There’s a new street in Jackson that bears the name of internationally-renown bluesman Bobby Rush, and Mississippi Public Broadcasting was there to cover the unveiling. A stretch along Ellis Avenue is now Bobby Rush Boulevard.
“This is the greatest thing that ever happened to an old man … to be honored like this,” Rush said.
The City of Jackson held the ceremony on May 29. Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, members of the City Council, musicians and local residents attended. The renamed street section is in the community where Rush has lived for many years.
Local leaders and artists acknowledged Rush's impact on the city and state, citing his Grammy awards and influence on the blues genre.
MPB is completing post-production of a documentary about the musician’s life. In the meantime, Rush will be interviewed June 14 on MPB Think Radio’s “Next Stop, Mississippi.”