Blues & Jazz in the Pass
Pass Christian, Harrison County, Mississippi
Marker Inscription
Blues & Jazz in the Pass. The histories of blues and jazz are often traced along separate pathways, but, especially on the Gulf Coast, the two genres were intertwined from the earliest days. Blues was a key element in the music of Pass Christian's illustrious native son Captain John Handy (1900-1971) and other locals who played traditional jazz or rhythm & blues. Pass Christian has celebrated its rich African American musical heritage with various festivals, including "Jazz in the Pass," first held here in 1999. Mississippi Blues Commission.
Erected by Mississippi Blues Commission
The Story
Though blues and jazz are often told as separate stories, along the Gulf Coast the two grew up intertwined from the start. Pass Christian's native son Captain John Handy (1900–1971) wove blues deep into his traditional jazz and rhythm & blues, as did other local players. The town has honored this African American musical heritage with festivals such as "Jazz in the Pass," first held in 1999.
Why it matters
It highlights the Gulf Coast's often-overlooked role in the birth of America's signature music, and the Black communities who created it.
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Related people
- · Captain John Handy
Themes & tags
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