Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry, episode 030: The Strange Life and Legend of Robert Johnson

According to myths around the world, the Devil is always looking for more souls. This practice isn’t anywhere in the bible, but there are plenty of accounts in other religions, literature, and art.

For example, Dante’s The Divine Comedy, which was written in the 14th century, riffs on this concept.

Other stories involve the devil and demons looking for humans to give up their souls in exchange for riches, some kind of favour, or the bestowment of secial powers…these are the so-called “deals with the devil.”

Perhaps the best-known ancient example is the story of Faust, a German legend dating to the 1tth century. A depressed and bored scholar attempts suicide, and when he fails, he calls upon the Devil to make things, better.

“Give me magic powers, knowledge, and a chance to indulge in all the pleasure of this world!” he cried. The Devil—known as Mephistolese in this story—says “Sure! You can have all you want for a few years. But when time is up, you will give me your soul and you will be my slave forever.”

Faust says “Deal!!” And for a while, he gets everything he wants, including lots of sex. Things inevitably turn out bad for him and per his contract is carried off to hell—maybe (there are other versions of the story where he gains redemption and gets to keep his soul, but whatever.)

So how does one make an appointment with the Devil to sell their soul? Mostly, you meet him at a crossroads at midnight, discuss terms, and sign the contract, usually in blood.

Over the centuries, sea captains, generals, and painters are said to have sold their souls in exchange for wordily things. And so have a number of musicians

The most famous of these stories is connected to blues musician Robert Johnson. It is said he made a deal with the Devil and was bestowed with an almost supernatural ability to play the guitar.

Robert Johnson eventually died at the age of 27. But what really happened? Did his contract with the Devil expire and he was called to hell? Or.was he murdered?

This is episode 30 of Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music industry.” :et’s take a trip to the crossroads to see whom we find there. And here’s a hint: more than just Robert Johnson will be there.

Get Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry wherever you get your podcasts. Both Uncharted and The Ongoing History of New Music will be heard back-to-back overnights five days a week on these Corus news stations:

Showtimes (all times local)

• Toronto: AM 640 (4-5am)
• London: 980 CFPL (4-5am)
• Vancouver: 980 CKNW (1-2am)
• Edmonton: 630 CHED (1-2am)
• Calgary: QR77 (770 AM) (1-2am)
• Winnipeg: 680 CJOB (1-2am)

By the way, Uncharted has been nominated for three different Canadian Podcast Awards.