The Ballad of ""Blind"" Willie Johnson

""The Ballad of 'Blind' Willie Johnson vastly expands our understanding of an artist who has always been deemed significant, but whose biography has been contested at best, ignored or erroneous at worst. Ford's project is epic in its sweep, poetic in its vision, while also being firmly rooted in the fine details of historical research and scholarly context.""--Jason Mellard, Director, Center for Texas Music History--Jason Mellard ""No mere biography, The Ballad of ""Blind"" Willie Johnson is a fascinating meditation on spiritual life that also explores the role of music, race relations, slave songs, and religion among Black residents of Texas in the 20th century. Although no one ever interviewed Johnson, Shane Ford's tenacity and ability as a researcher of primary sources--especially into newspapers and official records, such as draft cards--is impressive, and provides a solid foundation for this book. When I first heard Blind Willie Johnson's music in 1970, the sound and essence of his music immediately captivated me and I would have been incredulous if you told me that a book about his music and life would be published fifty-five years later, yet here it is!""--Kip Lornell, Professor Emeritus of Music History and Culture, George Washington University and co-author (with Alan Govenar) of See That My Grave Is Kept Clean: The World and Music of Blind Lemon Jefferson and Blues Come to Texas: Paul Oliver and Mack McCormick's Unfinished Book --Kip Lornell