If Robert Johnson had never existed, it is likely that someone would have had to invent him. He continues to epitomise the tortured soul loose in a land of hatred and discrimination, wandering from bed to bed, juke joint party, at ease with no one least of all himself.What is known of Johnson's life has been pieced together, diligently and patiently, taking in stories and recollections. This together with a lyrical analysis of his songs provides a portrait of a man whom - legend goes - had sold his very soul to the devil, in return for the stunning musical gifts he developed.This, the first major biography of one of the most influential musicians of all time, offers a portrait of Johnson that is unlikely to be bettered.
