Statue at Mance Lipscomb Park
Photo of Lipscomb, date unknown
Mural in “Blues Alley,” off Washington St. connecting to Mance Lipscomb Park.
Another view of the mural.
Mance Lipscomb album cover
Lipscomb’s grave at Navasota’s Rest Haven Cemetery
Mance Lipscomb, born Beau De Glen Lipscomb near Navasota in 1895, spent most of his life working as a tenant farmer. Born into a musical family, he learned guitar as a youth and was a regular at local gatherings, playing blues, ragtime, Tin Pan Alley and folk music. He occasionally played with musicians like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Jimmie Rodgers, but did not make a record until 1960 when he was “discovered” during the 1960’s folk song revival period. He recorded many albums and gained notoriety for 15 years, until his failing health confined him to nursing homes and hospitals until his death in 1976. A sculpture of Lipscomb seated on a bench playing guitar graces the entrance to Mance Lipscomb Park, and “Blues Alley” at the far end of the park is lined with murals highlighting famous blues musicians.
Mance Lipscomb Park
- 140 N La Salle St., Navasota, TX
