
The Delta is not actually a true delta, but a flat, alluvial plain bounded by the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. Regular flooding from these and the region's other river systems helped to create a deep, rich soil that encouraged the development of large-scale cotton farming operations during the decades following the Civil War. The plantation and sharecropping farming systems that developed around cotton planting in the South were prominent in the Delta, causing it to be described as "the most southern place on Earth" by historian James Cobb.
A region of economic and geographic extremes, the Delta is also is the home of tremendous artistic achievement. It is the long-acknowledged "birthplace" of blues music; countless numbers of influential blues musicians were born and learned to play music in the Delta. The region is also home to many influential gospel musicians and this music continues to be a strong component of community life in the Delta, even as the art transforms.
The Delta's unique characteristics have also allowed for the development of a number of artists who use everyday materials to create personalized art environments in their yards and home landscapes.
Craftpersons
- Janice Mitchell: Quilter (with the Tutwiler Quilters, Clarksdale
- Stuart Proctor: Chair caner, Vicksburg
- Susan Rogers: Quilter (with the Tutwiler Quilters, Tutwiler
Performers
- Johnnie Billington (1935-2013): Blues Guitarist and Singer, Lambert
- Sam Carr (1926-2009): Blues Drummer & Bandleader, Dundee
- Eddie Cusic: Blues Guitarist and Singer, Leland
- David Lee Durham (1943-2008): Blues Guitarist and Singer, Indianola
- Jimmy "Duck" Holmes: Blues Guitarist & Vocalist, Bentonia
- John Horton: Blues Guitarist & Vocalist, Greenville
- Jamie Isonhood: Pianist & Singer, Yazoo City
- Wesley Jefferson (1944-2009): Blues Bassist and Vocalist, Clarksdale
- "Big" Jack Johnson (1940-2011): Blues Guitarist & Vocalist, Clarksdale
- James "Super Chikan" Johnson: Blues Guitarist & Instrument Maker, Clarksdale
- The Kattawar Brothers: Boogie Piano and Drums Duo, Greenville
- "Cadillac" John Nolden: Blues Harmonica Player & Vocalist, Renova
- Anthony Sherrod: Blues Guitarist & Bassist, Clarksdale
- Mack Allen Smith: Rockabilly/Country Singer, Greenwood
- Reverend John Wilkins: Gospel blues vocalist and guitarist, Como
- Terry "Big T" Williams: Blues Guitarist & Vocalist, Clarksdale
Other Artists
- Bob Coleman: Muralist, Yazoo City
- Larry Grimes: Scrap Iron Sculptor, Tutwiler
- Margaret's Grocery: Vernacular Art Environment, Vicksburg
Community Traditions
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