Musicians release powerful new song in collaboration with Mississippi tourism board

Playing For Change and Visit Mississippi have collaborated to release a new Song Around The World titled “Crossroads,” celebrating Mississippi’s rich musical heritage. The iconic track, originally written by American blues artist Robert Johnson, pays tribute to Mississippi’s profound impact on shaping American music.

Known as the “Birthplace of America’s Music,” Mississippi is revered for giving birth to the blues in the Mississippi Delta. This musical genre went on to influence various other music genres like country and rock ‘n’ roll, leaving an enduring mark on American music history.

The “Crossroads” Song Around The World features a lineup of talented musicians, including GRAMMY Award-winning blues artist Keb’ Mo’, guitarist and singer-songwriter Kingfish, CMA Musician of the Year Charlie Worsham, and Cedric Burnside, an electric blues guitarist and grandson of the legendary R.L Burnside. The collaboration also includes GRAMMY-nominated artist Sierra Hull, soul singer-songwriter KIRBY, musician and producer Vasti Jackson, GRAMMY-nominated artist Bombino from Niger, and other blues and world music talents. Together, they aim to showcase Mississippi’s musical legacy on a global platform.

In light of the centennial anniversary of two Mississippi legends—B.B. King (The King of Blues) and Elvis Presley (The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll)—Playing For Change and Visit Mississippi hope to shed light on the cultural significance and musical heritage of the state. By doing so, they hope to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the roots of American music and the diverse sounds that have emanated from within Mississippi.

Playing For Change, a Certified B Corp and global music collective, is dedicated to uniting the world through the power of music. Their mission involves recording and filming musicians performing in their natural environments and combining their talents to create innovative “Songs Around The World” videos. Over the years, Playing For Change has produced over 400 videos, featuring over 1,400 musicians from 65 countries, reaching over 3 billion viewers across the globe.

Visit Mississippi, a division of the Mississippi Development Authority, serves as the state’s official destination marketing organization. Their goal is to showcase Mississippi’s diverse attractions and experiences, promoting the state as a premier travel destination for leisure, business, and cultural exploration. Through strategic marketing initiatives and partnerships, Visit Mississippi aims to enhance visitor experiences, drive economic growth, and highlight Mississippi’s rich history, vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and renowned hospitality.

The collaboration between Playing For Change and Visit Mississippi not only celebrates Mississippi’s musical legacy but also highlights the state’s cultural significance and its contribution to American music. Through their combined efforts, they aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for Mississippi’s rich musical heritage on a global scale.