blues historians Conforth and Wardlow provide a sober, well-researched and -documented account of the life and times of the Delta-born Robert Johnson. -- Booklist
This is the book the blues world has been waiting for. Authored by two uniquely qualified scholars following years of extensive interviews and exhaustive research, the result is fascinating, important, and factual, without agenda or embellished narrative. . . . It is in my view a far more moving account than many others that have been obscured by so much fantasy. It's a can't-put-it-down kind of bookan exciting, great read. Rory Block, celebrated acoustic blues guitarist/singer and five-time Blues Music Award winner
Finally an in-depth biography of one of the greatest blues musicians ever. The clearing up of the myths and mysteries is a relief. The work of the authors is meticulous. They detail Robert Johnson's journey with facts, creating a full view of his life and times, his friends and influences, so the reader has a comprehensive understanding of how he came to be the greatest of the Delta bluesmen. I am blown away! John Hammond, Jr.
Conforth and Wardlow have done amazing research, turning up a wealth of new details and clearing up mysteries I never imagined could be solved. This is the definitive Robert Johnson biography, and no one interested in his life, his legend, or his music can afford to miss it. I read it in one sitting, and will reread it gratefully in the future. Elijah Wald, author of Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues
Some people will tell you that blues legend Robert Johnson lived under a curse, but it's actually research into Johnson's life that's been bedeviled. Three of my friends died before publishing their books on him, and for a long time I've feared we might never get a reliable account of this artist's life and times. Finally the curse has been lifted. Bruce Conforth and Gayle Dean Wardlow started researching Robert Johnson and the Delta blues tradition more than a half-century ago, and they are now sharing their hard-won insights into the most mysterious man in the annals of American music. If you want the straight story on Robert Johnson, this is where you start. Ted Gioia, author of Delta Blues and The History of Jazz
Up Jumped the Devil is a tremendously important work. It not only finally reveals everything we wanted to know about Robert Johnson, but will rewrite the history of the blues. Lawrence Cohn, Grammy-winning producer of Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings and author of Nothing But the Blues
As the grandson of the iconic blues singer Robert Johnson, I'm honored that the truth is finally being revealed. . . . Up Jumped the Devil contains the real story of his life and does away with all the myths. Steven Johnson, vice president, Robert Johnson Blues Foundation
A compelling narrative of the life of Robert Johnson, succinct and poignant, revealing the immensity of his blues and the mysteries of the man, debunking myths that have overshadowed the truth while illuminating the memories and first-person accounts diligently collected by the authors over more than five decades. Alan Govenar, author of Texas Blues, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Stompin' at the Savoy
It is really incredible that after all these years celebrating the work of Robert Johnson, new information still keeps emerging. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this man's haunting legacy. John Mayall, OBE, legendary blues musician and member, Blues Hall of Fame
