We’re on a long research trip, gathering material for our upcoming travel book on the roots of the blues.
Rather than detailed blog posts, we’re going to post photos and video bits to show you what we have to do to put a book together. Each photo will have a line or two to tell you what it’s about.
It all starts with checklists, phone calls, tons of emails and – eventually – a massive spreadsheet that details each day of interviews, museum stops, etc.
We leave …
Once out of the snow, Craig really, really, really needs to wash the salt and grime off the Roadtrek … 
In tiny Holly Springs, Mississippi we interviewed local blues collector, 90-year-old David Caldwell. His shop is stuffed with 91,000 records (no CDs here) and is so full that you cannot actually go inside. Mr. Caldwell remembers when B.B. King used to play at a Holly Springs venue for a whopping five cent entry fee. 
Memphis welcomed us with open arms – we toured Beale Street, the Center for Southern Folklore, the Lorraine Motel, the W.C. Handy home, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
Rigby finally gets her own star … 
David Caldwell has dozens of record players around, so who knows how much he plays? (Didn’t ask him that specifically.) He was fascinating to talk to – he has such a deep and direct knowledge of Holly Springs and the blues culture of the area. He also collects bicycles – dozens out front of the shop and he claims that he has another two, 50-ft trailers also filled with bikes! What a lens into the history of the Hill Country of Mississippi.
So enjoyable going on road trips with you guys. :))
Thanks. We’re having a great time. Totally immersed in the blues. The people here have been so welcoming and gracious with their time.
Thanks for reading and for your kind comment!
That’s fantastic! Love the welcome you got on the board. So glad you get to have this great adventure, and I get to read all about it! Does David still play all the records? I will definitely be reading up on him if he makes it into the final edition of the book.