Nat Dove Memorialized in Texas Blues Mural
Mural of Nat Dove
Nat Dove, director of the Bryan Texas Blues Festival, performer at the TIL Wine and Cheese Festival, and presenter for an ASB function at Taft College for Black History Month, has been memorialized in a mural that features many of the true legends of Texas Blues music. Folklore artists David Woods and sculptor Russell Cushman are the creators and visionaries responsible for this fabulous documentation of the rich Blues history and culture of the Brazos River Valley. The mural is located in Blues Alley in downtown Navasota. The city has been designated as the capital of Texas Blues for many years. The city has shared its official designation with the surrounding areas. The annual Navasota Blues Fest is a tradition. Just as in days of old, each year in August people come from miles around to hear the Texas Blues performed by true Texas Blues musicians. Long before all of the wannabes decided that this music was of any significant value as an art form.
Nat Dove, along with many other African American musicians of the 1950s, recognized the genius of this unique music and went on to dedicate their lives to the propagation of the genre. The Brazos River, and in turn the Brazos Valley, was the ideal breeding ground for this music. The political, social and economic conditions were perfect to spawn this music. Texas Blues music spoke a practical expression of survival. The Blues was always prevalent in the cultures of the communities along the Brazos River Valley. The cathartic and soul healing qualities of Blues was very much-admired in these communities.
This mural celebrates the essence of American history and culture it also documents the cultural gift this country has given to the world. Blues music is the first world music and the most interactive, adaptive music of the 20th century.
Mural being painted