Why did the Clarksdale Chapter Choose to Host a Lyric Writing Retreat?
Virginia Schafer, Clarksdale Chapter Head, says: “Clarksdale has been historically significant in the development of the blues. Blues, being true to itself, was also the beginning of today’s music such as Country, Rock, Hip-Hop and Jazz. Among one of the most famous blue musicians from the Delta was Robert Johnson, sometimes known as the Grandfather of Rock and Roll. Legend has it that he sold his soul to the devil who in return tuned his guitar and thus helped Johnson become one of the most famous blues guitar masters of the 21st century. This all supposedly took place at midnight at the Crossroads, the junction of Hwy 61 and Hwy 49 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Clarksdale has been known for its Juke Joints, Blues Music Clubs, throughout the years and some newer joints such as Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero, Hicks, the Hopson Plantation, and others have brought in visitors world wide. What a great place to study the art of writing and music!” Report of 2009 Spring Retreat Clarksdale Sprin
