Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have unanimously passed a bill declaring March as Mississippi Musicians Month.
With the Magnolia State being home to many a famous singer, stringer, and songwriter, House Bill 365 would dedicate each March as another opportunity to celebrate the likes of Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and others.
“Mississippi’s music, as well as many of its musical performers, composers, and songwriters, are known worldwide, and there is no mainstream commercial genre that has not been influenced by Mississippi, particularly in the genres of Blues, Rock & Roll, Country, Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, and Jazz,” a portion of the bill’s text reads.
“By designating the month of March each year as Mississippi Musicians Month, everyone will have an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate Mississippi’s numerous outstanding past and present musical artists.”
The legislation goes on to cite that not only is Mississippi widely considered the “Birthplace of America’s Music,” but it also has more Grammy winners per capita than any other state in the U.S.
If passed by the Senate, the first Mississippi Musicians Month will be celebrated in 2024.
