"Mississippi Blues" was first captured as part of field recordings made in the Mississippi Delta in 1941-1942 for the Library of Congress

William Brown, the song's performer, seems to be played a National steel on the recording. He is often confused with the Willie Brown who recorded "Future Blues" and "M & O Blues" and who often performed with Delta legend Charley Patton.

Brown played the song at a brisk pace, imitating the piano blues so common in the jukes and barrelhouses of the South. We have taken a less exhuberant approach better fitting Rick's harmonica and Sheryl's vocals.