From Blues Trail to Parade Route: Jesse Robinson Celebrated with Dual Honors in Historic Week

The Mississippi blues scene celebrates a living legend as Jesse Robinson receives two of its highest honors in a single remarkable week.

At 80 years young, the guitarist who's played alongside Buddy Guy and B.B. King sees his Blues Trail Marker unveiled at Iron Hors Grill, just two days before he leads the Hal's St. Paddy's Parade as Grand Marshal.

Jesse Robinson
Robinson

As the 2025 Hal's St. Paddy's Parade and Festival gears up for March 22, Robinson is stepping into a new spotlight as this year's Grand Marshal. The parade's theme, "Hey, Hey, The Blues is All Green!", pays tribute to Mississippi's deep-rooted legacy as the birthplace of some of the greatest blues musicians in history.

Before the parade rolls, though, Robinson received his Mississippi Blues Trail Marker, unveiled in front of The Iron Horse Grill on Thursday, March 20. It's an honor a long time in the making for this former Blues Commission board member who was there when the marker program began.

Reflecting on his role in this year's parade, Robinson said, "I'm very excited about it. It's one of the greatest things in my career. I've played the festival for many years, been involved for many years, and to be the Grand Marshal—it's great, I love it. That is an honor that someday I'll take a breath and really take a look at it. Right now, it's just I'm staying on point and thanking God and thanking the people that brought this to me."

Of his Blues Trail Marker, Robinson, after his regular Friday lunchtime set at Hal & Mal's, said, "It makes me feel good. I mean, it's just like a payday. I really appreciate that because so many people touch me and I think I've touched so many people in a very positive way."

The March 20, 2025 marker unveiling for Robinson.

Robinson, who turned 80 last year, was born in Benton and raised in Mileston, where he first picked up the guitar at just six years old, playing alongside his father in church. At 16, his family relocated to Jackson in the 1960s, setting the stage for his musical growth.

In 1965, Robinson moved to Chicago, where he played alongside blues greats like Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Freddie King, and Magic Sam—all while working in a television factory. He returned to Jackson in 1971, cementing his place in Mississippi's blues scene.

Over the years, Robinson has contributed to albums by Bobby Rush and Cassandra Wilson while releasing multiple records of his own. He has shared the stage with legends such as B.B. King, Little Milton, Bonnie Raitt, Gary Clark, Duke Huddleston, Jimmy King, and Sam Myers. His contributions to Mississippi's blues heritage are honored with multiple Mississippi Blues Trail markers, including those at Hollywood Café, Holmes County Blues, Gold Coast, Cassandra Wilson, Queen of Hearts, and the iconic Subway Lounge.

Erin McKewen

Author

Erin McKewen

Jackson native and proud Fondren homeowner Erin has long loved The City with Soul. She is a graduate of the Jackson Public School System, as well as Millsaps College, where she studied Psychology and English. She is a copywriter for The Tell Agency, and a new addition to the Visit Jackson support team. When she is not writing, she spends her time being bossed around by her pets, digging in her yard, laughing with her friends, and planning her next adventure.

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