Author: Debra Devi
Debra Devi
Debra Devi is a rock musician and the author of the award-winning blues glossary The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu (foreword by Dr. John). www.debradevi.com
A “gate” is 1920s slang, but went on to take on a greater meaning in the Louisiana area. Find out EVERYTHING about Gatemouth in this week’s edition!
Read about the particularly FIERCE creature that Blind Lemon Jefferson sang about!
Foot track magic is a hoodoo practice, and was talked about by Robert Johnson
The sometimes creepy, sometimes uplifting meaning of “Fix” in the blues has it’s roots in Voodoo… and junkies. Find out how!
Tommy Johnson sang about “Fat Mouth”, but the origins of the word run much, much deeper! Discover the story!
Pronounced “pharaoh,” faro is an old rural Mississippi synonym… discover the meaning behind what Mississippi John Hurt and Tommy Johnson famously sang about!
“Easy Rider” is one of the most common themes in the blues. Now find out exactly what it means and why!
“Stormy Monday Blues” contains the famous verse: “The eagle flies on Friday”
Sweeping the house after dark is still considered impolite in some African American families. This tradition comes from an ancient West African belief…
Find out what Robert Johnson and Skip James were talking about when they described being “dry so long”!