A joint project by Canadian entrepreneur Les Barber and The Blues Hall of Fame aims at paying tribute to RJ and all of the people that defined the music. Phase one of the project involves transforming the bare street corner of the famed crossroads into the Robert Johnson Crossroads Blues Legends Park. The garden will include a pathway in the shape of Robert Johnson’s guitar made of personalized engraved bricks.
Phase two of the ambitious endeavour is to build an entertainment complex and resort. The themed resort will house The Blues Hall of Fame as well as hot blues and jazz venues that will feature local artists, import blues talents from all over the globe, and host blues events, festivals, and concerts.
It is a bold endeavour in such dire economic times; however CEO Les Barber is confident that his vision will become not just a reality but a wild success: "The Crossroads Hotel and Entertainment Complex will be an international destination that blues and rock music lovers from all over the world will visit regularly.” There is no denying Barber’s passion for the blues and for Clarksdale. “This is holy ground and we want to create a place where music lovers from all over the world can come and reflect on where it all began, where they can experience first-hand the passion and the power of the blues.”
As a hard rockin’ blues girl, I can’t wait to see this big bad project get off the ground. I plan to be there opening night and dance till dawn to some hot jazz and hard blues. I’ll check out the Blues Hall of Fame, maybe grab a bite at the famed Abe’s BBQ. When the night fades to dawn I’ll stroll through the Robert Johnson Blues Legends park to the Crossroads where I’ll fall down on my knees and pray.
Article comments
1 - Joanie
The crossroads were Highways 61 and 49. You've transposed a couple numbers there.
2 - Nathalie
Oh Lord...I did too. Can't believe it, how embarrassing. Thanks for letting me know.