She was my sixth grade teacher back in 19 7677 and she was also my neighbor I live down the street from her on College Street in Helena. I would go to her house I'm weekends and just to visit. She made a big impact in my life and she was mine favorite teacher Pop Bar. I will always miss her!

Praise God for Muriel Wilkins, for spreading the Gospel far and wide.

The Impact that Muriel had on Marc was very real. They stayed in touch and she attended his wedding in New York. This was all before Walking in Memphis was released. Muriel got to hear the album and her favorite song from it was Walking in Memphis, but she died before it became a hit.

I always thought Marc C captured Miss Muriel’s essence so well. When she asks him "Tell me are you a Christian child?", there is no way he could have responded other than to say, "Ma'am, I am tonight". She made everyone she encountered feel like a beloved child of God.

I’m so glad I found this. Muriel s now singing with the angels.

I cry every time I hear 'Walking in Memphis'. I know why I cry for this song. Now I have a second reason for more tears. Thanks for the great story Holsey.

I was fortunate enough to be able to play the piano in the Hollywood Cafe on Saturday. I played walking in memphis on it, and then gave the crowd an entire show for about 3 hours. I could almost feel the spirit of Muriel guiding my hands as I played, and again just before I left when she whispered in my ear "go on down to beale street, baby, and get yourself a job there so you can come entertain these people again. They need it." And so I left and went to beale street. I left that night with a job offer from Silky O'Sullivans and am now contemplating on taking it (I currently live in knoxville tn, and was just passing through on my way back from L.A.). Getting to be immersed in the culture and playing her iconic piano brought a whole new soul and breath of life into me musically and spiritually. I can't begin to tell you what an honor it was to be able to play and entertain the people there. Maybe i'll do it again someday :)

Both beautiful and touching to hear from Muriel's son. Only Heaven fully knows the impact her life had, Mark Cohn being just the tip of that magnificent iceberg of influence.

Your mother was a great woman. Thanks for sharing.

I just listened to Cohn’s song for the first time ever and saw someone in the comments say the song was a tribute to a family member of theirs named Muriel Wilkins. After the song ended I was compelled to look her up. Appreciate listening to this man speak about his mother. She sounds like she was an amazing woman!

Wish I could have met Muriel AWESOME WOMAN

Thank you for finding Muriel's son and sharing this.... I now understand the story behind Walking in Memphis

It doesn't seem like she's been gone that long. Bless her soul. I used to see her play at Uncle Henry's at Moon Lake. I wish I could hear her sing, "Just A Bowl of Butterbeans." RIP sweet lady.

Thanks for posting this. I had the honor to meet Marc Cohn after his concert one night a few years back. He's a sweet generous guy, super-talented song writer. And he always gives credit to Muriel Wilkins in his interviews, so I came to find out about her. I was hoping to hear some of her music. Hope someone in Memphis will find some recordings of hers - if she played so much someone must have something hidden somewhere. Thanks for the stories, Mr. Wilkins!

Your mums legacy will always be remembered in this song ..

What an amazing man and an amazing story, you are very blessed to have met this man!

So nice to hear her son talk about her. Muriel seems like a wonderful lady. Her encouragement led Marc to continue with his music. I want to hear her sing. I'm looking for it on KZfaq.

Your mother was a wonderful lady. Wherever she played on Saturday night, she'd always drive back to Helena to play in church Sunday morning. What I'd give now for, " a bowl of butter beans." I used to see her at The Hollywood and Uncle Henry's at Moon Lake. 💐

Greetings, Prayers and Salutation for you Holsey Wilkins for your beautiful story. May your mother rest in Peace and Power.

This was amazing. Thank you for sharing and God bless.

I should have known this song was anointed. It has always been a favorite of mine since I was a teen. It has so much soul to it. You can tell it is not any ordinary song. I am glad to finally learn the back story about it.

The name Muriel stands out to me because it was my mother’s name. She would have loved hearing her name in a song. She never liked her name, I think it’s beautiful, not many Muriels out there! God bless!

Awesome interview of our beloved Muriel, Davis! Thanks so very very much!

Cathy thanks for posting this. I just wish there was some recording of Muriel Wilkins. I would love to see her and hear her sing. I would also like to see Marc Cohn's grammy acceptance speech.

What a beautiful story thanks for sharing. I love Walking in Memphis one of my favorite songs of the 90s. Lyrics are wonderful and capture the spirits of two musical souls

Beautiful story Sir, you must be so proud. God speed

Thank you for sharing this. It’s very interesting to know. I’ve always liked that song, “Walking in Memphis”. Some time after my parents divorced, my father lived in some apartments directly across the street from Graceland. I often visited him there at his apartment, although I have never been inside the Graceland mansion. Anyway, my mother and a few of my siblings moved to Georgia for a few years and every time I heard this song it reminded me of my father and the times I visited him. That made me miss him even more. That song always makes me cry, but at the same time I can’t help singing along because the music just moves me. That piano…the singing…wow. I just love it. I’ve seen the video (spoof) “Walking in Staten” on Saturday Night Live, which has the same music but different lyrics and includes Marc Cohn singing along with others. That video is funny and makes me laugh, but the music still moves me. I believe music is a gift from our Creator and I really appreciate artists like Mr. Cohn that share their talents with others.

This is amazing. May your mother rest in peace.

Thank you for sharing this.

thank you so much, I sing Walkin' in Memphis and knowing the story behind it changed the way I feel about this song so much! Thank you!

God bless her... God bless you. I think this song has a beautiful meaning. A trip to Memphis provided him Joy by finding God in music!! Finding God trough Muriel❤❤. A big hug from México City 🙂

Such a beautiful story sure a beautiful song

What a beautiful story

Thank you for posting this , walking in Memphis is such a special song for me . I’ve been lucky enough to visit Memphis three times and hope to go back one day

Ms. Wilkins was my sister’s, brother’s, and my piano teacher. I pledge AKA under her too. Not only could she play, she could sing. The lady meant business and knew how to handle business. I loved me some Muriel Wilkins, also an educator!

Not to be disrespectful whatsoever, but this story is too amazing to an extent where I wish it could’ve been incorporated into Forrest Gump somehow. It seems like something he would’ve accidentally been a part of lol. Thank you so much for telling this story! I loved it so much!

I hope I’ll have a guardian angel like Muriel.

She sounds like a good ole southern soul. Southern people know how to make you feel @ home. I’m living in the east coast now, but sure miss that southern hospitality.. may her soul rest in peace.

Thank you for sharing this story. You brought a smile and warmth to my heart.

The first time I heard of this song was on America's Got Talent. I had to look up the name of the young man who sang it. Name: Eli Mattson. His sister said his voice is inspirational. He won. His mothers house was destroyed by Katrina. He used the money to build her a new house. Definition of a good man: When you take care of your mother.

Now Muriel plays piano Every Friday at the Hollywood And they brought me down to see her And they asked me if I would Do a little number And I sang with all my might She said "Tell me are you a Christian child?" And I said "Ma'am, I am tonight"

Wow what an interesting story... I like that song a lot.

What a wonderful story📀

wow..memories are soooo wonderful

Beautiful piece of history. Thank you

God Bless her heart

Cathy Hello I've listened to this song and it touches my Soul; I had a feeling there is a black influence; you just confirmed this.

i wish elvis couldnt have heard this song. RIP to Muriel.

I just watched an interview with Mark Cohn and am glad I looked for this interview as well. I'm blown away. Thank you. I wonder if there is any video of Muriel Wilkins somewhere.

Muriel plays piano! ❤

Walking In Memphis is such a great song. I always wondered how much of it was made up by Marc Cohn. Nice to know that there really was a Muriel.

Beautiful song ❤❤

maraming salamat po!!! MABUHAY!!!

Amazing .

Beautiful history.

Great story

I love that song. I hear it almost daily. When I first heard of how it came to be, it only made it better. Now this perspective only enhances that.

Great story!!!!!

I really do remember her

Sweet sweet lady, Muriel Wikins! Gone but neva eva forgotten!

Is there any footage of this wonderful musical lady

Fab story about a fab, amazing song

I had no idea Muriel was real makes the song even more special and yes I believe she is his angel and was with him the night he was shot. Bless you and your family and Cathy too thank you for this.

Don't know wein the muse had me the spirit lead my in a capella thinking Friday after Holly wood squares.

Where can I find her song "darkness on the delta"

Hope he doesn’t mind that Muriel became Gabriel in Cher’s version! 😮

Has anyone told him he sounds exactly like Elvis Presley?

So is Marc Cohen not in touch with him