New state markers bear local resident’s slogan
BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICA’S MUSIC – Dr. Jim Brewer stands beside the new welcome sign at the Jackson/Evers International Airport. Signs bearing Dr. Brewer’s original slogan will be placed at every entrance to our state to tell visitors about Mississippi’s rich musical heritage.
New highway markers welcoming visitors to Mississippi bear the slogan “Mississippi, Birthplace of America’s Music.” The slogan is the creation of Hazlehurst resident Dr. Jim Brewer, founder and chairman of the board of the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame.
The trademarked slogan is used exclusively by that organization and with permission by the Mississippi Department of Tourism and Mississippi Department of Transportation.
Mississippi musicians attract interest worldwide, and tourists visit various music sites across the state frequently, seeking information about American roots music of blues, country, and rock n’ roll. In Hazlehurst tourists often come seeking information about Robert Johnson.
So, the next time you read “Mississippi, Birthplace of America’s Music” on a highway marker, be proud. Those words came from Hazlehurst!
