Mississippi Songwriters Performing Arts Center

08/19/2025

Happy Tuesday afternoon to yall!!! Here’s our Tuesday tidbits on a Hall of Fame member.

☆ This talented Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has been honored with multiple accolades, crossing over into several genres. His song “A Little More Country Than That,” recorded by Easton Corbin, went to #1 and was nominated for both a CMA and ACM Song of the Year. He has also had his songs successfully recorded by the industry's top artists. Among them are Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, Daryll Worley, Sir Cliff Richard, The Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell, Jake Owen, and more. This inductee has also won several Dove Awards for his work in gospel and inspirational music. Who is he?

☆ Answer: Don Poythress from Meridian, Mississippi, has enjoyed a successful career as a songwriter since the 1980s, yet has always recognized his strong spiritual faith as an inspiration. He remains an active presence in songwriting and within the music industry. Poythress was inducted into the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.

Post credit: Johnny Cole
Photo credit: Stephen Anderson

08/17/2025

What a sad day this was.

Remembering Elvis, who died on this day in 1977.

08/16/2025

Gautier city leaders and members of the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance (MSA) tossed the dirt for Friday’s groundbreaking.

08/15/2025

Beautiful (a tad hot) but exciting moments this morning.

08/15/2025

Remember that post when we said there was a prize for the 800th follower to this page? Well we did not forget it. Mr. Eli Oneal you are the winner for being the 800th person to follow along with the progress of the MSPAC. Please inbox us your mailing address and we will get your prize item shipped to you. Thank you all so much for your help in helping us grow!

08/14/2025

Happy Thursday everyone! Here’s a great throwback tidbit on an incredibly talented Mississippian.

☆ In January 1961, Patsy Cline's version of "I Fall to Pieces" became this Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee's first big songwriting success. A year later, Cline released "She's Got You," also written by this inductee. Who was he?

☆ Answer: Hank Cochran is exactly the type of incredible talent who belongs in the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is, without a doubt, one of the most consistently successful songwriters in country music history. One would be hard-pressed to find another songwriter who is respected as well.

Post credit: Johnny Cole
Photo credit: Country Music Hall of Fame

08/12/2025

Mississippi Songwriters Festival- Coastal Region announces second seminar on Saturday September 20th!
Details: Coming soon!
➡️ www.msafestival.org ⬅️

08/12/2025

☆ This Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee enjoyed a creative bond with fellow inductee Jimmy Buffett for many years. Along with an impressive solo career, he was front and center with Buffett's Coral Re**er Band since the 1990s, serving as a backup singer, guitarist, and on-stage partner. Who is he?

☆ Answer: Mac McAnally has enjoyed a long and successful solo career, and for many years served as a backup singer, guitarist, and on-stage partner to the late Jimmy Buffett. McAnally and Buffett were both inducted into the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. He was a contributing songwriter on a number of Buffett songs, including "It's My Job," "Coast of Carolina," and "License to Chill." Since Buffett's passing, McAnally has led the band in numerous shows honoring Buffett's amazing career, including the all-star, sold-out show "Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett" at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring Paul McCartney, the Eagles, Jackson Browne, Kenny Chesney, and more. McAnally joined James Taylor and Chesney to perform "Come Monday" at Buffett's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.

Post credit: Johnny Cole
Photo credit: Mac McAnally and Jimmy Buffett at The Grand Magnolia Listening Room in Pascagoula, MS (Sat. Jan. 14, 2017) by Stephen "Andy" Anderson

08/07/2025

Happy Thursday, “or Friday eve” !!!!

☆ This Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, known for his distinctive rhythmic yodeling, rose to national prominence during the late 1920s and early 1930s. He is often called “The Father of Country Music." Who is he?

☆ Answer: Jimmie Rodgers, from Meridian, Mississippi, was born on September 8, 1897. Rodgers, often called “The Father of Country Music,” inspired many musicians to follow in his footsteps. Subsequently, his influence has crossed over into multiple genres, including rock and blues.

Post credit: Johnny Cole
Photo credit: Publicity photo of Jimmie Rodgers, “The Singing Brakeman,” c. 1929.