Brownsville, Tennessee, in Haywood County, was the home of Sleepy John Estes, Hammie Nixon, Yank Rachell, Charlie Sangster and Son Bonds from the blues world, and is better known as the hometown of Tina Turner, although she grew up some miles to the northwest in Nutbush along Highway 19. Nowadays, the city celebrates its blues heritage with a two-day Exit 56 Blues Festival, sponsored by the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.
Every year, the festival provides great food and vendors, and this year, the audience enjoyed performances by Jake Dappa, Big Don Valentine and the Hollywood All-Stars, and Singa B. There was a also a custom car show with awards, and the weather was beautiful. The second day each year is dedicated to female blues artists strictly. The Exit 56 Blues Festival is held each May, and worth planning a trip for.