www.youtube.com A very good bio-doc (from 1992) effort to untangle the life and myths of blues legend Robert Johnson. This is a challenging task, as not a lot is known about Johnson except through his music and through lore. There is speculation at times, but this is inevitable. It still uncovers a lot, from his rejection by his family (blues was the work of the devil) to the darkness of his lyrics and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. I would have preferred the original music of Johnson, but narrator John Hammond does a very satisfactory job in his renditions. Relatively minor players "Honeyboy" Edwards and Johnny Shines give classic delta blues performances that stand out. Appearances by Eric Clapton and Keith Richards help to emphasize Johnsons lasting impact on blues and rock. Johnson was never interviewed, and his performance was never captured on film. Beside his music, all that are left are oral accounts, peppered by exaggeration and myth. An accurate, objective bio may be impossible to achieve. But The Search for Robert Johnson comes about as close as might be expected, and has great entertainment value as well.
Search For Robert Johnson (Part 2 of 5)
24 thoughts on “Search For Robert Johnson (Part 2 of 5)”
Posted On in Uncategorized with 24 Comments.
I would if he then gave me all that I wished for.
And then in the end I would tell him the truth that I never signed a contract.
Of course it is. You just used it.
white folk creation to try to keep ppl away from the "devil’s music" because it was black music
Yes, well that was basically the point I was making
C’mon now. This myth about the Devil and the Crossroads was sensationalized because Delta folks were superstitious back in those days. Another possibility is that this myth could have been a metaphor for something else unrelated, and not meant to be taken literally. Singers are known for that.
It would definitely be awesome
Id certainly have a chill down my spine playing crossroads blues at THE crossroads in the fading light like john hammonds doing
Who would want to go around saying they sold their soul to the devil?
02:10 "irregardless" is not a freakin word.
Is there any one alive today, that has actually been to a crossroads, met the Devil and been able to improve their guitar playing ? we hear of these myths, but can any one actually say that they have done it ?
John Hammond is a pretty damn good muso me thinks
GROW UP KIDS THE STORY AND MYTH IS KOOL SHT ANYWAY NO REASON TO HATE LIKE THAT JUST ENJOY
most bluesmen in the south just guessed that because before he was horrible, and after a few months he came back a master. Don’t take it to seriously man, damn.
It’s a metaphor for how blues was considered evil music back in those days. Him "selling his soul" correlates to his family shunning him for his music.
Willie mae’s reaction on hearing her name on that record was really priceless.
That’s John Hammond. He’s been playing blues music and promoting the original artists since the early ’60s.
this comment thing won’t let me post a link… but put "John Hammond Me And The Devil Blues 1962" in the search thing.
lol he did sell his soul…
cool video. great information. very corny parts though like when the interviewer is at the place looking at the records or playing his guitar in the middle of the crossroads.
thank you for uploading this. it’s been an education.
Not to knock Willie May but that was her apparently from a Doc that came out after this, a biography, he would pick out the less attractive girls in order to get a place to stay for awhile until he moved to the next town.
Ever hear of a metaphor Captain Logic?
personal belief (not something im trying to preach): RJ couldn’te sold his soul to the devil because God is the one who gives us talent. I dunno Satan could give you skills like that man Johnson had. It was so.. heavenly 😉
. i get what ur saying but it adds to the greatness to the legend that is R.J. The myth is part of his life so u should let people go along with it no matter what u believe. He is 1 of the greatest blues players of all time and the myth adds to his greatness.
you kiss your mother with that mouth sir?