Mississippi bluesman Big Joe Shelton has been named manager of Main Street Macon.
A native of the Black Prairie region of northeast Mississippi, Shelton’s music has been heavily influenced by African-American culture and the music of blues legends, like Howlin’ Wolf, Bukka White and Big Joe Williams.
His song, “The Older I Get the Better I Was,” was nominated for Song of the Year in the Blues Music Awards, held annually by the Blues Foundation. He was a finalist in the 2009 International Blues Challenge for his 2008 album, “Black Prairie Blues,” and a song from the album, “Devil Lives in Memphis,” was nominated for 2008 Song of the Year by Blues Critic Magazine’s readers’ poll.
Shelton and his harmonica are frequents of the blues concert circuit, where he has performed in the King Biscuit Blues Festival, Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival, Freedom Creek Blues Festival, and Beale Street Mess Around.
He has shared the stage with legends like Son Thomas, Junior Kimbrough, Willie King, Blind Mississippi Morris, R.L. Burnside and his mentor, Big Joe Williams.
“I appreciate my board’s vote of confidence, and I look forward to serving the citizens and merchants of Macon,” Shelton said Saturday.
A reception will be held for Shelton July 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 30 at the Macon Welcome Center.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.