The King of the Delta Blues
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- Опубліковано 1 кві 2023
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Correction regarding the discovery of the third photo of Robert Johnson. The estate supposedly authenticated the photo with the help of a forensic artist in 2013, but in 2015, forty-nine signatories comprising of multiple Johnson scholars and Blues historians issued a statement disputing that decision. The matter remains open. Like so much of Johnson's life, we may never get to the bottom of it.
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Mary, you just might be music's answer to Nigella. Alluring with a hint of sauce in every line. Oh, and multi talented to boot. almost forgot that bit.
Very interesting new quotes and descriptions about him that I have never heard before, especially from Bob Dylan himself! Altho those recommendations you mentioned at the end don't do any justice to who the man truly was as a person. And that's why I highly recommend reading or even promoting the new book "My Brother Robert: Growing Up with Robert Johnson" by his last remaning step-sister, Annye C. Anderson. Came out in 2020. It's an incredible story and insight into how he was actually born and who he was, through the eyes of his little step-sister. Grounding him in reality and cutting through almost all the myths and legend, whilst still mainting his mysterious aura at the same time. But giving him nuance, pathos and details into his interests, life and who Robert was as a man. What the perceptions of how the people/conservative, mixed ancient cultures viewed him and his music, versus how the family, friends and people who knew him best saw him
As well as the horrifyingly tragic, yet amazingly, incredibly bittersweet story of his biological father's escape from evil, racist white gang members. Which if it never happened, Robert Johnson would have never been born at all. A story that not even Hollywood or the Devil Himself, could ever come up with. But that being said, it is also exactly why there is a music biopic being made about him called "Love in Vain" (My favourite and best song of his). Coming in the near future that will hopefully honour and yet demystify the ethos around who he was as entity, and who he was as a person, and the impact he has made on this world. Through history, culture, his musical disciples/giants and descendants, as well as music as a whole
Am I the only one who watches MS and can only think of BDSM and the things I would let her do? Just me?
Your not even America. Trying ti tell his story...
@@SHOGUN18875 She and everyone else is not only appreciating his story, but his life. You don't need to be american, or any other race, creed, nationality or religion to understand and love music. Or art or anything human beings create, express or love. The very fact that you, an american, criticising a british person from loving american music/culture and his story, is completely missing the fact of how Robert Johnson, (along with the rest of black blues/soul/R&B/Jazz players, etc) as well his kind of music, inspired British people/musicians to help bring their type of music back to 20th Century Racist America. British and American people, especially musicians have one of the most intimate, interwined relationships in history, for better or worse
In a time and place in the 1930s Great Depression, where someone with the skin colour of Robert was segregated and ignored by white americans. His own people that were "Americans", the same national citizens that almost killed his biological father which would have prevented his very birth/existence. Forcing his father to run away, leaving his own family behind and remarry, birthing Robert Johnson. Along with great risk that his music would be discarded and predjudicely considered "Devil's Music", from both white and black communities. How perfectly ironic an "american" can't understand or properly appreciate his own national history, on a human level
From someone who is also from an entirely different country. Let alone tolerate them. Haven't you considered for a moment, that Mary maybe even be descended from the same ancestors that were inspired by Robert Johnson? That was one of the people at the top of the musical ancestry tree that inspired your Rock n Roll? Americans and British alike. Why are you ruining your own opportunity to take a compliment? We should all be celebrating this music together, not shaming anyone else for liking someone else's creation. Everyone likes what we like, this is why we are ruining our own progress at unity. Talk about misplaced pride, (P.S. I am from neither of these countries, so really says a lot about you)
I discovered Mr. Johnson in 1988 when I was a 15 year old trying to learn how to play guitar. And not just nursery rhymes and finger exercises - this white boy in Australia was diggin' the blues. It was like nothing I'd ever heard before. I'll be 50 this year (2023), and I still have The Complete Robert Johnson Recordings compact disc set that I bought back then. Something even more special is that I still have that old guitar. Yes, the first guitar I ever bought is still with me - a beat up no name acoustic. The difference between me back then and now is that I can play some of Mr Johnsons songs. By that, I mean I can put my fingers around the chords, thumb the bass line, work my slide. Going through the motions and fooling myself into thinking I'm a blues man. Now, I don't believe in ghosts, spirits, or the supernatural, but very occasionally, when I play late at night and the world outside is silent, there may come just a lick, just a few seconds of a song I've played a hundred times or more that sounds like nothing I've ever done before. And if I chase that feeling, if I try to make it happen consciously, I only get further away from it. You don't play the blues, people, you FEEL the blues. Peace and love to you around the world ✌️❤️☮️🌏🌈🎶
man i get you.... totally get you... im 62
Me and a mate went to see Dave 'Honeyboy' Edwards when he toured the UK in the 1990s, he was a contemporary of Robert Johnson and a friend of his. He told a number of stories about Robert Johnson and he said he was there in the bar the night that Johnson was poisoned. We hung around and had a chat with Honeyboy afterwards, he was very happy to talk, and he himself was a real character and a brilliant, authentic Delta blues musician.
I saw Honeyboy Edwards in the '90s too.
I feel priveleged to have had the chance to hear someone who was "the real deal", towards the end of the window of opportunity.
I'm pretty sure all those early bluesmen must be dead by now.
He sat in the bar for hours afterwards, more than happy to regail everyone with stories of that unique period in the foundation of modern music.
I was fortunate enough to meat Honey Boy as well! He was awesome!!!
What an experience! Lucky you 🤟
I also saw him play in Anaheim, CA shortly before his passing. Now that was history being seen live.
@@jamesgretsch4894 This was in Sheffield, England upstairs at The Lescar pub. He would have been in his prime, in his early eighties 🙂History indeed.
This story has been covered by so many people; yet never with such heartfelt passion and detail. Kudos, Mary! Thanks for all you do.
Tenacious D?
I love her speaking voice, I am British and from Bristol, wish I had bumped into her. Queens English, no accent is interesting to me
Funny thing is, it was never true. White people view black men as magical negros....RJ is one of the more talked about ones.
Robert Johnson was the focus of Supernatural episode 2.8 "Crossroads Blues" and the Timeless episode 2.6 "The King of the Delta Blues."
@@nghtwtchmn129 As well with many more.
Another gem Mary. You surpassed yourself yet again. You are required listening now. There’s no going back.
Bloody marvelous Mary. Short, fact filled and superbly organized on a wonderful subject. To all the budding guitar slingers out there, do your time researching your hero's influences. It's one of the greatest gifts you can experience in this craft. Enjoy your homework! 😃
I love these artist biographies that you’re doing! You’re introducing me to a lot of new people.
The 80s movie "Crossroads" paid strong homage to Robert Johnson's legendary meeting with the Devil.
@@johnonekenobi3600 Stevie Vai was the guitarist for the Devil. It was right as Steve was joining David Lee Roth's solo group. Steve put on a clinic in that last duel.
Have you ever heard his recordings showed down? Personally I’m convinced that most of not all of his recordings were sped up as a production choice, which was concealed because it made him sound more ghostly. If you hear one of his tunes in Bb slowed down to where it’s in G it’s like “oh. That’s how a real person sounds.” And who plays in open Bb???
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man. There are some good articles about it and I have the opposite opinion. Fun reading material though
Mary is one of the best creators on UA-cam, her skill set, story telling and humor constantly shine through. I first heard Robert Johnson's music some 30 years ago when I was in high school. I've probably listened to King of the Delta Blues 100's of times. It is the very definition of timeless classics. Thank you, Mary. R.I.P Robert.
I question your standards
Thanks for the storytelling. It certainly comes across that you enjoy making these videos. We love watching them.
About 30 or so years ago a friend of a friend was over to a house I shared with roommates. He was a Black man in his late fifties who had grown up in NC raised by sharecropper parents and had fully lived the experience of one in that time and place. We were talking about music and it became apparent he was completely unfamiliar with Johnson so we played him a few cuts. I've never seen music have such an effect on someone so deeply and immediately in my life. I think it may have changed him for life. Astounding to witness but it obviously meant something to him I will never quite be able to comprehend.
Such a well done video. The music and guitar and voice are the driving heartbeats behind all you do, yet your gift for this YT medium itself is really exceptional.
What a great presentation of blues history. Not just the subject but the editing process are amazing. You Mary are a great artist and presenter. How could a viewer not get to the end of these videos. Thank you.
Absolute legend, without him the blues wouldn’t be what it became!
RIP RJ! 😢
One of the best documentaries Had the fortune to see John Lee Hooker in late seventies Thank you Mary
I love the history you presented and yeah, I was floored by Dylan's quote as well.
I first heard of Robert Johnson about 25 years ago, and went though a huge blues phase because of him, obviously still love that whole genre, but I haven't heard anything about him for ages, so it was refreshing to watch this, you did a great job of telling his story!
Thank you for what you are doing. I love how you have translated finding your purpose into something so wonderful that we can all experience it with you. Well done.
Always a treat to have a new Mary Spender upload.
Thank you, this brings back some very old memories
Absolutely love this format, looking forward to more!
Thank you Mary. I’ve always been a fan of the blues. And Robert Johnson, real and myth, is always a treat to study.
These historic videos are so well made and so much more important than people realise. People need to know about this stuff. Thank you, Mary!
You did such a classy job of this video Mary. A new subscriber here down under in New Zealand. As a UA-camr myself I fully understand just how much work you put into this. Thank you. Clay
This was an absolutely amazing story, thanks! Love your passion for musical history
A great video. You look great as always. A lovely voice. You have a great voice for narration and documentaries. As far as your guitar playing and singing and songwriting you are no Robert Johnston, true.. You are better than that.
Visual Composition Master Mary, a feast for the eyes, a banquet for the soul. Cheers and thank you.
I fell in love with Robert Johnson’s when I was a teenager. He gave me such a deep appreciation for the blues. Thank you for keeping his amazing story going!
Thanks Mary, for the huge effort you put into this. This should be played in the schools to the kids, to understand relations between life, music and effort and joy, better.
Thanks for this great overview! Keep making more content like this!!
I'm not quite sure what was better, the story or the delivery?
I love these kinds of videos, Mary. Your impeccable research, excellent speaking voice, and choice of subject matter details enhances your presence as a world class guitar content creator.
Keep on keeping on.
Brilliant! And as a non-native English speaker, it is a delight to listen to you. Great content delivered perfectly well in all aspects. Thank you.
This is so good, excellent work Mary!
A mandatory view for anyone who loves blues or rock. Thanks Mary, excellent work here.
Johnson always gives me a shiver
When I hear him play ,like rye cooder does on Paris texas
Something more than music almost like a tap direct into you soul
No words exist that can quantify the feel and expression
Well I certainly hope you enjoyed making this video as Much as I did watching it! Simply excellent biographic and documentary work Mary! You really are a natural at this work! As professionally done as any I’ve ever seen! Bravo 🙌👏👍🙏❤️💕🎸🤗✌️👋
Beautiful video Mary and lovely way you speak and keep up the amazing work ❤
Hey Mary, thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for this, and for making Robert Johnson's story come to life.
This video is a masterpiece! I love Johnson 's music and I have read everything I could find about him but nothing I have found compares to this video. Thank you Mary!
This was great!
Congrats and thank you!
Wonderful video Mary!
Thank you Mary. I’ve always been a fan of the blues. Robert Johnson, real and myth, is a piece of history everyone who enjoys the blues should hear. Great video and thanks for the Netflix film and biography tips.
Just an excellent overview of one Extraordinary Artist. The impact Robert Johnson has had, even in rock music, it incalculable. Great Job Mary!!
Learning the style of blues Robert played was a pain in the ass but it is crazy how much it helped me to play any other type of music as well.
Awesome delivery. Like a kind teaching quickly. I love to learn.
I don't ever know the people she discusses, but I love her storytelling so much I always listen.
Loved this one, been a fan of Robert Johnson since I first heard him in the 80s
Very good. I really enjoy your concise documentaries. Thank you.
Good video, Mary. RJ has been a life long fascination and my mother grew up close to there. Happy to grab the link.
Love your videos Mary. Thank You. I am not a Clapton fan boy, but I believe his rendition of Crossroads is a fantastic recording and a well done tribute.
Great job. Robert Johnson never ceases to intrigue, and your telling of his story is a really good one.
The myth sure but the real story is very boring. White people need a myth. The black person has to be magical before you respect them. How about that
This video is fantastic. I’m buying your guitar course as a thank you for all your efforts over the years
I love this video! It would be so amazing if you kept this format as a series introducing legendary guitarists! OMG i would LOVE that!!
I went to the corner of Highway 61 and 49 only to find that most people there hadn’t even heard of Robert Johnson let alone his music. I believe he died a slow and painful death from poisoned whiskey. He is the original member of the 27 club. Love your version of Crossroads.
Mary, love this vid! You could talk about the blues and I would watch hours! Son House, Bukka White… so many awesome players and would love to hear you try some blues.
An incredible episode Mary. Thank you.
This was an awesome video ! Thank you for this information and why I love your stuff !
Hi Mary
I remember watching series on rock or country where there was a trail through history tracking the evolution of the bands and music and linking the styles and people. I have never seen one linking country, blues, trad. folk and jazz both in the Uk and America I think you could build a fantastic series on that and maybe add in a few interviews to place folk in the public record before they are gone.
Truly fascinating video! Thanks!
Also, I've long been a great admirer of Rick Beato, and watch all his UA-cam videos. I was completely gob smacked when YOU popped up singing on his 2 chord songs video! (Great singing BTW!)
This video is the best biographical video you have done for your You Tube Channel so far. Truly Outstanding!!!! A great history of a ground breaking artist and performer. Bravo!
Awesome story, and well told!
Thanks for another great video :) Love the story of the father of all that followed on the guitar, Reminds me of the best Hollywood Guitar Battle ... Crossroads :) Keep up the great work :)
I must say that I have always been more intrigued by Robert’s life than his music, to me it seemed much more interesting. Had a rough childhood, went from tragedy to tragedy, Disappeared for some time then came back better than ever etc. I never really got into his music which I listened to because the bands I liked loved him. It never did anything for me but I do understand that he was an influential musician on those guys way back then & probably that admiration has fueled the myth behind Johnson’s work. Great doc Mary, keep ‘em coming.
I can understand that. Music scholars and great musicians alike pick up all sorts of things (scales, technique, tuning, chords etc) in the songs that mere organic listeners like myself pay scant attention to. Well, whenever I hear his recordings I cannot help but drop everything and just immerse myself in it - even cover versions - but the sound is so unusual that it cannot be digested easily. I really wish that today's recording technology was available at his time; I often wonder exactly what it would have sounded like, if the flat tinniness was replaced by the acoustic fullness of superior recordings. Mind you, that goes for a lot of music recorded prior to and during the 1930s! I'm sure it would have blown us away.
brilliant story well told Mary thanks so much
Thank you so, so much for this, Mary Spender 💖
Don't you ever imagine that the hard work you put into these videos will go unappreciated.
Mary Spender - in my opinion - doing all the things right these days. Looking forward to your album!
Mary Spender CNN news 😂
Might be the oldest legend in blues but the " crossroads story" also has it's much older precedent in Goethe's Dr. Faustus...thereafter known as making a "faustian bargain" with the devil. Classics is classics, right? Love Robert Johnson.
Paganini had the O.G. pact...but Tartini's Devils trill was popular at the time he was alive, so combined with his freakish ability and lifestyle made a legend.
Not even close. He is not even close to an old legend
The story of the Crossroads was actually attributed to a man named Tommy Johnson who played Delta Blues before Robert Johnson. Its likely like you said, an old folk tale retold over and over.
@@norbitcleaverhook5040 nope I research for a living my friend. Tommy was the subject but public opinion created the legend. The point is majic negro syndrome and a effort to make us oddities. You are confusing what I said missing the entire point. As a youth I met Corey Harris, Taj Mahal, rory block, David lindley and so many others in the basement of the library of congress as my mom was upstairs providing factual data to govt employees. When Sidwell Friends let out I was taken there and spent most of my childhood down there waiting for mom to leave for the day
@@cozmowiz5593 I wasn't even addressing you.
Loved how you treated this well-trod subject. Thanks, Mary!
Great research and presentation, Mary!
The fact that Robert Johnson's music yet again touched the heart of a young guitarist from far-away England is a testament to his enduring talent. What he created is boundless and timeless.
This is a wonderful video. Greedy as always, I want more of this. Mary, you just keep raising the bar.
Once again, Thank you Mary. I love listening to you discuss music.
Have really enjoyed many of your vids in the past but this may be my favorite. Good work!
He definitely didn't sell his soul but he did experience extreme loss and had nothing to lose at that point. His music came from his pain.
What are lyrics? Aren't they someone's experiences? People write songs on what they experience. He talks about the devil and hell hounds. And so much artis talk about selling there souls. It's more then just pain. It's a cry for help, but people ignore the big picture. People don't care, they just have the mindset thinking they do.
Perhaps but that is an assumption. That story did not fit his personality or behavior patterns told to us by People who played with him. Often it helps explain or make individuals kinda understand. Thomas Dorsey was hurt deeply and left blues to create gospel with the writing of Precious Lord. Often these stories get crossed and published. Then re looked at. Mystery always trumps fact. No pun intended considering our currant global health
. Yup I agree
How the beep,beep do u Kno??? U weren't there!! all u have is your opinion, just like the rest of us it's just your opinion sir
@@lawrencehuston6679 Facts are out there trust me. He is just playing the white game....we know everything about everyone.....did you forget who they are?
What Eric Clapton did with Crossroads was a revolution on its own. And a tribute.
Crossroads has been my favourite Cream song since l first heard it a very long time ago..
A wonderful mesmerizing narrative Mary. Thank you.
This is an awesome video Mary!
Thank you Mary, exceptional job on this one.
Nice Vid Mary -Enjoyed it a lot
Awesome! well put together and enjoyable. You and Rick are make content good enough and better than mainstream TV.
Perfect Sunday viewing!
Really good work, Mary.
Heard this story many times from different people, but you manage to add some details i've never heard before. Thanks.
Thanks again ❤
Robert Johnson - King Of The Delta Blues Singers was the first Blues album I bought. Great Video🎸🎸
Thank you for your hard work on this video!
Great video and great production.
Another excellent video. Thanks a lot for it.
great great vid Mary!
Only two photos. Yet endless possibilities of his music. Amazing person.
excellent presentation of blues history. love it
Great post, Mary. Thank you.
Cheers from Germany! I absolutely LOVE the way you're telling stories!
i seen and heard this story told tons of times never get tired of it, Thanks Mary
Bought the Robert Johnson Box Set in 1990. Still trying to wrap my mind around his music.
One of my favorite music channels. Casually releasing banger after banger
Mary, love your videos like this just as much as your music.