Hey y’all, welcome to our Symphonic Blues Experience, a unique combination of classic orchestral sounds blended with the emotion and authenticity of the Blues. 

These two music genres couldn’t be more different. One was born in the gilded concert halls of Europe, the other in the sweltering fields of the American South. So when my partners  and I set out  to work on this project, we asked ourselves, “could these divergent sounds come together? Could these talented musicians, from all walks of life, strike a resonant chord and find just the right harmony?”

The answer, we believe, is a resounding yes. 

Born from struggle and shaped in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the blues is more than a sound, it’s proof of survival. It’s the story of people who turned hardship into something powerful, who found beauty in their sorrow, and who sang out loud when the world tried to keep them quiet.

But the blues didn’t stay put. It didn’t just linger on the dusty roads or front porches of the Delta. It traveled up the river, across the country, and eventually around the world. With every stop, it left its mark, shaping jazz, rock & roll, R&B, and soul. The blues laid the foundation for so much of the music we know today, but somehow its roots are often forgotten, its storytellers left unsung.

This is their story: the sound of America’s past and present, the heartbeat of a culture that refused to be forgotten.

So please, sit back, relax and enjoy the Symphonic Blues Experience.

Dark was the Night, Cold was the Ground (from Blind Willie Johnson’s Columbia Records recording, 1927) Orch. Martin Gellner

Crossroads (from Robert Johnson’s Cross Road Blues EP, 1937) Orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner

You Gotta Move (from Mississippi Fred McDowell’s You Gotta Move, 1965) Orch. Martin Gellner

Death Letter Blues (from Son House’s Father of Folk Blues, 1965) Orch. Martin Gellner

Dust My Broom (from Elmore James’s Trumpet Records recording, 1951) Orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner

Thrill is Gone (from B.B. King’s Completely Well, 1969) Orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner

Cadillac Assembly Line (from Albert King’s Cadillac Assembly Line, 1976) Orch. Martin Gellner

Born Under a Bad Sign (from Albert King’s Born Under A Bad Sign, 1967) Orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner

Hard Times (from Ray Charles’s The Genius Sings The Blues, 1954) Orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner

Somebody Knockin’ On My Door (from Eric Clapton's Slowhand at 70, 2015) Orch. Martin Gellner

Travelling Riverside Blues (from Led Zeppellin’s Coda, 1982) Orch. Martin Gellner

I’ll Take You There (from The Staple Singers’ Be Altitude: Respect Yourself, 1972) Orch. Martin Gellner

Tried and Tried (from Anthony Big A Sherrod’s Right on Time, 2016) Orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner

Someday (from Anthony Big A Sherrod’s Right on Time, 2016) Orch. David O’Rourke, Martin Gellner

I Lied To You (from Sinners original soundtrack, 2025) Orch. Martin Gellner

Bring It On Home To Me (from Sam Cooke’s The Best of Sam Cooke, 1962) Orch. Martin Gellner

Morgan Freeman

 Morgan Freeman, a proud son of the Mississippi Delta, is renowned not only as an Academy Award-winning actor and narrator of unforgettable gravitas, but also as a tireless champion of the music and culture that shaped his upbringing. Raised amid the soulful rhythms and storytelling traditions of the Delta, Freeman’s lifelong love for the blues runs as deep as his iconic voice. Beyond his legendary film career, he has dedicated himself to preserving this musical heritage, most notably as co-founder of the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, a lively sanctuary for authentic Delta blues and a launchpad for local talent.

As co-producer of Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, he brings his vision and unmistakable presence to the stage, blending cinematic flair with the heart of the blues. As Freeman likes to say, “If you want to understand the blues, you don’t just listen—you feel it. And if you’re lucky, you get to narrate it too.”

Anthony ‘Big A’ Sherrod

Anthony “Big A” Sherrod is a multi-instrumentalist and international touring artist who personifies the living legacy of Delta Blues. A native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Sherrod’s journey began at just five years old when he picked up the bass under the guidance of his mentor, the legendary Mr. Johnnie Billington. As the godson of blues icon Big Jack Johnson and a proud graduate of the Delta Blues Museum’s educational program, Sherrod embodies a direct line to the greats who shaped the genre. His performances carry the soul of the Delta in every note, keeping the tradition alive while inspiring the next generation of blues artists.

Jacqueline ‘Jaxx’ Nassar

Jacqueline “Jaxx” Nassar is a powerhouse guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi—the very heart of the Delta Blues. A former standout of the Delta Blues Museum’s education program, Jaxx was personally awarded the inaugural Robert Johnson Award for Youth Excellence by Morgan Freeman. Over the years, she’s taken the stage alongside legends like B.B. King and Paul Simon, captivating audiences with her fierce musicianship and magnetic stage presence. Rooted in the Blues but unbound by genre, Jaxx brings a raw, soulful energy to every performance, channeling the spirit of the Delta with every note.

Adrienne ‘Lady Adrena’ Ervin

Lady Adrena’s music is making waves across the U.S., France, and the U.K., blending life stories into powerful blues tunes. From 2015 to 2016, she lit up stages alongside legends like Anthony Hamilton, Betty Wright, The Bar-Kays, and Lakeside. In 2018, she took second place at the Vicksburg International Blues Challenge, which inspired her return to her gospel roots and a deeper dive into traditional blues. Her first blues single, Good Girl Gone Bad, was produced by Mr. Sipp, followed by the hit Recipe for the Blues with Sweet Success Records in 2021. That same year, she added the title “Lady” to her name, stepping boldly into the spotlight as a true blues artist. Her latest album, Better Days, recorded at Memphis’ iconic Royal Studios and produced by Boo Mitchell, reflects her mission to bring healing through music. You’ll hear the influence of greats like Koko Taylor and Aretha Franklin; soul and grit in perfect harmony.

Keith Johnson

Keith is an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, harmonica player, and songwriter. He has amassed a songwriting catalog, with multiple songs released on his debut album, “Come to Mississippi.” Keith is in the process of carrying on and upholding a family legacy in the entertainment industry as he is the great-nephew of blues icon Muddy Waters. He is also the grandson of the late Texcellar Fields, a gospel singer and radio host. He was born in Glen Allen, Mississippi, a small town in the heartland of the Mississippi Delta. Keith graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management.

Adrian ‘Rev Slim’ Forrest

Adrian Miles Forrest, better known as Rev Slim, was born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi, where he grew up surrounded by Gospel Quartet music. After graduating from Grenada High, Slim studied music education at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi, where he sharpened his skills in arranging and recording. Adrian’s career has taken him across genres, from hip-hop and gospel to Southern soul and traditional blues. He’s worked with big names like Ice T, Bootsy Collins, Kierra Sheard, Eminem, Willie Clayton, and more. In 2022, he earned Grammy recognition for his work with Sir the Baptist and Tennessee State University. That same project was honored on the House Floor in D.C. and added to the Congressional Book of Records. He’s also been recognized at home, earning honors from the City of Grenada and the Grenada Baptist District. 

Lee Williams

Lee Williams was born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, right in the heart of a musical legacy. He got his start banging on buckets in the street at just 8 years old, until his cousin, Anthony Sherrod, brought him into Mr. Johnny Billington’s School of Blues. Over the years, Lee’s played in bands like Razorblade & The Deep Cuts with Josh “Razorblade” Stewart, Dr. Mike and Big T, and The Family with Terry “Big T” Williams. He’s been a regular at Ground Zero Blues Club since day one, sharing the stage with blues legends like Charlie Musselwhite and Bob Margolin. These days, Lee gives back by teaching drums at the Delta Blues Museum’s Music Education Program and the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop. He’s also been a core part of Heavy Suga’ & The SweeTones for the past 18 years, contributing to songwriting, arrangements, and vocals. You can also catch him playing with Big A & The Allstars… and with anyone else who needs a drummer.  

Mark Yacovone

Mark Yacovone is a Mississippi-based keyboardist and recording artist best known for his soulful work on piano, organ, accordion and for a brief cameo on the reality series Gene Simmons: Family Jewels.  A longtime member of the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour house band, he’s shared stages and studios with artists like Mojo Nixon, Jody Williams, Joe Osborn, Buddy Cage, Maria Muldaur, and Jack Sonni of Dire Straits. Mark brings decades of groove, grit, and musical range to every performance.

Martin Gellner

Martin Gellner is an acclaimed Austrian composer, conductor, and orchestrator whose work bridges classical precision with cinematic flair. Trained at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Gellner has collaborated with renowned ensembles including the Vienna Philharmonic and the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. A creative force behind large-scale productions, he brings depth and dynamism to every score—most recently serving as arranger for Hans Zimmer Live. With Symphonic Blues, Gellner lends his mastery to reimagining Delta classics with sweeping orchestral power, creating a sound that’s both rooted and revelatory.

The Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Team:

Morgan Freeman - Symphonic Blues Ambassador, Narrator and Executive Producer

Anthony ‘Big A’ Sherrod - Guitar & Vocals

Jacqueline ‘Jaxx’ Nassar - Guitar & Vocals

Keith Johnson - Guitar, Harmonica & Vocals

Adrienne ‘Lady Adrena’ Ervin - Vocals

Adrian ‘Rev Slim’ Forrest - Bass

Mark Yacovone - Keyboard

Lee Williams - Percussion

Eric Meier - Executive Producer

Howard Stovall - Executive Producer

Alina Scalora - Producer

Nick Talbott - Producer

Martin Gellner - Music Director

Tameal Edwards - Tour Manager

Steve Weeder - Front of House Engineer

Devi Reddy, Park Avenue Artists - Booking Manager

To our Creative Collaborators who have contributed to make Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience a reality:

Martin Gellner – To our Music Director whose masterful blending of the Blues and the Symphony Orchestra make the most unlikely of musical combinations soar.

Boo Mitchell and Royal Studios – To our master of vibe, Boo and his legendary Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee make the sounds of our project come fully to life.

Stax Music Academy – To the joyous kids of the Stax after-school music program who bring a wide smile to our faces whenever they turn up the volume.

Danny Abraham – To a pastor, sartorial soothsayer and crooner extraordinaire, Danny’s love of life has made us love him even more.

Willy Bearden – To a great southern storyteller, whose words make us all just want to go home to the Delta.  

Maude Schuyler Clay – To the camera whisperer, whose images bring the wonder of the Mississippi Delta into full focus.

Kelly Dachtler and Lumio Studio - To our cinematic virtuoso who perfectly captures the storytelling of the Symphonic Blues Experience.

Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale - Where it all began, the best blues club on the planet. All are welcome!

To our Sponsors who work tirelessly to bring tourism and economic opportunity to the Mississippi Delta:  

Visit Mississippi

Mississippi, often hailed as the birthplace of America's music, offers visitors a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, from the legendary blues trails of Clarksdale to the vibrant coastal towns along the Gulf. Its deep-rooted musical traditions, historic landmarks, and warm Southern hospitality make it a compelling destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences. By partnering with Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues Experience, Mississippi proudly showcases its profound influence on global music and reaffirms its commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique cultural legacy.

Memphis Tourism

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience is proudly supported by Memphis Tourism, the official destination marketing organization for Memphis and Shelby County. Memphis Tourism helps amplify the city’s rich musical heritage—from the blues of Beale Street to the soul of Stax—by partnering with cultural experiences that celebrate its global influence. Their support ensures that the legacy of Memphis continues to inspire audiences across the country. Learn more about the city’s music, food, and culture.

Visit Clarksdale

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience is honored to partner with Visit Clarksdale, the official tourism organization for Clarksdale, Mississippi—widely recognized as the "Home of the Blues." Clarksdale's rich musical heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and iconic landmarks like the Delta Blues Museum and the legendary Crossroads make it a pilgrimage site for blues enthusiasts worldwide. Visit Clarksdale plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting this legacy, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the birthplace of the blues. 

Crossroads Economic Partnership

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience is proud to partner with the Crossroads Economic Partnership, a driving force behind Clarksdale, Mississippi’s economic revitalization and cultural preservation. As the city’s leading economic development and chamber organization, the Crossroads Economic Partnership fosters innovation, supports local businesses, and promotes Clarksdale’s rich musical heritage on a global stage. Their commitment to nurturing creative industries and honoring the Delta’s legacy makes them an ideal partner in bringing this transformative musical experience to life.

Tonya & Bob Omdahl