Blues music has always been important to Robert Plant, and the same can be said of Clarksdale, Mississippi. Not only has Plant been there more than once to explore its deep blues history, he and fellow Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page honored the city by naming their 1998 joint studio effort ‘Walking Into Clarksdale.’

Clarksdale is where Plant will be in August when he headlines the 25th anniversary edition of the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival.

“This is spectacular news,” longtime festival co-chairman Melville Tillis said recently. “We have been in dialogue with Robert Plant for several months, and are thrilled he will be here.”

According to a March 3 press release, the singer’s list of backing musicians for the Sunflower River Blues festival includes guitarist Justin Adams. He’s a confirmed member of the Sensational Space Shifters, Plant’s new group, which will make its public debut in late July at the Womad festival in the United Kingdom.

The lineup for this year’s Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival, scheduled for Aug. 10-12, also includes harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite, who can be heard on George Thorogood‘s ’2120 South Michigan Ave.’ album.

More From 100.7 KOOL FM