Even if you’re not a Blues devotee you’ve probably heard of Memphis’ Beale Street. But how ‘bout Jackson’s Farish Street? Mississippi’s capital city wants you to know what you’re missing: an area rich with recent history, and suffused with The Blues.
The area is attempting a comeback just now, with new restaurants and clubs. It’s also home to some iconic landmarks like:
Ace Records. Producer Johnny Vincent started Ace in 1955 to record New Orleans artists Earl King, Huey “Piano” Smith and Bobby Marchand.
The Alamo Theater. A Jackson granddame, the Alamo has played host over the years to vaudeville shows, films, touring jazz acts and such. Among the stars was Dorothy Moore, of “Misty Blue” fame. Nat King Cole was performing at the Alamo when he got news his daughter was born. The Alamo was one of the first Farish Street venues to be renovated.
The Big Apple Inn. Martyred Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers, who’s slaying begat the film Ghosts of Mississippi, worked out of an apartment there when it was state headquarters for the NAACP. One room of the Evers’ Jackson home is now a museum. The Big Apple itself is famous for its soul food. Order up some “Smokes” – minced sausage sandwiches. Something bolder? How about a pig’s ear sandwich?
Peaches Restaurant. Ms. Peaches was the place Civil Rights leaders came to meet and eat. Perhaps no other place on Farish Street do roots run as deep as at Peaches restaurant, where you can still have some sensuous soul food.
On Farish Street, you hear history whisper.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: visitjackson.com)
