Bruce Conforth, former professor of folklore, blues, popular culture, and American history at the University of Michigan, was the founding curator of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Gayle Dean Wardlow is a highly regarded blues historian who has amassed one of the world's largest collections of prewar blues records. His book Chasin' That Devil Music is a classic of blues literature. He lives in Pensacola, Florida.
"blues historians Conforth and Wardlow provide a sober,
well-researched and -documented account of the life and times of
the Delta-born Robert Johnson." -- Booklist
"This is the book the blues world has been waiting for. Authored by
two uniquely qualified scholars following years of extensive
interviews and exhaustive research, the result is fascinating,
important, and factual, without agenda or embellished narrative. .
. . It is in my view a far more moving account than many others
that have been obscured by so much fantasy. It's a
can't-put-it-down kind of bookan exciting, great read." Rory Block,
celebrated acoustic blues guitarist/singer and five-time Blues
Music Award winner
"Finally an in-depth biography of one of the greatest blues
musicians ever. The clearing up of the myths and mysteries is a
relief. The work of the authors is meticulous. They detail Robert
Johnson's journey with facts, creating a full view of his life and
times, his friends and influences, so the reader has a
comprehensive understanding of how he came to be the greatest of
the Delta bluesmen. I am blown away!" John Hammond, Jr.
"Conforth and Wardlow have done amazing research, turning up a
wealth of new details and clearing up mysteries I never imagined
could be solved. This is the definitive Robert Johnson biography,
and no one interested in his life, his legend, or his music can
afford to miss it. I read it in one sitting, and will reread it
gratefully in the future." Elijah Wald, author of Escaping the
Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues
"Some people will tell you that blues legend Robert Johnson lived
under a curse, but it's actually research into Johnson's life
that's been bedeviled. Three of my friends died before publishing
their books on him, and for a long time I've feared we might never
get a reliable account of this artist's life and times. Finally the
curse has been lifted. Bruce Conforth and Gayle Dean Wardlow
started researching Robert Johnson and the Delta blues tradition
more than a half-century ago, and they are now sharing their
hard-won insights into the most mysterious man in the annals of
American music. If you want the straight story on Robert Johnson,
this is where you start." Ted Gioia, author of Delta Blues and The
History of Jazz
" Up Jumped the Devil is a tremendously important work. It not only
finally reveals everything we wanted to know about Robert Johnson,
but will rewrite the history of the blues." Lawrence Cohn,
Grammy-winning producer of Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings
and author of Nothing But the Blues
"As the grandson of the iconic blues singer Robert Johnson, I'm
honored that the truth is finally being revealed. . . . Up Jumped
the Devil contains the real story of his life and does away with
all the myths." Steven Johnson, vice president, Robert Johnson
Blues Foundation
"A compelling narrative of the life of Robert Johnson, succinct and
poignant, revealing the immensity of his blues and the mysteries of
the man, debunking myths that have overshadowed the truth while
illuminating the memories and first-person accounts diligently
collected by the authors over more than five decades." Alan
Govenar, author of Texas Blues, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Stompin' at
the Savoy
"It is really incredible that after all these years celebrating the
work of Robert Johnson, new information still keeps emerging. I
would recommend this book to anyone interested in this man's
haunting legacy." John Mayall, OBE, legendary blues musician and
member, Blues Hall of Fame
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