Bill Text: MS SR14 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Recognize Mississippi Blues Musician Jesse Robinson as recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2026-02-04 - Adopted [SR14 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-SR14-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Chassaniol, McCaughn
Senate Resolution 14
(As Adopted by Senate)
A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE RECOGNITION OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO MASTER MISSISSIPPI BLUES GUITARIST AND VOCALIST JESSE ROBINSON OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2026 GOVERNOR'S ARTS AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT.
WHEREAS, the Governor's Arts Awards program has announced its 2026 recipients, which include Master Mississippi Blues Guitarist and vocalist Jesse Robinson of Jackson and Central Mississippi, as the 2026 Governor's Arts Award recipient for Lifetime Achievement; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Arts Awards program signifies the important relationship between government and the arts. Established in 1988, the Governor's Arts Awards program recognizes individuals and organizations who have made noteworthy contributions to or achieved artistic excellence in Mississippi and is the most prestigious award for living artists in the state. The Mississippi Arts Commission presents the awards each year in partnership with the Governor's Office. The 38th Governor's Arts Awards ceremony is February 12, 2026, at The Westin Jackson. The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) and the Governor's Office are please to announce four outstanding artists and one legacy arts organization as recipients of the 2026 Governor's Arts Awards; and
WHEREAS, the seventh son of a preacher, Jesse Robinson is a guitarist and vocalist who began playing in Jackson in the mid-1960s. After a period in Chicago, he became a central figure in the local blues and jazz scene, leading his own bands and collaborating with artists such as Sam Myers. He toured extensively with Little Milton and Bobby Rush. Back in Jackson, he played a significant role in establishing the celebrated late-night blues tradition at the Subway Lounge and various Blue Monday jams and earned the title of "Mayor of Jackson Blues"; and
WHEREAS, Jesse Robinson exemplifies the rich, though often overlooked, history of blues in Jackson. Born in 1944, he grew up in the Delta Community of Mileston, where his family owned a farm and other businesses. He picked up the guitar at the age of six. His father, James, a guitarist and a Church of God in Christ (COGIC) minister, moved the family to Jackson when Jesse was a teenager. Robinson became active in the music scene, competing in talent contests at the Alamo Theatre, playing in Duke Huddleston's big band, and performing at the Blue Flame and Rocket Lounge in the "Gold Coast"/"Cross the River" entertainment district in Rankin County alongside musicians like Tommy Tate, Charles Hicks, Calvin Robinson, Walter Gardner, and Willie Thompson. In 1964, Robinson made his first recordings while backing Amanda Humphrey and Carlton "Sonny" Wells on the local Norton label; and
WHEREAS, in the mid-1960s, Robinson moved to Chicago, where he played with artists, including Eddie Shaw and the duo King Edward and McKinley Mitchell, who later moved to Jackson. In 1971, he returned to Jackson, where his Master Sound Band performed a nightly midnight gig at Jimmy King's Avalon Court in northwest Jackson. He initiated a "Blue Monday" series at nearby Dorsey's, worked with Sam Myers in the Sound Corporation, and played jazz at the Summers Hotel with his brothers Kermit Jr., Bernard, and Sherrill Holly, as well as drummer Willie Silas; and
WHEREAS, in the late 1970s, Robinson began a two-year stint with Little Milton, followed by five years of touring with Bobby Rush, who relocated to Jackson from Chicago in the early 1980s. Robinson appeared on Rush's 1982 hit "Sue" and contributed to other of his recordings on James Bennett's Jackson-based LaJam label. He is also featured on Rush's 2004 CD "Folk Funk" (Deep Rush); and
WHEREAS, in 1986, Robinson formed the Knee Deep Band, featuring vocalist Walter Lee "Big Daddy" Hood, Steve Burkes, and Sherman Lee Dillon. He established midnight shows at the Subway Lounge at the Summers Hotel and brought in groups, including the Houserockers Band. Robinson continued to perform widely with bands and as a solo artist; he has appeared on albums by Bobby "Blue" Bland and Cassandra Wilson, in addition to making his own recordings. His 2013 album "Stray Star," which consists of songs derived from translated Portuguese poetry, was the result of a tour of Brazil; and
WHEREAS, back home, Robinson frequently organized events to celebrate the local blues community, helped establish the Central Mississippi Blues Society, and actively promoted the Mississippi Blues Trail. Robinson worked closely with Mississippi State's Blues in Schools program, visiting classrooms throughout the state and introducing younger generations to blues music and history; and
WHEREAS, after the death of his friend B.B. King, Robinson served as a vocalist and guitarist for the B.B. King Blues Band, performing at events including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute and express appreciation for the legacy of a Mississippi Blues musician who has made Mississippi a better place and exemplifies the charitable and artistic/musical traditions of our great state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the recognition of the Mississippi Senate to Master Mississippi Blues Guitarist and vocalist Jesse Robinson of Jackson, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement and extend our congratulations to this outstanding musician on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Jesse Robinson and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
