Blues on the Blocks

Pensacola neighborhood sings stories of Black history

In 2019, Pensacola’s Belmont-Devilliers neighborhood, also known as The Blocks, was named part of the historic Mississippi Blues Trail.

The neighborhood came to prominence in the early 1900s when segregation pushed African Americans out of the city and out of white neighborhoods. But unstifled culture began to thrive in the area, and Belmont-Devilliers became a well-known stop along the Chitlin’ Circuit—a network of black-owned entertainment venues.

Pensacola’s Mississippi Blues Trail markers recognize notable landmarks and members of the historically Black Belmont-Devilliers community where blues, jazz, vaudeville, and ragtime music brought life to the neighborhood. Well-known Black performers, including B.B. King, Sam Cooke, and Junior Parker, were known to stop in Pensacola while touring the circuit, and Mother of Blues Ma Rainey from Columbus, Georgia notably performed at the historic Belmont Theatre.

Pensacolan Abe Pierce opened Abe’s 506 Club, one of a string of clubs and restaurants that fostered and supported the local music scene. The Belmont Street Gussie’s Record Shop was home to recordings by local musicians Wally “The Cat” Mercer, Ray Sheppard, Harold Andrews, Ida Goodson, Corrie Davis, Bo Bo Edwards, the Rounders, and others.

Visit Pensacola encourages locals and visitors to tour The Blocks on foot, taking in the rich history noted by markers and murals throughout the neighborhood. Popular Black-owned businesses open today make for an ideal lunch break stop while visiting Belmont-Devilliers. The Five Sisters Blues Cafe offers classic Southern soul food set among decor highlighting the area’s history in the blues scene. Others include the no-frills burger joint Blue Dot and the casual comfort food found at Dwarf Chicken Stand.