Highway 61, often called the Blues Highway, is a legendary route that runs from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Minnesota, following the Mississippi River. It has deep ties to blues music, as many iconic blues musicians traveled along this highway, shaping the genre’s history.
The highway is famous for its connection to Robert Johnson, the legendary blues guitarist who, according to folklore, sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads of Highway 61 and Highway 49 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The route also played a role in the careers of artists like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Howlin’ Wolf.
Bob Dylan further immortalized the highway with his 1965 album "Highway 61 Revisited", which reinforced its cultural significance. Today, travelers can explore the Mississippi Blues Trail, visiting historic sites, museums, and landmarks that celebrate the blues legacy.
