Author: Debra Devi

The Southern slang term “doney” is rarely heard anymore, but when it is, it’s usually as part of the phrase “no-good doney”…

Blues songs are loaded with boasts, taunts, and jokes. Discover the fun meaning of “The dozens” as sung by Memphis Minnie, and find out the origin of schoolyard taunts and rap’s most prominent feature!

Find out the promiscuous origins of the word “Dog” as sang about by Johnnie Taylor, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and more!

Hear what the word “Dig” means in the blues language according to Albert Collins!

The devil has many names down South, some derived from the Christianization among African slaves of West African trickster deities… Learn all about “Devil” in blues language!

The Delta, the cradle of American music. Find out it’s incredible history and how it gave birth to the blues and rock n roll

Find what the legendary “Crossroads” word means in the blues, and follow it’s amazing, devilish roots all the way back to Africa in this week’s article

Pianist Dr. John came of age in New Orleans in the 1950s, when musicians engaged in fierce jam sessions called Cutting Contests…

Whether he was on the run or standing still, which almost never happened, Taylor sang like an unrepentant gospel star caught with his hand up the preacher’s wife’s skirt.

Tuning the guitar to an open minor chord is called cross note, or Bentonia, tuning…