Crossroads

Inspired by Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues,” Crossroads is a gallery at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) that explores the rich history and cultural impact of the blues.

Origins in Africa

The journey begins in West Africa, where Griots—traditional historians and storytellers—used stringed instruments like the kora, xalam, and goje to preserve history and culture. These traditions laid the foundation for the narrative and musical structure of the blues.

Antebellum Roots

Crossroads highlights the role of work songs and field hollers from the 19th century, which expressed emotion, resistance, and community among enslaved African Americans. These were direct predecessors of the blues.

Interactive Experience

Learn about story telling and build your own blues song at the interactive station.

Mississippi Delta Blues

The gallery particularly focuses on the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of legendary blues artists such as:

• Charley Patton
• Robert Johnson
• B.B. King

The Great Migration

Crossroads explores the mass migration of Black Americans from the South to northern and midwestern cities. This movement gave rise to a new urban blues style, represented by artists like:

• Muddy Waters
• Howlin’ Wolf

A short film in the gallery outlines the cultural impact of this migration on 20th-century African American life.

Influence on Popular Music

The blues has shaped nearly every genre of American popular music. Crossroads showcases examples such as:

• Rock: The Rolling Stones modeled their sound on Chicago blues artists like Muddy Waters.
• Hip Hop: Artists like Nas and Kendrick Lamar have sampled blues in their recordings.

Interactive Experience: Storytelling the Blues

Visitors can engage with an interactive feature called Storytelling the Blues, where they choose a setting, character, and actions to create their own blues song. This activity highlights the blues as an art form rooted in the lived experiences of African Americans.