" found here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/whatever-you-want/id435847868
Album titled "Whatever You Want" found here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/whatever-you-want/id435847868
Friday, December 23, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Redtailed Daredevil
My new redtailed hawk experience happened last evening after a trip to the bank. I was at a stop light in the lower graden district when all of a sudden swooping by and turning the corner to the street I was on, was a redtailed hawk which had a large bird in it’s grip. I believe it was a pigeon! They landed in the street and this hawk looked like he was about to kill it when a truck turned the corner and they both flew off. The hawk however stayed behind and landed on a telephone wire.
I anxiously waited for the light to turn green so that I could pull up and get out of the car to see this daring hawk up close. The light changed and I pulled up and got out of the car. I approacehed the hawk and he seemed to wait for me. He looked me over and I spoke to him. I praised him for his beauty and guts to take on a large bird like that, one that was almost his size! Then I said, “you are a young one aren’t you?” He was not as large as other full grown hawks I have seen and at that he fluffed his chest and showed me his baby feathers underneath. It was at this time that I had the feeling the hawk was a “he”.
We looked at each other a while longer and then I thanked him. I turned to walk back to the car and at this he decided to lift off and swoop down in front of me, flying right past then up into an oak tree, presumably to wait for another pigeon!
I anxiously waited for the light to turn green so that I could pull up and get out of the car to see this daring hawk up close. The light changed and I pulled up and got out of the car. I approacehed the hawk and he seemed to wait for me. He looked me over and I spoke to him. I praised him for his beauty and guts to take on a large bird like that, one that was almost his size! Then I said, “you are a young one aren’t you?” He was not as large as other full grown hawks I have seen and at that he fluffed his chest and showed me his baby feathers underneath. It was at this time that I had the feeling the hawk was a “he”.
We looked at each other a while longer and then I thanked him. I turned to walk back to the car and at this he decided to lift off and swoop down in front of me, flying right past then up into an oak tree, presumably to wait for another pigeon!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Monday, November 07, 2011
The Birds of Sorrow
"That the birds of worry and care fly above your head, this you cannot change. But that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent." – Chinese proverb
This is the basis and inspiration behind the lyric and song Birds of Sorrow on my new album.
This is the basis and inspiration behind the lyric and song Birds of Sorrow on my new album.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Monday, October 03, 2011
Opportunity
Opportunity welcomes the daring,embraces the bold,rewards the determined, befriends the well-prepared. Guru Brenda
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
paperblog connection and permission
"I confirm the subscription of this blog to the Paperblog service under the username laolga"
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Sunday, September 04, 2011
The Ripple Effect: Olga (featuring Cody Dickinson) - Whatever You Wan...
The Ripple Effect: Olga (featuring Cody Dickinson) - Whatever You Wan...: I’m not sure if it is soup or salad. With soup all the various ingredients are left to simmer until they meld into a dish with insepa...
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Blues Historian: Olga Wilhelmine
Blues Historian: Olga Wilhelmine: "Just recieved an email from a great new singer (at least to me) called Olga Wilhelmine. Olga has a new release available on Itunes click HE..."
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
new mantra: Living the Dream.
Living the Dream. I just heard this the other day when I boarded a flight to Cabo. It was the flight attendants response to my "Hi, how are you?" greeting. "Living the dream!" he declared. I laughed and said, "Yes! I like that" and he replied with, "It's true! And not many people can say that and mean it."
Indeed! It is true and he meant it. You know what? So do I. I was left pondering why it took me so long to realize this "truth" and more importantly, that I needed to incorporate it into my daily thoughts pronto! Our thoughts manifest into our deeds and they also are the nucleus of all things that come into our lives, good and bad. So instead of thinking bad thoughts, change them into good. Manifesting the positive---> Living the Dream. Thank you Mr. Joe on Continental flight 883.
Indeed! It is true and he meant it. You know what? So do I. I was left pondering why it took me so long to realize this "truth" and more importantly, that I needed to incorporate it into my daily thoughts pronto! Our thoughts manifest into our deeds and they also are the nucleus of all things that come into our lives, good and bad. So instead of thinking bad thoughts, change them into good. Manifesting the positive---> Living the Dream. Thank you Mr. Joe on Continental flight 883.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Album release shindig
Tonight!
Album release and music video debut cocktail party at Le Bon Temp on Magazine and Bordeaux from 7-10pm. Free! and pick the album dropcard FREE!
On WWOZ 90.7fm at 3pm-ish in NEW ORLEAAAANS!
Album release and music video debut cocktail party at Le Bon Temp on Magazine and Bordeaux from 7-10pm. Free! and pick the album dropcard FREE!
On WWOZ 90.7fm at 3pm-ish in NEW ORLEAAAANS!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
My new album "Whatever You Want" on itunes!
The best part is that it links to all my previous albums and my name is spelled right at last! Thank you David Brookings!!
Friday, July 01, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Monday, May 02, 2011
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Jessie Mae Hemphill Blues Trail Marker Info
Hi all
Jessie Mae Hemphill and the Hemphill Family will receive a Blues Trail Marker on Friday April 8, at 4pm at Senatobia Memorial Cemetery on Hwy 51 South in Senatobia, Mississippi. Everyone is invited for this very special and long time coming dedication ceremony and I hope to see you there!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Friday, March 04, 2011
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Self, are you trying to tell me something?
Last night I had yet another dream about tap-dancing. This time, I was looking for my tap shoes to see what condition they were in and if they still fit. They looked little different from when I last saw them…oddly they were the shape of booties with taps added to them, not at all what I remembered having. The taps on the bottom of the soles were a little loose so I tightened them up. The booties had ribbon laces on them and were a little dusty, and even though they didn't look like my shoes, it mattered not, only that they would fit me, and I was apprehensive that they wouldn't. But they fit! I recall feeling so happy that I would be dancing again and the feeling stayed with me when I awoke this morning…
…so much so, that I decided today was the day. This is now the third dream in a week. Is my subconscious self trying to tell me something? "Self, it's time to start tap dancing again because it makes you so happy and it fills your soul with joy. Today is the day!"
I went into my closet to look for my shoes…this time they were the ones I recall and love so much. They are black Mary-Janes, still in very excellent condition even after all these years living unused in the darkness of my closet and my mind and they still fit! The taps were a little loose so I tightened them and smiled to myself and started to cry a little in anticipation. Today is the day I start dancing again and my first class is tonight!
Friday, January 28, 2011
What's for Dinner?
What's for dinner?
How many times have you said that? How many times has your parent, friend, spouse or roommate said that to you? It's become such a commonplace phrase that commercials and advertising campaigns use even after it had already been absorbed in our cultural lexicon for many many years.
Last night I dreamed I had found a vacant ballroom and realized that what I really missed in my life was tap dancing. So I pulled out my tap shoes and put them on, mentally going over steps I could still remember as I tied my laces…all the while thinking how lucky I was to be able to dance again, that my shoes still fit, that I had found a space to dance in…and I noticed I was wearing black and white stripe leg warmers which made my smile broader.
Then suddenly, a group of women entered, all with tap shoes on. To my surprise there was a class about to start and I asked if I could join. The instructor obliged me, but then began a sort of rant about her dislike of our society and continued on and on about everything that was wrong with us culturally and politically, and as she continued her words became uglier and uglier. I found that my joyous mood was promptly overrun by the instructor's personal rants and issues that had nothing to do with our class, and I noticed how not only it disrupted my mood but the mood of the other women present. That was when I spoke up and countered her rant.
"What's for dinner? How often have we said that on our lives? Do we even know or acknowledge how blessed and fortunate we are to even ask this question when millions of people in the world have only one question to ask, 'will I eat today?'
" If you are blessed enough to be able to ask 'what's for dinner?' that means you are fortunate enough to be able to have the options of what you wish to consume this evening. Whether it's steak or pasta or a simple salad with the dressing on the side…these are beautiful gifts each of it's own. When was the last time you took a moment to realize how many millions of people wish and wish they could have this simple choice? The simple choices to us in our world.
" I implore you the next time you find yourself angry at the world, or having a bad day, or arguing with your best friend over politics, that you take a step back and ask yourself 'what's for dinner?' This simple phrase has also become an acknowledgement of the blessings you have in your life every day."
And there was my rant. I awoke soon after this dream and lay awake for another three hours thinking about it.
On my way to work today, I saw an old homeless man drinking beer. He was there yesterday, and had appeared again this morning. Again I thought to myself, "what's for dinner?". For even though I struggle to pay my bills every month, I still have this beautiful luxury. I know where I will sleep tonight and I can ponder over what I would like to eat today…
How many times have you said that? How many times has your parent, friend, spouse or roommate said that to you? It's become such a commonplace phrase that commercials and advertising campaigns use even after it had already been absorbed in our cultural lexicon for many many years.
Last night I dreamed I had found a vacant ballroom and realized that what I really missed in my life was tap dancing. So I pulled out my tap shoes and put them on, mentally going over steps I could still remember as I tied my laces…all the while thinking how lucky I was to be able to dance again, that my shoes still fit, that I had found a space to dance in…and I noticed I was wearing black and white stripe leg warmers which made my smile broader.
Then suddenly, a group of women entered, all with tap shoes on. To my surprise there was a class about to start and I asked if I could join. The instructor obliged me, but then began a sort of rant about her dislike of our society and continued on and on about everything that was wrong with us culturally and politically, and as she continued her words became uglier and uglier. I found that my joyous mood was promptly overrun by the instructor's personal rants and issues that had nothing to do with our class, and I noticed how not only it disrupted my mood but the mood of the other women present. That was when I spoke up and countered her rant.
"What's for dinner? How often have we said that on our lives? Do we even know or acknowledge how blessed and fortunate we are to even ask this question when millions of people in the world have only one question to ask, 'will I eat today?'
" If you are blessed enough to be able to ask 'what's for dinner?' that means you are fortunate enough to be able to have the options of what you wish to consume this evening. Whether it's steak or pasta or a simple salad with the dressing on the side…these are beautiful gifts each of it's own. When was the last time you took a moment to realize how many millions of people wish and wish they could have this simple choice? The simple choices to us in our world.
" I implore you the next time you find yourself angry at the world, or having a bad day, or arguing with your best friend over politics, that you take a step back and ask yourself 'what's for dinner?' This simple phrase has also become an acknowledgement of the blessings you have in your life every day."
And there was my rant. I awoke soon after this dream and lay awake for another three hours thinking about it.
On my way to work today, I saw an old homeless man drinking beer. He was there yesterday, and had appeared again this morning. Again I thought to myself, "what's for dinner?". For even though I struggle to pay my bills every month, I still have this beautiful luxury. I know where I will sleep tonight and I can ponder over what I would like to eat today…
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Monday, January 03, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Quote of the Day
"Life has taught us that love does not consist of gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Yes.... the Washboard HAS Become Electrified... Woogie!
Wow, so glad to have this sent to me! I was hoping someone caught the washboard jam...
Saturday, December 04, 2010
We Wish You A Merry Christmas (hi def rec)
A north Mississippi style blues twist to an old Christmas Carol. Good Tidings y'all! Thanks to David S. White for making the vid... Ed Soltis for recording me... And yes I am playing and singing and I arranged the music as well. Thanks for listening!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Statue Wins Best Louisiana Short at The N.O. Film Fest
My first indie short filmed last October, The Statue, won Best Louisiana Shot at the New Orleans Film fest last weekend! The film was directed by Andrew Bryan and starred myself and Gideon Hodge as the title character. Click on the blog title if you want to ch-ch-check it out (it's also in my "news" section of laolga.com).
Synopsis
A lonely, 'living-statue' street performer in the French Quarter of New Orleans tries to win the heart of a nearby street musician.
2010 New Orleans Film Festival Award Winner
Louisiana Short
Synopsis
A lonely, 'living-statue' street performer in the French Quarter of New Orleans tries to win the heart of a nearby street musician.
2010 New Orleans Film Festival Award Winner
Louisiana Short
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Jim Dickinson's Legacy: “I’M JUST DEAD, I’M NOT GONE.” Jim’s self-penned ...
Jim Dickinson's Legacy: “I’M JUST DEAD, I’M NOT GONE.” Jim’s self-penned ...: "James Luther Dickinson was a family man. When I told him that my wife, Angela, was pregnant with our only daughter, Emma, he said, “That's w..."
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Senatobia to Honor Two Music Stars with Music Trail Markers
Senatobia has been chosen as the site for two new Mississippi music trail markers. O. B. McClinton will be honored with the Country Music Trail marker and Jessie Mae Hemphill and the Hemphill family will receive a Mississippi Blues Trail marker. These two internationally known music artists were born in Tate County and made their homes here. The fund raising drive in support of erecting the markers is led by the Tate County Economic Development Foundation with support from the Sycamore Arts Council.
“We are excited to be the location for two music trail markers in the state’s heritage tourism program,” said Janie Mortimer, executive director of the Tate County Economic Development Foundation. “These markers will literally put Senatobia and Tate County on the map for people who visit the state because of our musical heritage.”
While the Mississippi Development Authority/ Tourism Division oversees the creation of the trails, the research and naming of artists and communities, it is the local town and county that are responsible for purchasing each marker.
“MDA provides the opportunity for local communities to be a part of the music trail program, but it is up to us to fund the markers,” Mortimer said. “Our fund raising efforts have generated a gratifying and wide-ranging level of community interest and support. We hope that everyone interested in supporting this project will do so. Every dollar is important.”
A fund raising drive has been started to raise the monies needed to bring these markers to Senatobia. Any amount may be contributed, but sponsorship categories are $100 for Individual Sponsors and $250 for Corporate Sponsors. Persons or businesses wishing to make a donation may do so by sending a check to the Tate County Economic Development Foundation at 135 N. Front St., Senatobia, MS 38668. For more information about your donation, call The Foundation at 662-562-8715.
O. B. McClinton began listening to country music as a child and bought his first guitar in Memphis on Beale Street. O. B. attended Rust College in Holly Springs on a choir scholarship and graduated in 1966. He served in the Air Force where he won service talent shows, which spurred him on to write songs. A friend introduced him to a Charlie Pride album and he turned his attention to country music. In 1971, O. B. became the first Country Music artist on Stax Records country label. He also recorded for Mercury and Epic Records. He considered his first country music chart single “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” his best work. But he is best known locally for his hit “Obie from Senatobie”. He charted 15 singles on the Billboard magazine Top 100 Country Chart during a career that lasted from 1973- 1987. His last recorded performance, just weeks before he died, was on the Ralph Emery Show in Nashville where he performed a song about returning to his hometown of Senatobia. O.B. died on September 23, 1987 after a year-long battle with abdominal cancer.
Jessie Mae Hemphill was born into a multi-instrumental musical family in 1923. She followed in the footsteps of her renowned grandfather, blues player Sid Hemphill. She had several family members who were artists in their own right- her great grandfather, grandfather, two aunts and her mother were all musicians. She began playing guitar at the age of 8 and later played in her grandfather’s band. Throughout the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s she stayed close to her musical roots and played on Beale Street. Jessie Mae’s solo career began in the early 80’s with the release of her first album, “She Wolf”. Hemphill won the W.C. handy Award for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist two years in a row- 1987 and 1988. Her album, “Feelin’ Good” brought her the Handy Award for Best Acoustic Album in 1991. In 1993, Jessie Mae suffered stroke that left her left side paralyzed. Although she could no longer play guitar, she still sang, but retired from touring and returned to Senatobia. She was coaxed out of retirement in 2003 to record one last CD and DVD, “Dare You To Do It Again”. Jessie Mae passed away July 22, 2006 and is buried in Senatobia Memorial Cemetery.
The Mississippi Country Music Trail was unveiled in 2010, following the success of the Mississippi Blues Trail, which now boasts over 100 markers across the state and other locations. The markers are tourist attractions bring thousands of music fans to the state every year.
For more information on how to help with this project, contact the Tate County Economic Development Foundation at 662-562-8715 or jemortimer@cityofsenatobia.com
Submitted by Sharon Rone Self, Sept. 15, 2010
“We are excited to be the location for two music trail markers in the state’s heritage tourism program,” said Janie Mortimer, executive director of the Tate County Economic Development Foundation. “These markers will literally put Senatobia and Tate County on the map for people who visit the state because of our musical heritage.”
While the Mississippi Development Authority/ Tourism Division oversees the creation of the trails, the research and naming of artists and communities, it is the local town and county that are responsible for purchasing each marker.
“MDA provides the opportunity for local communities to be a part of the music trail program, but it is up to us to fund the markers,” Mortimer said. “Our fund raising efforts have generated a gratifying and wide-ranging level of community interest and support. We hope that everyone interested in supporting this project will do so. Every dollar is important.”
A fund raising drive has been started to raise the monies needed to bring these markers to Senatobia. Any amount may be contributed, but sponsorship categories are $100 for Individual Sponsors and $250 for Corporate Sponsors. Persons or businesses wishing to make a donation may do so by sending a check to the Tate County Economic Development Foundation at 135 N. Front St., Senatobia, MS 38668. For more information about your donation, call The Foundation at 662-562-8715.
O. B. McClinton began listening to country music as a child and bought his first guitar in Memphis on Beale Street. O. B. attended Rust College in Holly Springs on a choir scholarship and graduated in 1966. He served in the Air Force where he won service talent shows, which spurred him on to write songs. A friend introduced him to a Charlie Pride album and he turned his attention to country music. In 1971, O. B. became the first Country Music artist on Stax Records country label. He also recorded for Mercury and Epic Records. He considered his first country music chart single “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” his best work. But he is best known locally for his hit “Obie from Senatobie”. He charted 15 singles on the Billboard magazine Top 100 Country Chart during a career that lasted from 1973- 1987. His last recorded performance, just weeks before he died, was on the Ralph Emery Show in Nashville where he performed a song about returning to his hometown of Senatobia. O.B. died on September 23, 1987 after a year-long battle with abdominal cancer.
Jessie Mae Hemphill was born into a multi-instrumental musical family in 1923. She followed in the footsteps of her renowned grandfather, blues player Sid Hemphill. She had several family members who were artists in their own right- her great grandfather, grandfather, two aunts and her mother were all musicians. She began playing guitar at the age of 8 and later played in her grandfather’s band. Throughout the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s she stayed close to her musical roots and played on Beale Street. Jessie Mae’s solo career began in the early 80’s with the release of her first album, “She Wolf”. Hemphill won the W.C. handy Award for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist two years in a row- 1987 and 1988. Her album, “Feelin’ Good” brought her the Handy Award for Best Acoustic Album in 1991. In 1993, Jessie Mae suffered stroke that left her left side paralyzed. Although she could no longer play guitar, she still sang, but retired from touring and returned to Senatobia. She was coaxed out of retirement in 2003 to record one last CD and DVD, “Dare You To Do It Again”. Jessie Mae passed away July 22, 2006 and is buried in Senatobia Memorial Cemetery.
The Mississippi Country Music Trail was unveiled in 2010, following the success of the Mississippi Blues Trail, which now boasts over 100 markers across the state and other locations. The markers are tourist attractions bring thousands of music fans to the state every year.
For more information on how to help with this project, contact the Tate County Economic Development Foundation at 662-562-8715 or jemortimer@cityofsenatobia.com
Submitted by Sharon Rone Self, Sept. 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Blues Trail Marker for Jessie Mae Hemphill
Hey Jessie Mae Hemphill friends and fans! We are looking to get a Blues Trail Marker for Jessie Mae which would be installed near her headstone (Senatobia Memorial Cemetary). We need to raise $4000 to do this. Please help us commemorate Jessie Mae and her legacy by making a donation to this very honorable project.
Update- additional info below:
The local info to include is that the funds ($6000) are being raised for by the Tate County Economic Development Foundation for two (2) music markers- one for Jessie Mae (Blues Trail) and one for
O. B. McClinton for the Country Music Trail. We will accept any amount of donation, payable to TCEDF, but there are two levels of sponsor patronage:
$100 for individuals
$250 for businesses
Patrons will be recognized with a party, mention in future press materials and other ways to be determined.
The mailing address for TCEDF is:
135 N. Front St.
Senatobia, MS 38668
(662) 562-8715
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Backstage on the Bayou: Olga and the Road to the Blues
Backstage on the Bayou: Olga and the Road to the Blues: "Photo by Kaylin Idora On St Claude Avenue in the Marigny neighborhood, cars pass by as recording artist Olga talks about her road to the blu..."
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
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