The Hollywood Cafe, first located in Hollywood, Mississippi, and later moved to its current site, has been a renowned Delta dining establishment and an integral part of the region's musical history. Pianist Muriel Wilkins performed at the Hollywood Cafe for many years, and she and the cafe were immortalised in Marc Cohn's hit song "Walking in Memphis."
In addition to Muriel Wilkins, legendary bluesman Son House she performed at this site when the building served as the commissary of the Frank Harbert plantation, where House once lived. The Hollywood Cafe has played a significant role in the history and culture of the Mississippi Delta region, celebrating its rich musical heritage through live performances and its connection to notable musicians.
The Hollywood Café opened as a bar by Bard Selden in the summer of 1969. It eventually expanded its offerings to include live music and a diverse menu featuring steak, catfish, and its signature dish, fried dill pickles. Muriel Wilkins, an African American schoolteacher from Helena, Arkansas, was one of the key performers at the original Hollywood and its new location, entertaining customers with a wide range of songs, from standards to spirituals.
The Hollywood Café served as the setting for blues performances on the BBC television program "The Friendly Invasion" in June 1973. The café has hosted numerous blues musicians over the years. It has participated in several notable events, such as a ceremony where AT&T presented a $500,000 donation to the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center.
Both Hollywood buildings were originally plantation commissaries, with the first Hollywood on Tate Place and the second on Harbert Place. Delta blues icon Son House lived on Tate Place during the 1940 census and performed at various locations in the area, including the B. F. Harbert commissary.
Over the years, the Hollywood Café has changed ownership multiple times, with the Owen family reopening the venue in Robinsonville after it was destroyed in a fire in 1983. John Almond and Michael Young acquired Hollywood in 2006. The Hollywood Café continues to be a hub for blues music and has played a significant role in the history and culture of Robinsonville and the broader Mississippi Delta region.
The open road stretched before us, beckoning us to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. We set out from Vicksburg, Mississippi, the historic town known for its charm and Southern hospitality. Our first stop was the Corners Mansion Inn, a grand old mansion where we spent the night in luxury and indulgence.
The following day, we ventured to the Levee Street Marketplace, a vibrant hub of local culture and commerce. We strolled among the stalls, admiring the handcrafted goods and sampling the delicious fare of the Deep South. From there, we continued to the Vicksburg National Military Park, where we explored the hallowed grounds and learned about the history of the Civil War.
Our journey then took us to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where we visited the Visitors Center & Museum and discovered the rich heritage of the Mississippi Delta. We also stopped at Mont Helena, a beautiful plantation home with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
As we made our way to Clarksdale, Mississippi, we drove along the Blues Crossroads Highways 61 and 49, taking in the sights and sounds of the region that gave birth to the blues. At the Delta Blues Museum, we were immersed in the area's musical history, learning about the legends who paved the way for modern music.
Our final stop was at the iconic Hollywood Cafe in Hollywood, Mississippi, where we savoured the flavours of classic Southern cuisine and basked in the ambience of a bygone era.
As we left Clarksdale, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills of the Mississippi Delta. We hopped back in our car and made our way towards Tunica, eager to take in the natural beauty of the Mississippi River at sunset. The Tunica River Park did not disappoint - the tranquil waters were bathed in a golden light, and we spent a few blissful moments just taking in the scenery. As the sky turned from gold to pink to purple, we realised we were hungry and decided to head towards our final destination for the night, the Hilton Garden Inn Memphis East Germantown. The drive took us through some charming small towns, and we chatted happily about the memories we had made that day. Finally, we arrived at the hotel and were delighted to find a cosy room waiting for us, complete with all the amenities we needed to make our stay comfortable. We couldn't wait to explore Germantown and see what adventures the next day would bring.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
