Episode 77 - Matt Frederick - A Meeting at The Crossroads: Robert Johnson and The Devil

Joining me for this episode is returning guest Matt Frederick, who first appeared on Some Other Sphere back in 2019, in the early days of the podcast. This time around we’re discussing his new book, A Meeting at The Crossroads: Robert Johnson and The Devil, which explores one of Blues musics best known legends, that the musician Robert Johnson made a pact with the Devil for talent and fortune, and not long after met his demise in 1939, at the age of just twenty-seven.

In the interview we talk about the numerous factors which combined, or existed at the same time to birth the legend; the creativity and spirituality of the Blues; the rich traditions and folklore of the Deep South, the real-world dangers facing travelling Black musicians in the 1930’s and the mythic reputation that could be attained from that kind of life.

For more details on how to get hold of Matt's excellent book, along with information on his radio and DJ work go to https://www.mattfrederick.info/.

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The Some Other Sphere theme is from Purple Planet Music - 'Hubbub', by Geoff Harvey and Chris Martyn.