“If all of history’s musicians formed a band, Mississippi bluesmen would play lead guitar.” It’s no secret that the Magnolia State is filled with talent, but it seems to have more than its fair share of musical genius.
To see some of the amazing talents that have hailed from Mississippi and from around the country, you’ve got to visit America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation, presented by the National GUITAR Museum at the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) in historic downtown Meridian.
This traveling exhibit contains 40 of the exquisite instruments played by some of the greatest musicians to ever pick up a guitar. The mere title of the exhibit pays homage to one of Mississippi’s very own legendary guitarists—Robert Johnson. This legendary Delta bluesman made the Mississippi Crossroads famous as legend holds that Johnson sold his soul at the Crossroads to obtain “otherworldly guitar mastery.”
The permanent exhibits at the museum praise the musical attributes of other Mississippi guitar greats, such as Bo Diddley, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Buffett, Charley Pride, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmie Rodgers, Marty Stuart, and of course the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley.
Music is an amazing force. It has the power to soothe, energize, challenge, and unite. Music can bring about a variety of emotions quite like nothing else with the ability to evoke tears of love and sadness that can touch the soul. Guitar and music fans will love this exhibit, and even for those visitors who may not think they are huge music lovers, it’s a guarantee that they will feel quite differently when they leave. The MAX offers Mississippi history lovers a rare opportunity to view the rich musical heritage of Meridian while also allowing visitors to view some historic rarities up close.
Until May 11, visitors will get the amazing opportunity to view this stellar exhibit of guitars, exhibits, and so much more. Guests will get the chance to see how truly powerful music is and how the guitar has always been at the center of change in America. From Fender Stratocasters to Gibson Les Paul guitars and a wide variety of guitars in between will be on display.
A visit here would make for a fabulous field trip, and who knows? It might inspire the next great guitarist of the future. The exhibit presents an in-depth look into the history of the guitar, the finer points of how guitars are made, and some pretty amazing facts about this iconic instrument. Did you know that there are more guitars made and sold every year in America than all other instruments combined?
The guitar has played an important role in social change in America, especially during the 1960s. Many young people picked up the guitar to voice their feelings against war and the status quo of the country that they felt was being forced upon them. The guitar became their forum or voice to be heard whether it was on a stage or a street corner. The guitar is a diverse symbol that crosses the lines of culture, ethnic background, gender, race, and just about every classification of diversity.
The guitar will always be at the heart of every musical trend. You are invited to see “how Mississippi shaped American music six strings at a time” at the MAX.
“Bring your soul to this Crossroads and feed it the joy of music.” America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation will be on display until May 11. For more information visit America At The Crossroads – Visit Meridian.
