Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art

Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art is a vibrant museum and gallery located on Delta Avenue in the heart of Clarksdale, Mississippi. Founded by Roger Stolle, a blues enthusiast and author, the space is part museum, part retail shop, and part cultural hub. It showcases an extensive collection of Delta blues records, photographs, and instruments alongside an eclectic array of folk art created by local and regional artists. The folk art includes whimsical sculptures, paintings, and mixed-media pieces often made from found objects, reflecting the raw creativity of the Mississippi Delta. Visitors can browse shelves of vinyl, listen to blues tracks, and chat with knowledgeable staff about the area's musical heritage. What makes Cat Head distinctive is its grassroots authenticity, it's not a polished institution but a living, breathing tribute to the blues culture that still thrives in Clarksdale. You'll see everything from hand-painted signs to bottle-cap mosaics, all celebrating the spirit of the Delta.

Don't miss

• Extensive collection of rare blues vinyl records and CDs
• Folk art pieces by local artists like James 'Son' Thomas and Luster Willis
• Live music events and book signings held regularly
• Photographs and memorabilia of Delta blues legends like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson
• Handmade crafts and souvenirs, including custom 'Cat Head' T-shirts

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art

Cheapest way inCreole Queen Weekend Jazz Brunch Cruise on the Mississippi River4★ · 11 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →Most bookedHilton Head Island Guided Water Tour by Creek Cat Boat4.8★ · 477 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$145 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Ask staff for recommendations on local blues clubs and live music schedules.
• Photography is allowed; ask permission before photographing artists' work.
• Credit cards accepted for purchases, but cash is handy for donations.
• Check the website for special events like the annual 'Cat Head Mini Blues Fest'.

A bit of history

Opened in 2002 by Roger Stolle, a former marketing professional who moved to Clarksdale to immerse himself in blues culture. The name 'Cat Head' comes from a local term for a type of biscuit, and the space quickly became a gathering spot for musicians and artists.