The University of Mississippi Blues Archive houses one of the largest collections of blues recordings, publications, and memorabilia in the world. Students and faculty can explore B.B. King’s personal record collection or listen to more than 60,000 sound recordings and read through more than 34,000 periodicals and newsletters.
Ole Miss also employs two unique blues musicians.
Alan Gross, a professor of clinical psychology, and Adam Gussow, professor of English and Southern studies, are the Blues Doctors. Doctors in their respective fields of study and seasoned Mississippi-based blues veterans play a mix of Delta standards and urban grooves at a steady gig at Rooster’s Blues House in Oxford.
Gross plays guitar while Gussow plays harmonica and kick drum. Both sing. They have been perfecting their two-man sound at Rooster’s for some time and have recently released their debut album “Roosters Happy Hour”, named for the regular gig at the venue. The album is a joyous, funky, deep-dish feast. Gussow describes it as two seasoned veterans having a great time with the blues.
Fortunately for Oxford residents, the Blues Doctors have two upcoming local performances. The play Lamar Lounge March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. and the Lyric Theater March 29 as one of four bands taking part in a fundraiser for a film called Subsippi. The event begins at 6 p.m.