Crossroads: Celebrating Mississippi’s Music Roots Across the Globe

The spirit of Mississippi’s musical heritage shines brightly in “Crossroads,” a Song Around The World collaboration presented by Playing For Change and Visit Mississippi. Written by the legendary Robert Johnson, Crossroads carries deep historical meaning, especially tied to the Mississippi Delta—the birthplace of the blues. Featuring an international group of musicians, this unique performance of Crossroads brings together instruments, cultures, and voices from across the world, reflecting how Mississippi’s influence continues to shape American music today.

Bringing the World Together Through Crossroads

This new rendition of Crossroads brings an extraordinary mix of sounds and talents into one vibrant performance. Artists from different continents join forces to honor Robert Johnson’s legacy, blending traditional Mississippi blues roots with musical flavors from around the globe. From Cedric Burnside’s soulful vocals and acoustic guitar, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram’s powerful guitar work, to Keb’ Mo’s unmistakable voice, each musician adds something special. Instruments like the karkabas from Morocco and the phin from Thailand offer a truly global texture, but the heart of Crossroads remains the blues spirit born in Mississippi.

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cedric Burnside, both Mississippi natives, bring authenticity and passion that connect back to the roots of the song. They are joined by talents like Bombino from Niger, Sierra Hull on mandolin, Charlie Worsham on banjo, and many more, creating a rich, layered sound. Crossroads feels like a musical conversation, reminding us how Mississippi’s rhythms reached across borders and inspired generations worldwide.

Watch the Crossroads Performance Here

Mississippi is often referred to as the “Birthplace of America’s Music,” and Crossroads shows exactly why. It is a powerful reminder of how music born in the Mississippi Delta became the foundation for genres like country, rock ‘n’ roll, and even modern pop.

Crossroads is more than a performance; it is a gathering of cultures, memories, and passion—all stitched together through a common love for music.

Meet the Artists Behind Crossroads

Cedric Burnside – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

Hailing from Mississippi, Cedric Burnside is a Grammy-winning artist whose music is rooted in the Hill Country Blues tradition. In Crossroads, his warm voice and acoustic guitar set the tone for a grounded, heartfelt performance.

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – Vocals, Guitar

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is a young blues guitarist and singer from Clarksdale, Mississippi. His soaring guitar solos and passionate vocals in Crossroads pay homage to the Delta blues legends who came before him.

Keb’ Mo’ – Vocals

Keb’ Mo’ brings decades of blues wisdom to Crossroads. His smooth, steady vocals add a rich layer that beautifully ties the global collaboration back to the song’s Mississippi roots.

Crossroads features many more artists, including talents like Sierra Hull, Bombino, Robin Moxey, and the Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band, each offering their unique voice to this global celebration of Mississippi’s music.

What’s Next for These Incredible Artists?

Several artists featured in Crossroads have exciting things on the horizon.
Cedric Burnside is currently touring across the U.S., bringing his raw Mississippi blues to new audiences.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is working on his next studio album, following the success of his Grammy-winning debut.
Keb’ Mo’ has been involved in several collaborative projects recently, with more tour dates announced for later this year.

Keep an eye out for these artists if you want to hear more music rooted in the powerful traditions celebrated in Crossroads.

Why Crossroads Matters Today

Crossroads is more than a cover of a classic blues track. It’s a tribute to Mississippi’s role in shaping American music. This performance brings together traditions from Africa, the U.S., South America, and beyond, all connected by the simple, powerful truths found in the blues. Mississippi’s music doesn’t just belong to the past—it continues to inspire and connect people everywhere.

Crossroads reminds us that music is one of humanity’s most enduring and beautiful connections, and Mississippi’s contributions will forever echo in every note played around the world.

Lyrics:
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above, “Have mercy, now, save poor Bob if you please”

Yeah, standin’ at the crossroad, tried to flag a ride
Ooh-ee, I tried to flag a ride
Didn’t nobody seem to know me, babe, everybody pass me by

Standin’ at the crossroad, baby, risin’ sun goin’ down
Standin’ at the crossroad, baby, risin’ sun goin’ down
I believe to my soul, now, poor Bob is sinkin’ down

You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
That I got the crossroad blues this mornin’, Lord, baby, I’m sinkin’ down

And I went to the crossroad, mama, I looked East and West
I went to the crossroad, baby, I looked East and West
Lord, I didn’t have no sweet woman, ooh well, babe, in my distress