CNN iReport

Embracing the Economic Blues

By NEAL MOORE

CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI (CNN iReport)

When you walk the streets of Clarksdale, Mississippi, you can still hear the voice of blues legend Robert Johnson - ringing from the shop windows as well as from passing cars. There’s a revival going on here and it’s all about the blues – about a respect for the first generation bluesmen who are honored and revered.

But it’s not just about a cultural renaissance – the blues pays, a concept that folks from all walks of life have begun to latch on to.

In this video: (All in Clarksdale , Mississippi, except where noted):

Neal Moore - Citizen Journalist

Obbie Lee “Puttin’ Hatchett” (80 years old)  - Card and Dice Player

Mr. Tater the Music Maker

Mary Ann “Action Jackson”

Jay Sieleman – Executive Director, The Blues Foundation (filmed in Memphis )

Mary Ann “Action Jackson”

Rev. Ozell Landfair – Haven United Methodist Church

James “Super Chikan” Johnson – Professional Blues Performer

Roger Stolle – Owner, Cathead Delta Blues & Folk Art, Inc.

Rev. Ozell Landfair – Haven United Methodist Church

Mary Ann “Action Jackson”

Jay Sieleman – Executive Director, The Blues Foundation (filmed in Memphis )

Bill Luckett – Co-owner, Ground Zero Blues Club

Jay Sieleman – Executive Director, The Blues Foundation (filmed in Memphis )

Obbie Lee “Puttin’ Hatchett” (80 years old)  - Card and Dice Player

James “Super Chikan” Johnson – Professional Blues Performer

List of attached Photographs:

2) Obbie Lee “Puttin’ Hatchett” (80 years old)  - Card and Dice Player, Clarksdale, MS

3) Mary Ann “Action Jackson” with the All Night Long Blues Band at Tricia's Italian Restaurant and Pie Hole on Yazoo, Clarksdale, MS

4) Bill and Francine Luckett on their dance floor at Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale, MS

5) LaLa Craig at Cathead Delta Blues & Folk Art, Clarksdale, MS

6) Street Performer "Mr. Tater the Music Maker" at Cathead Delta Blues & Folk Art, Clarksdale, MS

7) Roger Stolle, outside his shop, Cathead Delta Blues & Folk Art, Clarksdale, MS

8) Exterior of Red's Blues Club, Clarksdale, MS

9) Red of Red's Blues Club, Clarksdale, MS

10) James "Super Chikan" Johnson in his Chicken Shack, Clarksdale, MS

Follow the journey…

Blog: http://www.flashriversafari.com

Foundation: http://www.creativevisions.org

iReport: http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=321427

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mooreneal