Robert Johnson's Last Fair Deal Gone Down
Posted: Sep 24, 2009Robert Johnson’s Last Fair Deal Gone Down
A Journey Into The Heart of Folklore
“Early this morning when you knocked upon my door,
I said ‘Hello Satan
I believe it’s time to go…”
“Me And The Devil Blues”
--Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson remains the most influential bluesman in music. One of Swampland/Mystery And Manners’ purposes is to trace and weave folklore and mythology from the past into the fabric of present day storytelling. Of course, Johnson’s legendary deal with The Devil at the crossroads only contributes to his mysterious life and songs.
Blues pioneers Son House and Charlie Patton often ran Johnson off from juke joint jams, claiming his skills were not up to par. After several years of traveling and playing, Johnson returned home to Mississippi and his deft 6-string skills astounded Son House at the transformation, who said, “He (Johnson) made a deal with the devil to play like that.” Johnson’s “Last Fair Deal Gone Down” lyrics seemed to corroborate House’s explanation: “It’s the last fair deal gone down, good Lord/On that Gulfport Island Road…”
At any rate, it’s a good story. Like Faust. Patchwork stories always contain grains of truth and illusion, but many claim the seeds of an artist’s path bloom in his art. A jealous husband poisoned Johnson at the age of 27. Was it Johnson’s love for the skirts and songs that led to his early grave? Or his eerie deal out at the deserted dirt Mississippi crossroads? Many have searched for the very location of the deal. Some say it doesn’t matter. Keith Richards has a photograph copy of Johnson’s death certificate where the coroner supposedly wrote on the back of the document: “It is my estimation the cause of death of this man was syphilis.” We’ll never know.
Only two photographs of Johnson exist, which counts as another hypnotic curiosity surrounding his short life. Nonetheless, Johnson’s 41 recordings and 29 compositions remain some of the most emotive songs ever recorded. Johnson’s music contains The Spook: hellhounds, mojo, Satan, queen of spades, pistols, crossroads, rainstorms, rambling, stones in the passway, Judgment Day, preaching and evil spirits. Like some haunted soul in the Book of Revelation…
Mystery And Manners’ intention is to carry on the tradition of storytelling. Stories are the oldest pillars of civilization, history and culture…Robert Johnson’s last fair deal at the crossroads is no different. Look at The Stones and Zeppelin who cashed in on Johnson’s dark songs and ghostly legend. Naturally, Johnson’s burial place is somewhat of a mystery, which suited him fine in the lyrics of his sinister song “Me And The Devil Blues”: “You may bury my body by the highway side/So my old evil spirit can catch a Greyhound bus and ride…”
The first stop in The Journey to the Heart of American Folklore is mystery. Any reactions? Comment on the front page.
James Calemine
Comments
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