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What is this?
New slogan misses Mississippi's mark
Published Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A new sign greets you when you cross into Natchez from Louisiana now.
“The Birthplace of America’s Music,” it boasts.
Hmm, did I take a wrong turn into Ferriday?
Sure, Mississippi has some great musicians. Delta Blues and Elvis Presley made our state famous.
But neither King (B.B. or “the”) has very strong ties to Natchez.
And for that matter, the state’s great musicians have little to do with our sandy gulf coast, our northeastern foothills or any of the central part of the state surrounding our capital.
In fact, our musical history is basically tied to Elvis’ birthplace of Tupelo and the Mississippi Delta.
Tupelo — the new jewel of economic success in our state — is well equipped to handle tourists ready to hear America’s Music, I’m sure.
The shrinking population in the economically deprived Delta is not.
So our new Mississippi slogan not only excludes 80 percent of our great state, but it directs out-of-towners likely coming to the state with a head full of barefoot Mississippi stereotypes to our poorest, most unprepared, region.
The Mississippi Development Authority seemed well aware of this in a report they issued a few years prior to rolling out the new state slogan.
The new tourism campaign is what they call “niche marketing.”
Instead of marketing Mississippi as a whole, MDA decided to push just a few segments of Mississippi life.
As they explained it, good sense isn’t involved in travel decisions.
“Because humans are powered by emotion, not reason, our idea is to spark emotions that will translate into travel decisions,” a 2007 report says.
Hmph. Speak for yourself.
But the signs are up, and the branding is under way, with or without us non-musicians.
Since the “Welcome to Mississippi” sign in Natchez now seems to direct tourists right up U.S. 61 North and into the Delta, maybe the locals pushing regionalism have more fuel for their fire.
If Natchez — the oldest and perhaps most touristy settlement on the river — isn’t the niche Mississippi has chosen, why not partner with the other half of the Miss-Lou and keep the tourism dollars local.
Surely Ferriday’s Mayor McGlothin would foot the bill for a U-turn sign posted just off the bridge in Natchez right below Mississippi’s “The Birthplace of America’s Music” — a sign directing music fans to highly musical Ferriday.
Once tourists get their fill of Jerry Lee Lewis and his cousins in Ferriday, McGlothin and crew could talk up Pilgrimage and antebellum homes in Natchez.
All the while, we’ll be passing tourists through Vidalia for gas and great Subway sandwiches.
What better niche than a tight-knit community working together to promote each other?
Julie Cooper is the managing editor of The Natchez Democrat. She can be reached at 601-445-3551 or julie.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.
Comments
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on March 17, 2010 at 3:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Criticism such as this in not in the best interests of Natchez and our tourism. You have totally missed the broad opportunity offered by this. We have many talented people in our area. Why not add a musical front to our already outstanding offerings? Find a local jazz group, gospel quartet, or just piano players to scatter around town, and start building our own musical attractions.
As for your asinine statements about Natchez and the central part of the state not having famous musicians, you need to do your homework.
To help you get started, go to this website:
www.mswritersandmusicians.com/musicians/...
Olu Dara born Charles Jones, (blues, jazz singer, guitarist, harmonica player, and trumpeter, Delta Blues, Jazz, Afro-beat and Caribbean influences, long-running top 20 Billboard hit in 1998 in THE WORLD: FROM NATCHEZ TO NEW YORK, father of hip hop artist Nas) Natchez, MS
Elizabeth Greenfield 1824-1876 (the Black Swan), first African-American concert singer, born into slavery in Natchez, Mississippi. Greenfield's owner, Mrs. Jesse Greenfield, freed her slaves sometime in the late 1820's and moved to Philadelphia, taking the young Greenfield with her. Mrs. Jesse Greenfield acted as guardian and patroness to her ward until her death in 1844. In 1853 Greenfield toured England, returned to Philadelphia in 1854 where she continued to sing, teach voice, and during the 1860s, she directed productions of the Philadelphia Opera Troupe. Greenfield died in Philadelphia in 1876, reportedly of paralysis.
Alexander O'Neal Natchez, MS, 1953, balladeer, funkster, gospel, early in career a member of Jackson, Mississippi, based group called Wynd Chymes
William Grant Still (composer, Afro-American Symphony first symphonic work by a black performed in US), Woodville, MS
Ward, John (songwriter) Natchez, MS
Young, Lester "Prez" (jazz, alto sax and tenor sax) Woodville, MS, 65 albums, 1909-1956
just to point out a few.
Posted by 77shovel (anonymous) on March 17, 2010 at 4:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm glad to see the state promote the Blues. I really like the sign coming in to Wilkinson County that says Highway 61 The Blues Highway. The blues did originate in the Delta and that is unique about our state. Promoting the Blues Trail spotlights our history. Kudos to Mississippi for recognizing this.
Posted by goodoleboyslikeme (anonymous) on March 17, 2010 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Julie, if I come into Natchez and see that "Birthplace of America's Music" sign, I think oh yeah the Delta, I forget Natchez things, maybe save a few of my Natchez dollars and head up there instead. That isn't helpful locally.
Why not a specific sign for the city closest to the state line you are crossing ? If there is one close. "Welcome to Mississippi, Birthplace of Grand Old Houses". Whatever.
77shovel, speaking of Woodville, don't forget Scott Dunbar - and Robert Cage.
Posted by Hambone (anonymous) on March 17, 2010 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Change it to read "Welcome to Natchez, Traffic quagmire ahead."
Posted by skippydammit (anonymous) on March 17, 2010 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How about this ?
"Welcome to Natchez.
Please set your watches back ~200 years "
Posted by Gatorman (anonymous) on March 17, 2010 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, I thought Vidalia had more to offer than gas and Subway. Not a good way to support regionalism Julie.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on March 17, 2010 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Stupid story from the get go....what the heck is wrong Julie with telling the world about ALL our history?
Posted by fraidoclowns (anonymous) on March 17, 2010 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gotta agree with the others on here, Julie. Bad call. I don't think anybody's going to leave Natchez because of that sign. And, yes. It's a perfect opportunity to make Natchez/Vidalia/Ferriday a music destination.
Posted by fraidoclowns (anonymous) on March 17, 2010 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://maryamlovesjazz.blogspot.com/
Here's a blog that appeared today about a Natchez jazz musician.
Posted by maple (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 1:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Julie you have written an article that should have been thrown in the trash. This is one of many you have written that is no better than high school journalism. Natchez has many artist and you probably wouldnt know there music because you and the Natchez Democrat staff are soooo conservative and do not try to educate yourself on the community you write so much about. We have a very famous harmonica player who is now deceased, PaPa George Lightfoot who played all over the world. Lets see Olu Dara.. real name Charles Jones.. he lives in New York City and has a very famous son "Nas".. he very much claims Natchez as home. Let me see who else. Hezakiah Early who has played blues all over the world as well as Elmo Williams. OK is that not enough for you. What about Jimmy Anderson the father of Swamp Blues who has also played all over the world. Think about how much Glen Ballard has contributed to music internationally. Wrote for Michael Jackson, Alanis Morrissete, worked for Quincy Jones and a hell of a lot more musicians. I know for a fact that Mrs. Sally Ballard tried to get them to put a story in the paper when Glen won a grammy and they looked at her as if WHY would we. That sums up the Natchez Democrats support for local artist NONE. They hurt our community more than help. I am leaving many out. I think this town has a lot to bragg about when it comes to music. The Natchez Democrat only braggs about its bogus awards and the day they charge to read this ridiculous paper on the internet then I will stop reading it. I dont think they will ever move to Franklin Street. I am sure they could never sell enough papers and ads to pay for a new building.
try listening to this on youtube. It is Olu Dara and his son "Nas" singing Bridging The Gap. He mentions his Dad is from Natchez. Great song.. Julie write about this and all the other musicians before you write an article on how we dont have any.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05pA5U-W3...
Posted by maple (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 1:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wanted to ask Julie to please go to the Blues Marker that your paper covered the unveiling of. It is in the park behind where the Mostly African Market was. If you will even go to that part of town. You will see most of the musicians I mention on that marker. I wanted to put one more on there PaPa George Lightfoot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryNvkboLO...
Posted by cherron (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 6:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mississippi probably has more influance in music than any other state. Julie should have done a search on Mississippi music before writing this article. mississippi is not the origin of delta blues, its the origin of blues as a whole.
But set the state aside and focus on Natchez, musicians and songs about this city. If you know music well you know this weird fact that even charles manson wrote a song about Natchez, its called the gambler came from Natchez. but don't mention that since people don't like him.
Instead of downgrading the marking stratigy Julie you especially should be enbracing it to promote it. Think about it when you write something that will anger the natives.
Posted by cherron (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 6:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh yea, another odd fact. Jerry Lee Lewis's original pianist is from Natchez, Jerry fired him when the fans liked him more than Jerry. I know him, he was a good man.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
PLUS yal we have an extremely talented & famous, music mogul from
Natchez....Glen Ballard! Wrote 17 of the 19 songs in "Polar Express" and is in London as we speak doing the music for a new musical from "Ghost"! Google him cause the list goes on and on! Impressive man.
Julie you should have done a LITTLE research before you wrote this.....paleeezze!
Posted by maple (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh yea and in Woodville you have Scott Dunbar deceased and played many parties n Natchez and William Grant Still deceased. Living is Robert Cage who still plays in Natchez. Not that they are from here but Julies remark that only the Delta and Elvis Presely were the only musical influences in our state. She cant be a serious journalism reporter. Most of her articles are written like a high school student. I am sorry even worse. I dont want to insult high school journalism they do a much better job in reporting and fact finding. Please get someone else to replace you as a columnist.
Posted by VillageIdiot (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Democrat has hit rock bottom and started to dig! I cannot believe the naivety of Julie's musings.
As far as the new roots music-based marketing campaign and slogan go, I personally think it's the best way to brand Mississippi in a universally positive light. And yes, virtually every town and community in Mississippi can boast a major contributor to Mississippi's musical heritage.
A solid regional tourism plan should only be part of the overall marketing strategy. Until Mississippi itself becomes more of a global tourist destination, you'll always be limited. Highway 61 and the Blues Trail are a gateway to Natchez. Virtually every tourist I've met on my travels up and down 61 is exploring the stretch between Memphis and New Orleans. Natchez just needs to figure out how to make them stop and how to make them stay a night or two or three. This is where the regional marketing plan should dove-tail into the overall Mississippi plan. While it's true that Natchez isn't known for it's musical heritage, that can be overcome by promoting the Natchez Festival of Music, Bluff Blues Fest, Balloon Race Concert Series, etc. Not to mention, recognizing, supporting and promoting Natchez-based performing artists both past and present. You have to educate the tourists... and, obviously, the local newspaper staff as well.
I understand that there is also a Country Music Trail in the works. Maybe you've heard of Jimmie Rodgers - The Father of Country Music (Meridian), Conway Twitty (Friars Point), Tammy Wynette (Tremont), etc?
Basically, the list of performing artists (country, blues, rock, pop, classical, opera, etc, etc) from Mississippi is without parallel... and should be touted worldwide.
Posted by longgonecarlos (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hound Dog Taylor?
Posted by stliz (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good God, Julie. Do you not realize that when CROSSING THE BRIDGE you not only leave one town for another but one state for another? You are entering MS, home of the blues, known everywhere else on earth as America's music. Have you ever been anywhere but here and north MS? Do you ever leave your office? Do you not discuss your inane observations with anyone before you write? Maybe you and Kevin can engage in more constructive pillow talk. Both of you speak with authority about subjects of which you know nothing. I realize that this is an opinion piece, but, honey, even opinions in print need to hold water. Not all of your opinions are valid. Check your ego.
Posted by vidaliala336 (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't really ever hear of too many people saying Mississippi is known for music. If you're going to name a state known for music it should be Louisiana (as Julie pointed out) or Tennessee.
Posted by stliz (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I don't really ever hear of too many people saying Mississippi is known for music" vidaliala336??????
If you don't hear it, then it must not be true, huh? Where do you listen?
If Julie hasn't overheard it within the the hall of inteptitude she calls a newsroom, then it must not be true. Not only is her "reporting" inaccurate, it is insensitive and completely self-absorbed.
Posted by time4change (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just leave Julie aloneeeeeeeeeeee!
(((Julie)))
Posted by NTZFinest (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ND needs to just get this crappy part of the newspaper and throw it off over the bridge. Stop always trying to find the bad things and look for he postive things. Julie you need to look up all of the history of NATCHEZ before you post your articles because you always make things worst then they have to be.
Posted by stliz (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just leave Julie alone? Surely, you jest! Anyone who is willing to have their opinion and photo in the newspaper on a regular basis desires anything but. If poor aloof little Julie is going to open her smart alec mouth about subjects, she needs to learn to research them first. Sitting alone in one's office making passive aggresive swipes at the community which you (supposedly) serve, yet from which you isolate yourself is just plain icky.
Oh, by the way, I googled Tupelo, Julie. Your Eutopia was catapulted into economic success largely by donations and positive changes started by their local newspaper editor. Perhaps you should practice what you preach.
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Try this on for size:
"Welcome to Mississippi--We're fatter and dumber than every other state!!!"
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good going stliz!!
Well said!
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on March 18, 2010 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Julie.......What can one say........in answer to this.. Have you ever had a fingernail break down into the quick? Quite painful to say the least. Of course you can put a band aid on it and hope it hurries growing out so you can snip it off. You have CUT DOWN INTO THE QUICK of those who love Natchez and the whole of Mississippi. A very BIG NO--NO. Well... this ain't no broken fingernail that can be mended with a band aid. Sorry, but this is gonna take a lot more doctorin' and a much longer time to heal. I've aways believed time heals all wounds but sometimes it's never forgotten. Maybe you can start with an apology, just as you should, ..BUT.. Your article was so far out in left field and so inappropriate, I don't know what it will take to mend it.
But then I'm just an ole woman who loves Natchez and the whole of Mississippi. What do I know? Even at that I try so hard to understand where another is coming from with their thoughts and sayings.
Posted by vidaliala336 (anonymous) on March 19, 2010 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
just saying, when you think of mississippi is one of the top three things you think about music? not for me and i don't think most other people do either.
Posted by time4change (anonymous) on March 19, 2010 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was actually in a jesting mood, but quite frankly, I believe that you can disagree with Julie's article without attacking her personally.
Posted by sunonearth (anonymous) on March 19, 2010 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's a fact that Mississippi has more Grammy award winners than any other state! This fact alone should silence all of you naysayers! Music is in our blood, our heritage, our culture and it weaves itself through every aspect of our lives. You don't feel it? I ask, are you dead? Is your soul dead? Have you ever stood at the Crossroads, as did Robert Johnson? BTW that didn't happen in Louisiana or Tennessee. I'm glad someone was smart enough to realize this is one of our greatest defining strengths. People have come and will continue to visit us from all over the world to experience it "and spend lots of money in the process". Get ready!
Posted by thewayitis (anonymous) on March 19, 2010 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Welcome to Natchez,
where the future is history..........
Posted by arthurspooner (anonymous) on March 20, 2010 at 1:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Welcome to Mississippi: If you want to whistle, just don't whistle Dixie cuz it ain't politically correct.
Posted by 2008 (anonymous) on March 20, 2010 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our first trip to Mississippi was to travel Hwy 61 "The Blues Highway".
We stood at the crossroads and took pictures, we went to all the Blues Museums we could find, we rode through the delta and listened to the music that came from the heart and soul of this state. Yes, music lovers and tourists especially from Europe appreciate the history and roots of the music of this state. The profound and lasting impact on the revolution of the American music scene was started in the state of Mississippi and can never be denied.
Posted by crawgator (anonymous) on March 20, 2010 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I once met a group from Germany in Natchez who said they had come over to the USA to enjoy the Blue's Genre. They said they went to Nashville, then Tupelo and were just passing thru on their way to New Orleans. My point is they knew nothing of the Natchez connection. I did know a bit, so I told them the little I knew. I have to admit tho most of my info was about Ferriday's class. If this is how your going to promote the area you have to do more than a sign at the foot of the bridge because between that and all the traffic warning signs they tend to go by pretty fast. By the way this group was just that, agroup of musicians from Germany who plays the Blue's.
Posted by Cuthbert (anonymous) on March 20, 2010 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I travel to Mississippi every year, and drop a fair amount of money there. The number one attraction has always been the music. Natchez is just icing on the cake.
Posted by dissapointednmiss (anonymous) on March 20, 2010 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Julie is right the sign is pretty dumb for Natchez. You want blue's drive straight up 61 for three hours and you will find the blues. Everyone hatin on Julie needs to calm down, hell the only reason I go to Vidalia is for gas and a sandwhich, so ya'll need to relax!
Posted by happyreader (anonymous) on March 20, 2010 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you want to get really technical, probably the first form of uniquely American music was the spiritual, composed by African-American slaves. And who knows what state they were first sung in? The spirituals weren't actually written down until the late 1800s, and by then nobody knew exactly who composed what or when.
Personally, I think the sign exaggerates a bit, but I'm sure it's well-meaning. There have been some great musicians to come out of Mississippi, and that's probably all the sign is meant to say. It's not a legal document - it's PR.
Posted by arthurspooner (anonymous) on March 20, 2010 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Once I heard the music of the Mississippi Delta, I was no longer English. I was a man of the world."
- Robert Plant
Posted by DeanWormer (anonymous) on March 20, 2010 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Julie if you did this article in school you would have to stay after the bell rings. I guess you are from Alabama. Can't we get people from Mississippi?
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