Late Night Music Part 8..............Mississippi's Finest

After my trip home this past week, I figured it was time to recognize the great state of Mississippi. In order to be on this list, the act had to be A- ENTIRELY from Mississippi (no N'Sync, Temptations, or Blind Melon), B- Have been BORN IN or spent a significant part of their life in the state (no Josh Kelley). If you think I'm lying about any of these, you can look it up. Also, Britney Spears WILL NOT appear on this list (yes, she's from Mississippi- was born there and went to school there). Also receiving votes in this category were The North Mississippi All Stars, Robert Johnson (good luck finding a video of him anyway), Muddy Waters, David Ruffin, and Ike Turner. Now onto the list-

Brandy- "Sittin Up In My Room". This native of McComb, Mississippi scored a hit on the "Waiting to Exhale" soundtrack in 1995. Brandy was really coming into her prime around this time. Besides starring in "Moesha", she was on this soundtrack album. Interesting fact though- the soundtrack for the entire movie minus one song was written by Babyface. All of these songs are sung by woman. Anyway, I still really like this song- chorus is really catchy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmOvILJAYK8&feature=PlayList&p=C0554FEB0139567E&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=60

Jimmy Buffett- "Cheeseburger In Paradise". This southern rock legend from Pascagoula also is a fellow alumni of USM. This is a great live version of one of his more popular songs. However, I may add that Jimmy Buffett was playing shows barefoot WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY before Jack Johnson. Nothing against JJ, but I really don't like people saying he was the innovator here. Enjoy the video, now go eat a cheeseburger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-tB_vFp0ws&feature=PlayList&p=6249B0F92E7AA9EA&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=11

Three Doors Down- "Let Me Go". These guys from the coast town of Escatawpa have turned into a household name and well oiled hit machine. This song is also a new addition to my karaoke repertoire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibvXgom-MvU

David Banner- "Cadillacs on 22's". Jackson's favorite son David Banner throws out this song here from his debut album "Mississippi". Don't get me wrong here- I've seen him in concert and I think he's a really talented guy. However, I still can't for the life of me figure out what in the world this song is even about! However, I do like the video being shot in Jackson. I wish I could grow a beard like this guy- that facial hair is incredible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX6Nj0ww4Ac

Dave Barnes- "Until You". This native of Kosciusko is one of the best up and coming singers in the country right now. Not only is he a fantastic singer/songwriter, but he has also done stand up comedy shows. Interesting fact- I grew up with Dave Barnes wife.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTqG-piJkbk&feature=related

Ginny Owens- "If You Want Me To". This beautiful song by Christian artist Ginny Owens from Jackson really shows her skills as a pianist and a songwriter. If you didn't already know this, she is completely blind and has been since the age of 2. Shows that talent knows no barriers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMKp4g_ZrGk

LeAnn Rimes- "How Do I Live". From Pearl, LeAnn Rimes scored a mega mainstream hit with this song. I always thought it was extremely ironic that the same song in the movie "Con Air" sung by Trisha Yearwood beat her out for a grammy that year. Talk about a slap in the face. Really good live performance here- enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr4kbVNB5rk

B.B. King- "Key to the Highway". The undisputed king of blues and his trusty "Lucille" from Indianola give a great live performance here. Even at his old age, this old man can still make it happen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNId8clBdbI&feature=related

Afroman- "Hush". This Hattiesburg product is a guilty pleasure. I had to find a song that would actually be age appropriate, so this cover of the old spiritual "Hush" really shows that Afroman really is pretty talented. I guess he figured out he was talented "because he got high".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QstNgN4ANaY

Sam Cooke- "Blowing In The Wind". Everyone forgets Sam Cooke was originally born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. This cover of the Bob Dylan classic really shows off Cooke's great voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYWDgeVqP2U&feature=related

Faith Hill- "Breathe". BY FAR the hottest woman on this list. This spectacular live performance just shows why Faith Hill is so awesome. Her crossover hit "Breathe" was just her introduction to the mainstream music world after she was already a country superstar. She's lived nearly everywhere in the Jackson area, and even "saw you at Hinds", but we'll call her from the huge town of Star, Mississippi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjpwL3OGHCE

Charley Pride- "Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger?". No list of Mississippians would be complete without Charley Pride. This country music legend from Sledge (yeah I never heard of it either) is the only African American in the country music hall of fame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws4z10tY8H4&feature=related

Elvis Presley- "Burning Love". No introduction needed. Elvis is from Tupelo, Mississippi. Get it RIGHT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcJac6OykfM

The pride of the Gulf Coast

Move over Memphis, the KING is from Mississippi!!!

The King of Blues is also a Mississippian

Like she really wasn't gonna be on here