In this episode, Matt revisits the story of Robert Johnson and his supposed deal with the Devil at the crossroads. Along the way, we discuss the history of Blues music, Jim Crow-era racism, and how the culture of the 1980s led to the story of the bluesman who sold his soul becoming permanently affixed to Johnson.
This episode was written by Matthew Armstrong with music by Matthew Armstrong and production assistance from Kaylia Metcalfe.
A transcript of this episode can be found HERE.
Support The Show
Supporters get early access to our episodes as well as that warm feeling of knowing that you, yes you, are helping our intrepid Ghosthropologist keep working and keeping our producer well-caffeinated.
Sources:
The National Blues Museum is also here
Polyphonic, also here
Robert Johnson Blues Foundation
Christensen, Thor. 2011. Dallas Church Preserving the Legacy of Robert Johnson, The New York Times, November 9, 2011.
Conforth, Bruce and Gayle Dean Wardlow. 2019. Up Jumped the Devil: The Real Life of Robert Johnson. Chicago Review Press, Chicago, Il.
Barry, Ellen. 1984. Bluesman’s Son Gets His Due. Los Angeles Times, June 2, 2004.
Meyer, Peter (director). 1997. Can’t You Hear the Wind Howl? The Life & Music of Robert Johnson. Sweet Home Pictures.
Oakes, Brian (Director). 2019. Remastered: Devil at the Crossroads. Netflix.
Palmer, Robert. 1982. Deep Blues. Penguin Books, New York. Available online, access 7/25/23 at https://archive.org/details/deepblues00palm/page/60/mode/2up?q=legba
KMMA Media 