Ed Salo, Assistant Professor, Arkansas State University

Proposal Type: Panel

Abstract: This paper will examine the “Crossroads” the location where Blues musician Robert Johnson was reported to have sold his soul to the devil for the ability to play the guitar. Using the methodology developed by CRM professionals to study Traditional Cultural Properties (TCP), this paper will examine if the Crossroads could be considered a TCP.

Seeking: Developed in the early 1990s, the Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) was a concept created by the Park Service to assist in the identification and assessment of significant sites that were not traditional cultural properties, like buildings or archaeological sites. The majority of NRHP recognized TCPs are Native American places. To be eligible for listing in the National Register [NR], a traditional cultural property must: 1. Be a tangible place. 2. Be important to the community today and play the same role in the community’s traditions as it did in the past. 3. Have been important for at least 50 years. 4. Have integrity. 5. Have definable boundaries. 6. Have defensible boundaries. 7. Meet NR Criteria. One of the most important legends in Mississippi blues music was that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil at the Crossroads to become the greatest bluesman in history. The Crossroads have become an important place, both physically and as a symbol for blues music. This paper will examine if the Crossroads could be considered a TCP for Blues Musicians or African Americans in the Delta.

Related Topics: Preservation, Memory

If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to share contact information for other people the proposer should reach out to, please get in contact directly: Ed Salo, edward.salo72[at]gmail.com

If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.

 


 

Discussion

3 comments
  1. John Dichtl says:

    Sounds fascinating. Maybe you could find a co-panelist in the Park Service or otherwise associated with one of the other TCP’s that were successful in gaining official recognition. Not that that person would necessarily comment on the viability of The Crossroads as a TCP, but they could add some context/comparison.

  2. Justin Mattli says:

    Aloha Ed,

    1. Great idea and I would attend this talk just because of the title. You had me at Robert Johnson.
    2. Thanks for shining light on Traditional Cultural Properties. TCP’s are a fabulous concept that need much more attention given to them.
    3. You mentioned Native American sites make up the majority of TCP’s but don’t forget about the Native Hawaiian TCP’s (as well as others.) The Hawaiians designated nearly every physical formation as having an interconnected and sacred meaning. Thus the Hawaiian interpretation could be an ally in your quest.
    4. Where is the actual site of the “crossroads” or does it include the entire Delta?
    5. Perfect topic for Nashville with it being the hub of another traditional cultural musicology type.

    Mahalo,
    Justin Mattli

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