VIP Pensacola at Belmont and DeVilliers Historical District
T
he Mississippi Blues Commission honored the legacy
of the Blues in Pensacola with the unveiling of a
Mississippi Blues Marker, which is a vital part of the
Mississippi Blues Trail. The dedication and unveiling
of the marker took place in the Belmont and DeVilliers historical
district, at the intersection of Belmont and DeVilliers streets on
January 18.
The Belmont DeVilliers Neighborhood applied to the
Commission for a marker based on the rich musical history
of the neighborhood spanning a number of decades. Once
the Commission determined the signifi cance of the site, the
application was then turned over to scholars for further research
and documentation. After the year-long process, the Commission
voted unanimously for a Blues Marker at the intersection of
Belmont and DeVilliers. This recognizes Pensacola as an important
early center of blues, ragtime, vaudeville and jazz activity, which
developed into a regional cornerstone of the “chitlin’ circuit” in
later years. Touring blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues acts, along
with local bands found a welcome base in the Belmont DeVilliers
African-American business and entertainment district for several
decades. Mississippi-born performers such as B.B. King, Junior
Parker, and Sam Cooke contributed to the vibrant nightlife in
the neighborhood’s theaters and clubs. The Belmont DeVilliers
neighborhood served as a stopping point for touring musicians
and a place where local musicians could develop. The ceremony
featured a dedication from the Director of the Mississippi Blues
Commission, Kamel King, Senator Terry Burton (MS), Mayor
Grover Robinson, County Commissioner Lumon May, Steve
Hayes of Visit Pensacola, and Eddie Todd of Belmont DeVilliers
Neighborhood Association.
photos & story by
Kristina Wright
Vernon Stewart & Helen Gibson
Cheryl Howard & Cecily Chundrlek
Sonya Gray & Melissa Bailey
Dr. P.C. Wu, Dr. Marion Williams & Joseph Denmon
Eddie Todd & Mayor Grover Robinson
BELMONT DeVILLIERS
Mississippi Blues Trail Honors
February 2019 | 47
47-48 - Event Mississippi Blues Train Honors Belmont DeVilliers.indd 1
1/26/19 3:35 PM