Hellhound on My Trail

Robert Johnson is one of the most celebrated figures in blues history. In this volume, the mythology that surrounds Johnson, and has a tendency to overshadow the music, is confronted and dissected as the author seeks to extract the truth from legend. There is a lyrical analysis of his songs.

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Although he died when he was just 27, and left a recording catalogue of only 29 tracks, Robert Johnson (1911-38) is one of the most celebrated figures in blues history. Over the years his life has become the archetype of a blues life. In this volume, the mythology that surrounds Johnson, and has the tendency to overshadow the music, is confronted and dissected as Stephen Calt seeks to extract the truth from the legend. Carefully piecing together what is known of Johnson's life, he takes aboard the stories and recollections, and places the musician within the context of time and place. This, together with a lyrical analysis of the songs, provides a portrayal of the artist who - legend has it - sold his very soul to the Devil in return for his remarkable musical gifts.