LITTLE ROCK — The newly formed nonprofit Arkansas Originals is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural signature program: the Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail, a heritage initiative designed to preserve, celebrate and amplify the rich musical history along the Arkansas River Delta.
To kick off the program, Arkansas Originals will unveil historical markers honoring six legendary blues musicians whose contributions have shaped both regional culture and American music history:
• Bobby Rush (Emmett Ellis Jr.) — Grammy-winning showman and “King of the Chitlin’ Circuit”;
• Big Bill Broonzy (Lee Conley Bradley) — Folk-blues ambassador and Delta-to Chicago bridge;
• Ellis CeDell Davis — Slide guitar innovator with punk-blues edge;
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• Larry “Totsy” Davis — Electric blues songwriter of “Texas Flood”;
• Elmon Mickle (Driftin’ Slim) — Harmonica-driven storyteller of Delta roots; and
• Sylvia Lee Burton (Queen Sylvia) — One of the first Black women to lead blues bands in the Delta.
Over the next few months, additional markers celebrating historical blues legends will be unveiled across key sites in Keo, Pine Bluff and surrounding Arkansas River Delta towns, with events and educational resources highlighting each artist’s story and musical legacy.
“The Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail is not just about honoring the past, it’s about owning our place at the national table of a music conversation,” said Kat Daniels, founder of Arkansas Originals. “These stories are foundational to our history as a state and southern culture, and this Trail helps connect people to the soul of Arkansas through storytelling and the sharing of their music. It’s entertainment, but it is also educational, establishing a common thread and hopefully installing hope into potential future talents who are drawn down the same path.”
The Trail is one of several upcoming initiatives under the Music category of Arkansas Originals, which will include supporting programs for emerging artists and youth, community events, tourism initiatives and music education.
The Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail invites partnerships with schools, music festivals, tourism groups and community historians to deepen engagement and bring the Trail to life for future generations.
To learn more, donate or get involved, visit arkansasoriginals.org.