Over Seven Decades of
Sound & Story
Founded in 1941 at 307 Cherry Street in Helena, Arkansas, the Gist Music Company began as a music store for instruments and music lessons. In 1953, the company began the jukebox rental business — and quickly became something far greater. The jukeboxes Gist placed across the Delta carried the recordings of previously unknown Delta musicians, including Elvis Presley, and a young BB King, and introduced their music to audiences who had never heard them before.
Years later, these artists would go on to reshape American music, along with regional icons: Levon Helm, Sonny Boy Williamson, and CW Gatlin, who all walked through the doors of the Gist. The Gist Music Company wasn't just a shop — it was a launching pad.
After more than seven decades of service to Helena and the Delta, Gist Music closed in 2015, following the death of its co-founder, Morse Gist, Sr. The Music Education Initiative recently acquired the historic building with a singular purpose: to restore, revitalize, and make it The MEI Flagship Facility and ensure its legacy lives on — not as just a store, but as a working campus for the next generation of music professionals.
Gist Music Founded
Founded in 1941 at 307 Cherry Street in Helena, Arkansas, the Gist Music Company began as a music store for instruments and music lessons.
Legends Walk Through the Door
As the store grows as a jukebox rental business, its customers read like a who's who of American music: Levon Helm, Elvis Presley, Sonny Boy Williamson, and CW Gatlin all come through.
Gist Music Closes
After more than seven decades serving Helena and the Delta, Gist Music closes following the death of its co-founder — leaving a void in the heart of the community.
The Music Education Initiative Purchases the Company
The Music Education Initiative purchases the historic property, committing to restoring it as a living music campus — honoring what came before, while building what comes next.
The Legacy Continues
A professional recording studio, live performance stage, and crew training campus — open to Helena and the world.
