About

“See, I have a different type of music from other peoples. They playing the other kind of blues, and I’m playing cotton-patch blues…. Ain’t nobody now can play the blues that I play.” Junior Kimbrough

Photo by Lauri Lawson left to right Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, Little Joe Ayers

JUNIOR, WE LOVE YOU
The Son and Friends of Junior Kimbrough are a grassroots group dedicated to the education and preservation of the life and legacy of North Mississippi Cotton Patch Soul Blues musician David “Junior” Kimbrough.

Founded by Robert Kimbrough Sr., Junior’s youngest son. Robert is driven by an insatiable passion to share his father’s legacy. Cotton Patch Soul Blues is an original sound. A unique blend of primal hypnotic rhythms. Accompanied by rich soulful vocals with trance inducing effects.
The Kimbrough Cotton Patch Soul Blues Festival was hatched in late 2016 by the The Son & Friends of Junior Kimbrough. A three day interactive music festival. Where electric Mississippi Blues is offered in an authentic, intimate, unfiltered, and unique atmosphere. Robert the consummate host welcomes anyone to come and enjoy his father’s music and traditions.

Juke Joints were a common venue for live music in Mississippi, but those days have faded. Once a popular black traditional atmosphere for entertainment has been usurped by big casinos, and large corporate rock shows. Today Mississippi jukes are few and far between. Junior Kimbrough ran a variety of spots in Marshall County starting in the late 50s. His most infamous location Chulahoma was his last club.

Located on Rt. 4, 10 miles west of Holly Springs, a 100 year old wood structure which once operated as a church, made for a happening scene. Adorned by murals with themes of paradise painted by local artist Johnny Hughes. Junior moved operations there from the Chewalla Rib Shack, in 1991 after the release of Deep Blues. An award winning film by Robert Mugg with Rock writer Robert Palmer. After Junior passed in 1998, Robert operated the club with his brothers until it met its ultimate demise due to fire, April 6, 2000.
The Kimbrough Cotton Patch Soul Blues festival is an attempt to recapture those grand times down at the club. And House parties that ignite joyous family memories filled with music, food and love ALL NIGHT LONG.

Festival attendees are greeted with open arms. A warm and welcoming environment offered to immerse oneself in the Kimbrough tradition. Live open Blues jams, musical instruction from the originals, traditional regional fare available, a memorial tour, and an exhibition displayed at Rust College. The finale late Sunday afternoon a recreation of Junior’s beloved club in Chulahoma. Where musicians who played with, and learned from Junior himself. They are his sons Robert Sr., David Jr., Kent Kimbrough, Duwayne Burnside, Joe Ayers, Eric Deaton, RL Boyce, and Garry Burnside.

The Sons and Friends of Junior Kimbrough have created the Junior Kimbrough Collection. The images are a growing collection of photos, live performances, and other ephemera related to Junior Kimbrough’s life, and legacy. Available for research only.