22nd Sunflower Blues Fest
August 7-9, 2009
Clarksdale, MS

Large crowds for the 22nd Annual Sunflower Festival which
was labeled The Sam Cooke Weekend.

The Sam Cooke MS Blues Trail marker was dedicated on August 7, 2009 in front of the
New Roxy.  A "Remembering Sam" panel was held at Ground Zero, and the Cooke Family
made appearances on the Main Festival Stage on Saturday.  Sam and his family moved to
Chicago in the early 1930's, however Sam returned to perform at Higgins High School,
 Geo Oliver School, and 1st Baptist Church.  Representing the Cooke Family was
L C Cooke-brother, Gwen Green-niece, Toni Cooke-niece, Eric Green-nephew and
Eric's wife Augustine.  Earlier, on April 4, 2009 a Walk of Fame marker was
installed in the sidewalk at 363 Issaquenna Avenue.

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