To put it simply: rock 'n' roll is rooted in the blues of Mississippi. Fast forward nearly a century, and Hattiesburg is once again turning up the volume. This time, it’s doing so with art that sings from the walls.
Long before “rock 'n' roll” had a name, its sound was alive and echoing from a little studio in downtown Hattiesburg. As part of Mississippi, the state celebrated as the Birthplace of America’s music, Hattiesburg played a pivotal role in shaping the rhythm that would define generations.
In 1936, two brothers—Roosevelt and Uaroy Graves—stepped into a room with a guitar, tambourine, and piano as the Mississippi Jook Band. What they recorded wasn’t just music. It was history.
According to The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll, it may very well have been the birthplace of rock and roll. "Their “Barbecue Bust’ and ‘Dangerous Woman’ featured fully formed rock and roll guitar riffs and a stomping rock and roll beat.”
That electrifying session laid the groundwork for an entire genre—one that would go on to shake stadiums, light radios on fire, and move generations to their feet. To put it simply –– rock 'n' roll is rooted in the blues of Mississippi.
Fast forward nearly a century, and Hattiesburg is once again turning up the volume. This time, it’s doing so with art that sings from the walls.
Welcome to the Jam Session mural series—a vibrant, larger-than-life tribute to the music legends with roots in this city. Located at the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center and curated by the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art, these stunning works of public art aren’t just beautiful—they’re a walking soundtrack of American music.
And the names on these murals? They’re not just “local musicians.” They’re global icons.
Through these murals and historic markers, Hattiesburg isn’t just remembering music history—it’s living it. Whether you’re a rock historian, blues fan, or country music lover, this is a city where stories and songs still echo from every corner.
Plan your trip to Hattiesburg to experience vibrant murals, iconic music markers, and the rhythm that started it all.
Tours & Trails
Feb 25
Lloyd Green Honored with Mississippi Country Music Trail Marker at Southern Miss
Mar 28
Hattiesburg’s Grammy-Winning Songwriter Craig Wiseman Honored With Music Trail Marker and Bandshell Dedication
Hattiesburg’s New ‘Jam Session’ Mural Reclaims A Musical Legacy
