The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) has announced plans to reveal a new historic marker in honor of two Mississippi country music legends over the weekend.
The marker is anticipated to further connect two cities along Mississippi’s Country Music Trail while honoring the state’s most iconic figures in country music, Jimmie Rodgers and Marty Stuart.
Starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, BCM will unveil a new historic marker commemorating the 1927 Bristol Sessions across from the Ellis Theater and Congress of Country Music in Philadelphia.
The 1927 Bristol Sessions included the first recordings of Rodgers, the Carter Family, and others, and catapulted country music into the mainstream.
Now, the marker will serve as a special gift honoring Philadelphia native and GRAMMY Award-winning country music artist Marty Stuart and Jimmie Rodgers, the “Father of country music,” who was born in Meridian in 1897.
“It is with such pride that we honor the city of Philadelphia, Marty Stuart and Jimmie Rodgers at the beautifully restored Ellis Theater where Stuart, much like BCM, works to preserve the history and culture of country music for future generations,” BCM Executive Director of Advancement Leah Ross explained. “Rodgers’ legacy has made a lasting impact on the music of today. Marty Stuart is a true ambassador of country music and has been a great friend and supporter of BCM for many years.”
In November of 2019, Stuart and representatives of Visit Mississippi came to Bristol to dedicate a marker recognizing Rodgers’ participation in the Bristol Sessions as part of the Mississippi Country Music Trail.
According to the BCM, the Bristol Sessions Marker represents a symbol of gratitude and respect to two legendary artists who have made indelible contributions to country music.
Stuart — a renowned singer, songwriter, and musician — has been a continuous advocate for preserving and promoting country music’s heritage. His dedication to the art form mirrors the commitment of Jimmie Rodgers, whose pioneering recordings in Bristol in 1927 laid the foundation for modern country music.
