Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail

Arkansas River Delta Blues TrailArkansas River Delta Blues TrailArkansas River Delta Blues Trail

Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail

Arkansas River Delta Blues TrailArkansas River Delta Blues TrailArkansas River Delta Blues Trail
  • Celebrating Our Culture
  • Honoring Our Legends
  • Get Involved
  • Donate to ARDBT

Honoring Arkansas River Delta Blues Legends

Recognizing and Honoring Legends

The first initiative of the Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail involves collaborating with key stakeholders from recognized cities and counties along the planned Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail. This collaboration aims to increase awareness of blues legends through historical markers, visual story experiences, and educational and event components in local schools and communities.


Recognizing the historical Arkansas River Delta Blues legends will be a fundamental part of the initial launch. This includes fundraising to place the markers in their honor and create community events along the trail, showcasing local blues musical talents while paying homage to those who have forged the path before. 


The first six honorees have been announced, along with fundraising and partnership efforts to complete all historical markers and planned events over the next twelve months.  

Fundraising and Partnerships

Additional markers celebrating historical blues legends will be unveiled across key sites in Scott, Pine Bluff, and surrounding towns in the Arkansas River Delta, with events and educational resources highlighting each artist’s story and musical legacy. 


To continue with these historic preservation and community events, we need your help. Please contact to learn how you can become involved or support through donations and event sponsorships.

Support

2025 Historic Honorees

Bobby Rush

James "Tail Dragger" Jones

James "Tail Dragger" Jones

GRAMMY-winning showman and “King of the  Chitlin’ Circuit”  

James "Tail Dragger" Jones

James "Tail Dragger" Jones

James "Tail Dragger" Jones

Tail Dragger Jones

Renowned American Chicago-style blues singer

"Queen Sylvia" Lee Burton

James "Tail Dragger" Jones

"Queen Sylvia" Lee Burton

One of the first Black women to lead blues bands in the Delta 

Larry “Totsy” Davis

Larry “Totsy” Davis

"Queen Sylvia" Lee Burton

Electric blues songwriter of “Texas Flood” 

Big Bill Broonzy

Larry “Totsy” Davis

Ellis CeDell Davis

Folk-blues ambassador and Delta-to-Chicago bridge  

Ellis CeDell Davis

Larry “Totsy” Davis

Ellis CeDell Davis

Slide guitar innovator with punk-blues edge 

Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail Playlist

Help Honor Arkansas Legends

Donate

Development & Funding Partners

Celebrating & Preserving Arkansas Culture

Arkansas Originals
Relyance Bank
Peregrine Wealth Strategies
Delta Rhythm and Bayous Alliance
Port City Blues Society
Scott Station Marlsgate Property
C & B Market
Shady Grove Pecan Orchards

Subscribe

Copyright © 2025 Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail - All Rights Reserved.

An Arkansas Originals Preservation Project

  • Donate to ARDBT

Sign Up

Keep up with our events and news releases as the Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail becomes a reality and catalyst for the state's first regional heritage music tourism network.

Learn more

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept