Plans to create a roadmap, which would take those interested to key stops within what experts are calling the “Americana Music Triangle,” can mean only good things for Natchez.

The triangle’s points of Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans all got their start in music in part because of happenings in Natchez, some experts say.

James L. Dickerson in his recent book, “Mojo Triangle: Birthplace of Country, Blues, Jazz and Rock ’n’ Roll,” claims Natchez is the center of what became American music.

The Mississippi River and the Natchez Trace allowed music to travel from Natchez to other places, such as Memphis and Nashville, he writes.

In fact, Dickerson writes that one of the first published American songs, originally known as “Natchez Under-the-Hill,” but later called “Turkey in the Straw,” came from Natchez.

Natchez has much to offer those who seek to learn more about the development of music in our country.

Clarence “Bud” Scott, who was born in 1856 as a slave in Natchez but rose to national prominence as a jazz musician, died in 1938 and is buried in the Natchez City Cemetery. Scott became one of the most sought-after musicians in the South and his career took him to perform in cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

The Rhythm Nightclub Museum in Natchez is a memorial on the site of the deadly fire that killed more than 200 on April 23, 1940.

The Americana Music Triangle would bring to Natchez a new type of tourist, one not only interested in American history, but more specifically American music history.

We know Natchez has the beat. It’s good others recognize that, too.