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Arkansas is rich in stories. From frontiersmen and suffragists to cotton fields and Southern musicians, our state reflects echoes of every era. If this blog doesn’t serve as proof enough, storytellers across Arkansas are stepping up to preserve and share those legacies in deeply rooted, beautifully public ways.
In Pine Bluff, one of those storytellers, Jimmy Cunningham, is leading a movement with partners from tourism, collegiate arts and economic development to capture a uniquely Jefferson County narrative. Together, they have established the foundation of the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District. This vibrant outdoor space honors the rich musical, historical and cultural heritage of Jefferson County and beyond.
The Soundtrack of 3rd and Main
On a warm afternoon in downtown Pine Bluff, I stood at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Main Street, just steps away from the old train depot that now houses the Jefferson County Historical Museum. Mr. Jimmy Cunningham, the visionary behind this project, joined me there. As he spoke, the sounds of the past seemed to rise around us, with ragtime rhythms, gospel harmonies and bluesy basslines echoing in my imagination. He asked me to look around, turning 360 degrees, and imagine the influence from this corner in every direction. It was a powerful moment to close my eyes, listen for the notes that made my toes want to jump around, and feel my soul swell.
He pointed out the stretch of 3rd Street where, during the Jim Crow era, the Jitterbug Club stayed open until 1 a.m., hosting Black musicians and community members while other venues closed their doors. When the club finally closed, the party didn’t end; it just moved out to the sticks, to Jit’s place, riding in the back of his shiny 1941 Cadillac. Stories like these define the soul of the new Cultural District and ground it firmly in the lived experiences of the community it celebrates. It is a moment in history we are ready to celebrate!
What Is the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Highway?
The Delta Rhythm & Bayous Highway is more than just a scenic route—it’s a cultural corridor that connects Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Indianola, Mississippi, while tracing the legacy of Southern music from ragtime and gospel to blues and soul.
Designated by Arkansas Act 451 in 2017 and expanded in 2018 to include Mississippi, this heritage highway starts in Pine Bluff. It winds through towns that once thrived with juke joints and riverside bars, culminating at the legendary B.B. King Museum in Indianola. The project is a key Delta Rhythm & Bayous Alliance initiative, a multi-state partnership dedicated to promoting heritage tourism, economic revitalization and cultural preservation.
And now, Pine Bluff stands proud as the official trailhead.
Phase One: The Blues & Wellness Plaza
Launching in time for Juneteenth, the first completed area of the district, The Blues & Wellness Plaza, sets the stage for what is to come. This initial phase combines health, history, and hospitality in one outdoor block. Here’s what you will find:
- 140 feet of murals featuring rhythm and blues legends – completed by college?
- Pickleball courts and seating nooks for hanging out
- A life-size chessboard inviting strategic fun in the sunshine
- An intentional workout space shaded by canvas awnings
- A 1941 Cadillac art installation, a nod to the one Jit used to ferry artists and afterparties from 3rd Street to the countryside
- Hands-on Music Park with interactive instruments for future BB King’s to practice
- Civil War Trail and Black Heritage interpretive markers
More than an arts plaza, it’s a physical expression of the powerful stories of musicians rooted in Pine Bluff.
Music Lives Here
Pine Bluff’s legacy isn’t just in the stories—it’s in the sounds. This district honors legendary musicians like:
- Louis Jordan, the “Father of Rhythm & Blues,” was born in Brinkley and raised nearby.
- Bobby Rush, a Grammy-winning blues artist whose voice continues to embody the essence of Southern soul
- Sippie Wallace, an early blues singer who paved the way for future generations
- Mamie Smith, whose 1920 recording of “Crazy Blues” marked a historic moment as the first blues song recorded by a Black woman, opened the doors for Black artists across the country.
- Big Bill Broonzy was a prolific blues guitarist and singer whose influence extended from the Delta to Chicago’s electric blues scene.
- Even Miles Davis, who spent summers in Pine Bluff with his grandparents,
Every corner of the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District tells these stories. As future phases unfold, featuring 15-foot gallery walls, an outdoor theater and a performance stage, this space will continue to evolve into the country’s largest outdoor tribute to Delta blues, gospel and soul music.
Hear the Sounds
So, come stand on the corner of 3rd and Main. Imagine a time when Catfish Row buzzed with people and rhythm, when ragtime flowed from storefronts and gospel echoed from church windows. Picture the sidewalks alive with the likes of Miles Davis visiting family and young musicians eager to be heard. Think about stepping off the train and wandering nearby to catch the sounds and get the latest news from the sleeping car porters who had access to the newest musicians. Remember when minstrel shows adorned vaudeville stages and moonshine flowed after hours.
This is not a memory. This is a movement. Where sounds stood still, but now carry a new rhythm.
The Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District invites you to explore, honor and celebrate. Walk it. Hear it. Feel it. Because the story of Pine Bluff isn’t over; it’s just getting started, and the soundtrack is too good to miss.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Start at the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Trailhead at 3rd and Main in Pine Bluff
📅 Visit during Juneteenth, the Delta Roots Music Festival, UAPB Homecoming, or Christmas during the Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends. Or, plan a custom road trip along the highway.
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