Product Description

This highly-anticipated book traces the development of the legendary Robert Johnson's music in light of the people and songs that directly and indirectly influenced him. It includes much information about life in the Delta from the late 1800s to Johnson's controversial death in 1938, and features fascinating historical photos, maps, musical examples, and much more. Required reading for all blues fans!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #931848 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780634009075
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Customer Reviews

Close but not enough
While I have Ed Komara to thank in part for helping introduce me to the Mississippi Delta when he ran the Blues Archives at Ole Miss in Oxford, this book has seen its publication delayed too long since it was written and is too limited in its scope. Since written Robert Johnson's real gravesite has been disclosed by the widow of the man who dug the grave, the Rock Hall of Fame conference has been held and yet another book (this one) is written without interviewing Robert Lockwood Jr., Robert Johnson's stepson and protoge. It was only Lockwood that learned to play guitar directly from Johnson. He was a cagey person to interview but he opened up to me in depth. I fault Komara's publisher for delaying publication too long and making the book out of date before it was published.

Concise work
A very concise book, filled with data and tabbed examples, regarding Robert Johnson's work and predecessors. Where he grew up, what he learned and from whom, where he went and what he played. It depicts Johnson not as one of the founders of The Blues, as he is still, erroneously, regarded by many, but rather as the one of the last greats of Country Blues. A missing link, so to speak, between Country Blues and post-war Electric Blues.
A good place to start if you want to hitch a ride deep into Country Blues land. A good stop on the way if you've been to the crossroads...