Historical marker unveiled in England honors Larry Tootsie Davis

Organizers unveiled a permanent historical marker in England, Arkansas, today honoring Larry Tootsie Davis, a native son credited as a co‑writer of “Texas Flood” and a four‑time W.C. Handy Award winner. Family, friends and music fans gathered for the event, which organizers said is part of the Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail.

The marker recognizes Davis’s contribution to Arkansas’s musical heritage and is intended to preserve his story for future generations, organizers said. The Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail highlights artists who helped shape the state’s blues tradition and organizers said they plan additional markers across the delta.

“This is our 2nd event we’re having,” the presenter said, noting the group recently honored another blues musician and that the project aims to “shine lights on these wonderful artists that were the backbone of Arkansas’s music heritage.” The presenter also said Davis was born in Pine Bluff and grew up in England, Arkansas.

The celebration included live music, food and the unveiling of the permanent marker in Davis’s hometown. Organizers did not specify the marker’s exact location within England or any formal preservation obligations tied to the marker.

The Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail initiative is intended to be a multi‑site effort; organizers said more markers are planned in the months ahead, but did not provide a timetable or a list of future honorees.