Memphis to New Orleans: Hit the Blues Highway

About the Journey

It’s known as the birthplace of the blues. An area that helped define American sound. And if you travel through the Mississippi Delta today, you’ll find this musical tradition still runs strong here. Join Host Oneika Raymond on a road trip along the Blues Highway, from Memphis to New Orleans, as we uncover the vibrant music history that sustains the region and its culture. Along the way we’ll take in a classic juke joint, a Mexican dish with Southern flair and a music store for music people.

We start our journey in Clarksdale to learn about the legacy of the blues in the Mississippi Delta. Emmy nominated local blues artist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram shares what it’s like to grow up in a community so closely connected to blues music.

Then, we’ll grab lunch at Big Apple Inn in Jackson, Mississippi, to enjoy a lesser known Southern delicacy, hot tamales. Big Apple Inn has been serving up hot tamales with a Southern flair for generations, and we’ll discover what sets the Mississippi version apart.

Finally, our last pitstop will be in Biloxi, Mississippi to browse Marley’s Music. This family owned and operated vinyl record shop offers just about any record you’re on the hunt for while also staying tapped into the local music scene.

Then, it’s time to pull up to our final destination, the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District hotel. This property is housed in a converted 19th century cotton mill. While in the Arts District we'll be surrounded by industrial warehouses that have been transformed into trendy galleries and performance venues, and only a five minute cab ride from the French Quarter.

Thanks to our guests on this episode for sharing their stories along the route. You can listen to some more tunes from Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on his website https://www.christonekingfishingram.com/.

Check out the menu and more from Big Apple Inn on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BigAppleInn/.

Browse some rare vinyl records at Marley’s Music’s website here https://marleysmusic.net/.

For more about this route — and to get other road trip ideas — visit Marriott Bonvoy Traveler at traveler.marriott.com/road-trip-ideas. To learn more and book a room at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District hotel, visit the hotel’s website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msymc-new-orleans-marriott-warehouse-arts-district/.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.