Recent Stories

Farewell to a Newspaperwoman
When I entered the classroom at Millsaps College, where I teach a continuing education course for writers, there was a bright-eyed student seated at the table, notebook opened and ready. She looked to be about 80.
With Friends Like This
When I read the subtitle of this book—"Blues Tourism and the Mississippi Delta"—I thought it looked to be a winner. A book that offers pointers on blues promotion is greatly needed.
Mojo On My Mind
Everyone is probably familiar with Mississippi's historical role in the creation of blues, rock 'n' roll and country music. Without that incredible history, "American Idol" would be limited to contestants who excel at classical music and ethereal folk songs.
[Dickerson] Civil Rights Ain't Just History
Gov. Haley Barbour did the right thing by lobbying for a civil-rights museum.
[Dickerson] Dances with Panthers
Suddenly, the big cat began moving toward me, slowly at first, then faster...
Drifting in the Groove
You've probably never heard of Daniel Lanois, but you've certainly heard his work. He has quite an impressive resumé: producer of CDs recorded by Bob Dylan, the Neville Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, U2 and Peter Gabriel, to name a few.
Art Disguised as Memoir
Tom Sancton has had an interesting career as a journalist. He is a former Time magazine reporter and editor, contributor to Vanity Fair, Fortune, and Newsweek, and author of a bestselling book about the investigation of Princess Diana's death.
Memphis Boys Make Music History
Lincoln "Chips" Moman is one of the most successful record producers in history. A music visionary with a knack for matching songs with artists, he was the genius behind Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" and "Kentucky Rain," Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man," Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline," ... and the list goes on and on.
[Dickerson] Finding Solutions
Growing up in the Delta, I learned that bullies were a dime a dozen.
[Dickerson] Long Live the ‘W'
When Gov. Haley Barbour came out in favor of merging Mississippi University for Women with Mississippi State University, I was ecstatic.