Crossroads : the life and afterlife of blues legend Robert Johnson

The result of careful research, this stylish biography of infamous blues musician Robert Johnson reveals the real story behind the mythical talent that made him a musical legend. According to some, Robert Johnson learned guitar by trading his soul away to the Devil at a crossroads in rural Mississippi. When he died at age 27 of a mysterious poisoning, many superstitious fans came to believe that the Devil had returned to take his due. This diligent study of Johnson’s life debunks these myths, while emphasizing the effect that Johnson, said to be the greatest blues musician who ever lived, has had on modern musicians and fans of the blues. Graves Applies The Lively Narration Of Music Journalism To This Brief Biography Of Delta Blues Guitarist Robert Johnson. The Author Does Not Shy Away From The Famous Legend About Johnson's Apparently Instant Virtuosity--that He Sold His Soul To The Devil In Exchange For His Chops--but Investigates Its Source And The Hoop-la It Caused Over The Previously Obscure Guitarist, Particularly After The Movie Crossroads Came Out In 1989. Johnson's Death Came Just 27 Years Into His Life And It Falls Just Five Chapters Into This Book. The Remaining Nine Discuss The Johnson Legend And Legacy, A Feud Over Photos Of The Bluesman, And The Three-second Film That Some Say Prove The Legend. This Book Is Distributed By Independent Publishers Group. The Life Of Robert Johnson -- The Early Years -- Johnson As A Young Man -- The Walking Musician Years -- The Recording Years -- Death Of A Delta Bluesman -- The Afterlife Of Robert Johnson -- Legend Of The Crossroads -- John Hammond Resurrects Johnson -- A New Audience -- A Global Phenomenon -- The Movie That Changed The Legend -- The Feud Over The Johnson Photos -- The Complete Recordings Defies Sales Expectations -- A Son Is Found -- The 3.5-second Piece Of Celluloid. Tom Graves ; Foreword By Steve Lavere. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 125-127) And Index.