Shake Rag Tales in Mississippi

The people, the place, and the purpose for the existence of Shake Rag, Mississippi...

This commemorative plaque is all that is left of an
all-African-American community of Shakerag in Tupelo, MS.

The term "shake rag" (or shakerag as it is often spelled) comes from several sources, but the most recognizable source was the small unincorporated community of Shakerag in Tupelo, Mississippi. Notwithstanding, there was also a Shakerag in Monroe County, Missouri. Both communities were populated by African Americans who wanted to forge their own lives. Both communities are now gone and live on only in the memories of either those who lived there or those who know about them.

Shakerag/Tupelo is significant not only for its vibrant but short existence, where businesses, cafes, churches, and the people prospered but also for its influence on Tupelo's most famous and beloved native son, Elvis Presley. He lived in "The Hill" area of Tupelo, which was adjacent to Shakerag, and he often went down to Shakerag to listen to the seminal blues and gospel music and was influenced by the music and the musicians.

This is one of the rare known photos of 13-year-old
Elvis Presley, outside the still existing hardware store
where his mother bought him his first guitar. There is a
woman standing in the shade (to the left) that is
thought to be Elvis's mother.

According to the Mississippi Blues Trail web site, "A local explanation for the origin of Shake Rag’s name refers to people 'shakin’ their rags' while fleeing a fight. The term was also used to describe African American musical gatherings in the 1800s and early 1900s and may be related to Shake Rag’s location next to the railway tracks; prior to regular timetables, passengers would signal for the engineer to stop a train by shaking a rag. Gambling and bootlegging were commonplace in Shake Rag and although outsiders often regarded the area as dangerous, former residents proudly recalled its churches, prosperous businesses, and strong sense of community, a quality highlighted in Charles 'Wsir' Johnson’s 2004 documentary about Shake Rag, Blue Suede Shoes in the Hood. Blues guitarists such as Willie C. Jones, Charlie Reese, 'Tee-Toc,' and Lonnie Williams played at Shake Rag house parties, on street corners, on a stage near the fairgrounds, and at the Robins Farm south of downtown, according to musicians who have stated that Elvis may have been especially swayed by the music of 'Tee-Toc' or Williams."

There's more to be said about Shake Rag/Tupelo and its influence on Elvis, but I will let local Tupelo folks tell it. Following the first video below, enjoy the music of Jack Rabbit Slim, who sings Shakerag and other songs...




Video: Shakerag mix with Jack Rabbit Slim...