Sites To See In Mississippi

On January 8, 1935, Elvis Presley was born in a two-room house that was built by his father in Tupelo, Mississippi. The home has been preserved and is open for fans to see it as it was during his childhood, complete with period furnishings. Elvis's interest in music was sparked as a young boy, listening to gospel music in church, and the chapel that his family attended has been relocated to the same property for fans to appreciate. Visitors will also find a museum that chronicles the King's early life, as well as a gift shop full of Elvis-themed souvenirs. Rock & Blues Heritage Museum The Rock & Blues Heritage Museum in Clarksdale has a wide variety of music memorabilia from 1905 through the 1970s, with a focus on the evolution of Blues and Rock n' Roll. One of the most impressive aspects is the museum's collection of original records, dating back to a 1905 Edison phonograph and cylinders and several examples of 1920s 78 rpm acetate records. Here, you can also find what is considered the world's first rock 'n' roll record, Ike Turner's Rocket 78, which was recorded in Clarksdale. Other original vinyls include the 1956 Shake, Rattle and Roll and Rock Around the Clock. The museum also has several guitars autographed by music legends like Chuck Berry, B.B. King, the Doors' Rob Krieger, and Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. Other memorabilia includes interesting artifacts, like The Who's contract to play Woodstock and ticket stubs form the concert, Beach Boys stage props, and original sheet music. There is also an exclusive "British Invasion" exhibit, which features Beatles memorabilia and rare items, like John Lennon's Dutch "Bag One" lithographs.