Ryan Coogler exploring Mississippi Blues Trail for Sinners brought a hands-on approach to the film’s soundtrack, as the director and composer Ludwig Göransson traveled through Mississippi to experience the origin of Delta blues. This journey influenced the 2025 movie Sinners, with the pair gathering inspiration from local landmarks and artists during the film’s development.
Immersing in the Heart of the Delta Blues
Director Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Göransson did not rely solely on research to capture the region’s musical essence for Sinners. Finalizing the script, Coogler visited Mississippi for the first time, taking to the renowned Blues Trail. This series of historic markers tells the story of legendary blues musicians including B.B. King and Buddy Guy—the latter appearing in a post-credits scene—and highlights iconic juke joints and museums that have shaped the genre over time.
Coogler described how he and Göransson approached the creative process together, stating,
“Ludwig was right there with me, every step of the way,”
—Ryan Coogler, Director. This collaborative spirit ensured that authenticity was present in every note of their work on Sinners.
Visiting Landmarks and Connecting With Music Legends
Boo Mitchell, the Grammy-winning composer, producer, and engineer who owns Royal Studios in Memphis, played a pivotal role in the team’s exploration of the blues. According to Mitchell,
“Ryan and Ludwig wanted to see the Mississippi Delta, so I took ’em to Clarksdale, went to Cleveland, B.B. King Museum. I connected them with a lot of current and O.G. legacy blues musicians like Bobby Rush, Cedric Burnside, Super Chikan,”
—Boo Mitchell, Owner of Royal Studios. Mitchell further emphasized the film’s dedication to genuine blues representation, saying,
“And a lot of these people are either in the film or you can hear their music in the film.”
—Boo Mitchell, Owner of Royal Studios.
Mitchell also contributed to the Sinners soundtrack by producing a fresh version of the 1961 party staple “Wang Dang Doodle.” This rendition features Cedric Burnside, fife player Sharde Thomas-Mallory, and Southern Avenue’s frontwoman Tierinii Jackson, blending the talents of established and rising blues musicians for the film’s atmospheric score.
Sinners Arrives for Audiences and Music Fans
Sinners is now available to purchase or rent via the Apple TV app, providing viewers the chance to experience the Mississippi Delta’s influence on screen. Meanwhile, Ludwig Göransson’s evocative score, developed out of their extensive journey, is streaming on Apple Music. Their collaborative venture along the Blues Trail not only shaped the film’s musical landscape but also spotlighted both legendary and contemporary artists for new audiences.
