Notable people Douglas A. Blackmon, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Slavery by Another Name, grew up in Leland. Johnie Cooks football player at Mississippi State University and the NFL Ruth Thompson Dickins, socialite and convicted murderer Jim Henson, puppeteer and creator of The Muppets Thelma Houston, singer/actress, was born in Leland. Antonio Johnson, professional football player. Matt Miller A former Major League pitcher Wadada Leo Smith, a jazz trumpeter and composer, is from Leland. Bob Taylor, baseball player. James "Son" Thomas, blues musician, gravedigger, and sculptor. Johnny Winter, blues musician, spent part of his childhood in Leland.
notable people douglas a blackmon pulitzer prize-winning author of slavery by another name grew up in leland johnie cooks football player at mississippi state university and the nfl ruth thompson dickins socialite and convicted murderer jim henson puppeteer and creator of the muppets thelma houston singer/actress was born in leland antonio johnson professional football player matt miller a former major league pitcher wadada leo smith a jazz trumpeter and composer is from leland bob taylor baseball player james "son" thomas blues musician gravedigger and sculptor johnny winter blues musician spent part of his childhood in leland