logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2024
20m 18s

Did The Father of The Blues Really Sell ...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

On this episode of Our American Stories, legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to learn how to play the guitar. According to Steve Johnson, Robert's grandson, that's the furthest thing from the truth. Here he is with the true story of the king of the Delta Blues.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
How Patrick Henry Saved America from Its First Civil War
On this episode of Our American Stories, George Washington may have led America's army to independence, but he needed help in the aftermath of victory. Long before the Civil War, the United States nearly fractured during the battle over the Constitution — and it was Patrick Henry ... Show More
10m 49s
Today
A Young Soldier Promised God Three Things After a Vietnam Mine Took His Legs...
On this episode of Our American Stories, In Vietnam, 20-year-old Jon Hovde was nearly killed when his vehicle struck an anti-tank mine. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive, but Jon made three promises to God that day. What happened next would shape the rest of his life and inspi ... Show More
9m 29s
Today
"True Colors" & "Soap Opera" and the Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions
On this episode of Our American Stories, Andrew Thompson shares another slice from his guide to unraveling the baffling mini-mysteries of the English language. His book, Hair of the Dog to Paint the Town Red: The Wonderful Origins of Everyday Expressions and Fun Phrases, explores ... Show More
9m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2021
OFH Throwback- Episode #37- Did Robert Johnson Sell His Soul to the Devil?
In this throwback episode Sebastian takes a look back at a show that explores one of the greatest legends in 20th century popular music. Did the legendary blues musician, Robert Johnson, really trade his immortal soul for superhuman musical talent? In the newly recorded intro, Se ... Show More
1h 3m
Feb 2024
Episode 2: THE PASSAGE OF ROBERT JOHNSON
August 6, 1938. The Mississippi Delta. The Badlands… In this hauntingly melodic episode of The Passage, the Ferryman, voiced by the enigmatic Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, The Walking Dead), finds himself aboard a steam engine train, its whistle echoing thr ... Show More
28m 9s
Jan 2024
Devil At The Crossroads - Robert Johnson
Summary This week Sphar explores the life and music of blues musician Robert Johnson. We dive into his background, the origins of the blues, his musical transformation, the myth of the crossroads, and the hoodoo references in his music. This episode explores the life and legacy o ... Show More
59m 29s
Sep 2021
Robert Smalls Stole A Confederate Ship and Sailed to Freedom, Part One: Planning the Heist
Born into slavery, Robert Smalls dreamed of freedom for not just himself and his family, but all oppressed people. As the US became consumed in the Civil War, he hatched a daredevil plan to make this dream a reality -- by stealing a Confederate ship and sailing straight past the ... Show More
25m 12s
Jun 2023
Great Stories For Southern Rock Lovers
This one is for the Southern Rock lovers out there. In this episode, we have Eddie Stone from Doc Holliday and Wet Willie, with stories of life on the road, playing for 350,000 people and sharing a stage with some of the biggest names in the business.  Rob Walker from Stillwater ... Show More
34m 49s
Jul 2021
The Vanishing of Harry Pace Trailer from the Creators of Dolly Parton's America
Hi, Dolly Parton's America fans! We're sharing a new trailer for our new 6-part series The Vanishing of Harry Pace -from the creators of Dolly Parton's America, Jad Abumrad and Shima Oliaee - now premiering at Radiolab. It was Motown before Motown, FUBU before FUBU: Black Swan Re ... Show More
2m 7s
Feb 2023
The Hawaiian, Jewish, Portuguese Curandero's Journey (with Jason Lindo)
Jason has an incredibly rich family history and inspirational journey towards becoming a curandero. His multicultural upbringing also provides a unique perspective on the spirit world. In today’s episode, he’ll share stories about his imaginary childhood friends that would tell h ... Show More
55m 50s
Apr 2024
Billy Idol: “Underneath the Drugs and Acting Out is Someone Who Really Believes in What He’s Doing”
One of the first – and biggest – stars of the MTV era, Billy Idol is nothing short of a rock icon. He sits down with Guy Raz to share how the Sex Pistols inspired him to start a band instead of working for his dad; the stories behind the songs “Dancing with Myself” and “Rebel Yel ... Show More
1h 15m
Mar 2024
My Iron Lung (Revisited)
Paul Alexander, one of two people in the U.S. still relying on an iron lung to survive, died on March 11, 2024 at the age of 78. Paul contracted polio in 1952 at six years old, and has had to rely on an iron lung — a big metal ventilator that encases the body from the neck to toe ... Show More
16m 58s