This blog series, “SPIRITUAL PRACTICES OF AFRICA, AND THE DIASPORA,” explores indigenous beliefs and religions in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on ancestral worship, Christianity, and Islam. It highlights the region’s cultural heritage through rituals and community gatherings that reinforce identity and facilitate cultural transmission. The series also examines how these traditions adapt within the diaspora, emphasizing storytelling in preserving oral histories and passing lessons to future generations. Ultimately, it aims to enhance understanding of faith, identity, and cultural resilience in the region.
In this installment… Do you remember this scene?
Yes. In my last installment, I posted this scene where Willie Brown is sent by his friend, Robert Johnson, to meet Legba at the Crossroads to sign the pact in which Legba will teach Brown how to play blues in exchange for his soul.
Well today, I want to talk about the actual legend of Robert (Bobby) Johnson.
The legend of Robert Johnson, a key figure in the evolution of the blues genre, claims he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for unparalleled guitar mastery, creating a narrative that captures the imagination of music enthusiasts and folklore aficionados alike. This central myth in blues history not only defines Johnson’s enigmatic persona but also profoundly influences public perception of his musical genius and the artistic struggles of southern African American musicians during the early 20th century.
However, historians like Bruce Conforth and Gayle Dean Wardlow meticulously aim to distinguish truth from myth, exploring the historical contexts and personal anecdotes that surround Johnson’s life, ultimately providing a more nuanced understanding of his artistry and legacy. As they delve into the complexities of his story, they reveal how folklore, while enriching, often blurs the line between reality and fiction, making it essential to separate fact from the captivating tales that contribute to the larger-than-life image of Robert Johnson.
The Legend:
The central element of the legend is the crossroads, often depicted as the intersection of Highways 49 and 61 in Mississippi, a location steeped in folklore and mystery. The story posits that Johnson met the devil at this crossroads, where he handed over his guitar and, in return, received the devil’s blessing of exceptional musical skill, a pact believed to imbue him with talents that transcended those of his peers. This deal is said to have transformed Johnson from a novice into a blues virtuoso, capable of playing complex and captivating music that resonates even today, influencing countless musicians across generations. His innovative style, incorporating elements of slide guitar and emotive vocal delivery, captivated audiences and secured his place in music history. Adding to the mystique, Johnson’s death at the young age of 27, following a brief but impactful career that left an indelible mark on the genre, is shrouded in mystery, with some accounts suggesting poisoning or other supernatural causes, leading many to believe that his life and art were touched by forces beyond comprehension, further cementing his status as a mythical figure in the blues community.
This video discusses the folklore surrounding Robert Johnson’s deal with the devil:
The Reality:
Bruce Conforth and Gayle Dean Wardlow argue that Johnson’s skill was the result of dedicated practice and a natural talent for music, not a supernatural pact. Johnson was influenced by other Delta blues musicians like Willie Brown, Charley Patton, and Son House, who also played at the crossroads. The legend is rooted in hoodoo beliefs, where crossroads were associated with a “Black Man” who could grant skills or luck, suggesting a mystical interpretation of musical talent. However, many musicians, including Johnson, approached their art with rigorous dedication and a deep understanding of their craft, honing their abilities through countless hours of practice and performance in vibrant juke joints and on dusty street corners. Johnson’s innovative guitar technique, particularly his bass lines, significantly impacted the development of the Delta blues and influenced many subsequent musicians, helping to shape the genre into what it is today, paving the way for future generations of artists to explore and expand upon the blues tradition.
This video explains the influence of hoodoo beliefs on the legend of Robert Johnson
While the legend of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil is a compelling narrative, it is largely a myth that has been used to explain his exceptional musical talent and the mystery surrounding his life and death. His actual story, however, is one of dedication, talent, and influence on the evolution of the blues, illustrating how hard work and perseverance can lead to greatness. Johnson, who honed his skills through years of practice and performance, developed a distinctive style that combined elements of African rhythms and European musical traditions, creating a sound that resonates to this day. The atmosphere of his time, marked by social struggles and a rich cultural heritage, influenced his songwriting and the themes he explored in his music. The legend of Robert Johnson continues to fascinate and inspire, solidifying his place as a foundational figure in American music, and the impact of his work can be felt across various genres, proving that true artistry transcends time and remains relevant to new generations of musicians and listeners alike.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 