Area Man Erects His Own Robert Johnson Sign

Billy Ray Patel, owner of The Golden Insect Inn, says the conflicting opinions of state Sen. David Jordan and local historians Sylvester Hoover and Steve LaVere regarding the life and death of blues legend Robert Johnson in Greenwood are of no consequence. He has erected his own sign next to the Insect, saying: “Legendary Bluesman Robert Johnson Screwed a Hooker on This Corner, as recognized because Billy Ray Patel and Leflore County said so.”

Patel said he became good friends with Honeyboy Edwards in the '80s when Patel gave him free hotel rooms whenever he wanted to cheat on his wife. Edwards spent many a night drinking Colt 45s and relaying stories to Patel about Johnson's favorite shack, once located adjacent to the Insect's lot, and the activities that occurred therein.

Patel feels that his sign about Johnson is the most important because it embodies the spirit of the blues. “The blues was about f-----ing,” Patel said. “How more authentic can you get?”