The Devil’s Crossroads: Searching for Robert Johnson
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- We go in search of the REAL Devil's Crossroads from the famed Urban Legend where legendary Blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil. We start our Journey in Clarksdale, Mississippi visiting the "Tourist" Crossroads then head to where the Mississippi Delta Blues began...Dockery Farms. Ultimately we end up at Robert Johnson's final resting place in a graveyard in the middle of nowhere. Join us as we take you on a strange journey into one of the most famous urban legends in the world...The Devil's Crossroads.
#RobertJohnson #BluesTrail #GrimmLifeCollective
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I lived there, and my father living in Clarksdale when he passed. All my family played music.
You don’t find the blues, they find you. Picture yourself in the middle of the night at a crossroads, maybe sitting on a stump with only the guitar. Close your eyes, all is silent but one thing. You hear a train, you don’t see it you hear it. It is far away, the sound is train car wheels on steel rails, the rails slapping the tracks. One slapping noise in one place, another slapping noise farther down, another, and another. Be patience, and all the slaps will start keeping perfect time with each other. There is your rhythm. That is the delta blues.
I've been there, desperate man that I was. Careful when you stride there, he's there, just not how you expect him.
That was beautiful.
Well Said 💞💞
TP - Great description
@@jeremyjenkins3554 what do you mean
So glad you covered Robert Johnson. HE needs to kept in current conversations . His contribution to the " Delta" blues is so valuable. . ( I'm learning to play the blues, yeah a goth too)
The Allman brothers definitely followed in his footsteps. They played in a cemetery and Duane Allman and Berry Oakley both died in motorcycle accidents at crossroads. You guys are the best, you went to the real crossroads while everybody else is back taking selfies at the tourist one. ❤ R.I.P. Robert Johnson, founder of the "27" club.
Duh
Hes not the founder somebody died at 27yr of age b4 him aswell google it
Can anybody get me the address of this place?
Allman Brothers rule
most accidents happen at intersections, especially motorcycle accidents. Statistical fact. Allman Brothers sucked.
I drove thru rural mississippi once on a road trip, and the entire stretch of highway just had a feeling that I couldn't describe. Hardly anybody around. very supernatural feeling. Love the channel, wish I would have discovered it sooner.
I've always been fascinated with the story of Robert Johnson. I live in Essex, UK. So I'm unable to visit these cool locations 😕 But at least I can see some of them here.
Kirk Redgate dude you guys have Aleister Crowley ad Jimmy Page
I know a hot Bristol chic
If only we knew back 5 months ago, we wouldn't be in this virus pickle.
Devil worship is just a definition for hard work and daily practice.
@@xxxdieselyyy2 No Devil worship particulaly when it comes to Robert Johnson, folk actualy believed he sold his soul to play his guitar like he was possesed. I would put it down to Autism, Unknown at the time if you has Autism you were considered simple or touched. I reply to your comment because when you sid hard work and daily practice you missed onr thing out, a Hell of a teacher, when i say hell i mean in no part Satan. For all intensive purposes your right, i don't know about the Devil worship though.
The interesting thing about Robert Johnson is that pretty much everything about him is an urban legend because we know next to nothing concrete about his life. Even his death is shrouded in mystery.
I'm a HUGE Robert Johnson follower and always believed that that IS the correct spot. Now it's starting 2 catch on.
When I saw this on SuperNatural, I thought it was such a great story, but you guys too it to a new level. Thank you for this!!
As a lifetime guitarist and fan of the blues....I gotta thank you for this wonderful journey you two took us on.
OH MY GOODNESS Jess is just the sweetest! All she wants is her family to be well off and taken care of… that’s so wholesome I just wanna hug her lol
Love the videos! I’m one of the first million subs now!
You deserve a million subs, but you don't need to sell your soul, just keep putting out this great content!
Agreed, you're on the right path and God will give you mountains more.
@@hookedonchristmas, I agree. That would be scary just thinking about selling your souls to the devil. Yikes....!! 😱
Exactly! 💯
I think he is just showing history and/or a legend or folklore or urban legend about Robert Johnson.
When he said what he said, I get what you meant . Sorry
Being from Mississippi and knowing the beauty and magic of my state I really appreciate the nice comments made in the video. We are all often judged by the actions of some idiots. There are a lot of good people here. There is a dark horrible history here and its so sad to think of what the poor people endured. I've lived here since born in 1974 and I don't know a single person who thinks it was a good thing in any way at all. I get so sick of people judging an entire state of people who could never know everyone in it and probably don't know a single one. But think they are good people. I subscribed because of your non judgemental statements and getting your opions on Ole Miss by actually coming and experiencing it. And I enjoyed your video. I hope you get to read this and 1 more subscriber towards your million.
Well said. I'm a little older than you and learned about the blues from reading about the musicians that inspired them (wearing a Pink Floyd shirt right now). I then began listening to guys like Robert Johnson, etc. Then I moved to southeast Missouri and started going to Tunica to gamble. On the second or third trip I read a sign somewhere and realized Robert Johnson was from the area. Still haven't made it down to clarksdale but plan on going. I thought it was further south of the casinos than I thought. Started learning guitar
@@lk3309 thank you for the kind reply. I had almost forgotten about this and saw I had some notifications when I got on here to listen to a KISS tribute album. I know KISS isn't everyone's favorite but I picked up a guitar because of Ace Frehley or at least he was the one who pushed me over that wonderful edge. Growing up with my mom playing Beatles, Stones, Marshall Tucker, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others turned up to Spinal Tap 11 , I've always loved music and can't go through a single day without hours of it. I live in the southern part of Mississippi, about exactly half way in between Jackson Mississippi and New Orleans. Bo Diddley was from here, Elvis Presley played the local high school in the 50s and Lynyrd skynyrd's plane crashed in this County. McComb Mississippi. I've heard hazlehurst was tied in with Robert Johnson and that's not too far north of me. I do hope the guitar playing is going well and momentary lapse of reason was always a favorite album of mine. It doesn't seem to be as popular as the wall and dark side of the moon but I have always kept that album in my collection. Happy rock n blues trails to you my friend
You captured the myth and the reality of Robert Johnson-excellent! We knew those dark woods and cotton fields so well, visiting family and friends in Greenwood and surrounding areas. Nostalgic to say the least of the Dockery Farm. Robert Johnson made such an impact we wrote him in as a character in a horror-comedic tale (Give the Devil His Due). Thanks for this one.
Experts have studied the legend and figured out that 6 months is enough time to practice rigorously in order to reach expert level at playing guitar.
Most likely what happened was he left the farm and began practicing in the cemetery (so he could practice in private). Since the cemetery is near the crossroads, people equated him selling his soul. People were just amazed by his progress in 6 months.
That's only part of it. Old southern culture is superstitious culture for poor whites and blacks. Also, if you weren't playing gospel music you were playing the devil's music. Jazz, blues, rock and roll all have been called the devil's music. Memphis is only about an hour and a half north of clarksdale, ms where Carl Perkins, Elvis, Johnny Cash were the early rock and roll musicians and old timers considered them for lack of a better term... satanic.
Thank you both for taking us on your journeys. You’re truly a beautiful couple.
TY so much for taking me on the tour with you! Love all what you both do! 👍
I LOVE IT! Thanks for doing this video!! I've got to head there one day too. The gothic clothing adds to the mystiq of the Crossroads theme. I love how the wind is blowing perhaps as a welcome from Robert Johnson himself...caint you hear that wind blow..guitar riff...Thanks for taking us there to the sites. I must go one day! Applauses!!
You can't sell your soul. You can't sell something you don't own! We are aware of our soul But we don't own it The soul belongs to the nature of things. Just like you can't waste time or lose time. You can't waste or lose something you don't own. Time also belongs to the nature of things.. you guys have a great show !
Go eat grass
@@yodaddy9362 or smoke it
Dam thanks for this video. I’m an Aussie i can play a bit I’m 52 I love the blues and other stuff too but the blues was the hole reason I loved music and learnt to play . I heard the Robert Johnson story about 35 years ago and I just love all this stuff thanks so much
What do you think ultimately happened to him: Natural causes or poisoned whiskey?
@@terminallumbago6465 the poisoned whisky story seems common
I live less than an hour’s drive from the Crossroads. Over that way for work a few times a year. Glad to see my favorite RUclipsrs in my home state.
This is so cool you covered Robert Johnson's stomping grounds. The reality is just as cool as the fiction how Robert Johnson learned guitar: Robert Johnson got lessons from Eddie “Son” House. Robert didn't want to annoy people with his practicing so he practiced in a cemetery at night and often way past midnight. Can you imagine walking by and hearing Robert Johnson playing among the tombstones under a summer southern full moon?
Was there a particular reason why people thought Eddie was the Devil? I can definitely see Mr. Johnson taking a 6th month crash course in guitar and practicing in the cemetery. It seems a perfect place where no one would bother them while they were practicing.
your videos are interesting to watch and I can tell that you put a lot of effort in them and time traveling places. I hope you reach 1m subs!
I absolutely loved this!!
As a lifelong fan of the blues, this really speaks to me.
Amazing video as usual my friends!
🔥😈🔥
As someone from Mississippi that just go in to the channel. This is beyond cool to see!
You guys do an excellent job researching these locations & stories. Your takes and enthusiasm for these subjects is fantastic. I know since this is a 2 year old video currently you'll likely not see this but I have no doubts that million subscriber mark will be met with no need to sell your souls lol!
What? Damn you impressed me with this one. Wouldn't even think someone young like you would even care about the great Robert johnson
Great video you guys!! One of my favorite urban myths/stories. So glad ya’ll made it out there 🖤
As a blues-based rock/metal guitar player for MANY years, I've heard of this legend. Fascinating to say the least! Robert had great feel and sound to his music. Had a great soulfulness to his playing, no pun intended!...GREAT EPISODE! 🎶🎸 🎼 🦇 -J.s.
Mor on Robert Johnson here -
ruclips.net/video/4ZgqGLqa_1A/видео.html
So glad that you guys visited my home state of Mississippi. The town in which I grew up is right down HWY 61. I love the delta and the blues. Thank you for showcasing it’s beauty.
I've passed through those cross roads more times than I can count. My grandparents lived in Clarksdale not too far from the crossroads for a long time.
I've subscribed. Thank you for all the time research and efforts you put into your videos, you 2 are a Class Act. Blessings and Prayers sent your way. Keep up the excellent work and have an awesome day.
This is amazing. Oh wow. I've very recently found your videos after watching your tour of outside Anne Rice's house and the Interview with a Vampire house and I'm SO glad I did! I've been binge watching your videos now in no particular order and loving it. You go to places I haven't seen anyone else go to.
Thank you for this. Very well done. I always love the FINAL resting place, just remember that we are eternal beings. Our body dies but our soul never does. Good luck because we ARE eternal.
Very true
If we are, where were you before you were born?
Kool vlog 🤘 I been to the tourist CR n the Delta Blues Msm. I play in a all native American blues band from Phoenix called SMOKESTACK LIGHTNING 😎 we were in Memphis at the time doing some gigs , we took a drive down to Clarksdale.
Ok, I've been watching you guys 4 awhile, now you've touched on something VERY personal 2 me.
You guys are. The. Cooliest
The legend is what brings people in, but the real story is, from people that knew Robert Johnson, there was a man who came through every Friday night on his way home from work for the weekend. He knew how to play guitar and would show people certain techniques. He taught him how to tune his guitar to open tunings, which is why Robert Johnson rarely, if ever, used standard tuning. He taught him the slide guitar technique and he worked on it for six months at that cemetery you passed. When he went back, he got up on stage, everyone laughing at him, turned his back on the crowd, so they couldn't see what he was doing and he played, and they never heard anything like it before. Not long after, he started jumping on trains and traveling.
I have heard that. He was very private and didn’t want anyone to copy his technique so he’d play with his back to the audience.
Awesome video. I really enjoyed this one!!
Thanks for this story, I was born in Clarksdale, MS. I live in VA , now but I have lots of family and friends back in OLE Miss, brings back memories, and of course the blues, thanks for what you do.
A new subscriber here and I'm from Mississippi I loved this video. You and Jessica are cool. My wife and I love your videos. Actually learned something new that Robert Johnson and I share the same birthday
Beware the Autumn People, I love that. Nice video guys thank you, here's to a perpetual Samhain. Cheers from Australia
Maybe he just went into a shack for 6 months and practiced. A lot can happen in 6 months 🤣
Probably true.
@@adamtorres109 Ike Zimmerman's house..nearly two years
🤣🤣
Exactly. As if he didn't care about guitar, but then started to take it seriously for 6 months. Moral of the story being.. If you apply yourself, you can accomplish anything. It has far less to do with the "devil" than most people might think. The devil is irrelevant.
That's what I'm thinking . . . but that he sold his soul is so much more fun. Quid pro quo just rests better in the human need for a story than he played till his fingers bleed.
Selling your soul never ends well.
IT'S BAD😬😬
I can play a guitar a bit I love Indy stuff but blues music holds a special place for me and I’m pretty sure everyone that learns to play at some point gets told about Robert Johnson
the 1986 movie is great. thank you for showing the locations
You both make some awesome videos Grimmlife. Keep up the great work Michael and Jessica.
I really enjoy your adventures and you are adorable as a couple. I am disabled with end stage kidney failure and can’t really travel so it means a lot to me. Thank you. Plus y’all are dark and funny how I love it.
Praying for you my love ♥️ you are blessed
Sweet comment, wishing you well
Thank You again. 73 and enjoying things I've always wanted to see!
Thank you for bringing us to this place and all the other places you take us.
Heard the story many times, but always assumed it was not actually a real story. Great video as always.
Robert Johnson's family said the Crossroads story about his musical ability/improvement was total crap.
@@thepanel2935Of course it was, but it’s a good legend. Most likely he found someone to teach him and just worked hard at it.
@@terminallumbago6465 LOL
@@thepanel2935 What’s funny about it? There are several explanations for how he could have got his musical prowess. The right people to show him the ropes, dedication on his own, and probably some natural talent mixed in. Perhaps it was exaggerated just how poor his playing was before he went away for several months.
It’s just a shame that so much of his life is such a mystery.
Highway 1 and highway 8 in Rosedale Mississippi where the 2 highways cross is actually the original crossroads, according to local people born and raised in the area.
That is not the correct location that is just a hustle of the people in Rosedale to get tourism in that area.
Growing up, I've lived next to several cemeteries from Indian burial to current cemetery where Pat Garrett is buried..my friends and I always practiced music in them..still to this day I play guitar and sing for my family and friends that are buried at cemetery by my house..its peaceful and now 2nd gen later, my son jams out with me and his aunt, who still plays the blues with me, since we were in elementary learning our instruments at cemeteries..my Native American culture believes in praising the spirits with song - it's respected practice in many cultures..
LilithMoon29 that’s cool. I’d love my son., To jam at my funeral and at my resting place 🙏🙏🙏
I've never entertained the thought of selling my soul. Ain't worth the consequences if true to me.
It doesn't work you don't get what you want. It's all BS just stories.
@@spiderfan1974 you've tried?
@@briefcaseblues6061 tried it nothing happened. Did it to prove nothing would happen several times now. I've stated there is no God in churches nothing bad happened then either. Johnson went and took guitar lessons and practiced non stop for six months. The selling his soul story sounds a lot better than I took guitar lessons and now I can play guitar.
@@spiderfan1974 well I don't know whether to congratulate you or send condolences..
@@spiderfan1974 theres no selling souls talked about in the bible
Such a great video. So much fun 🙏🏻🥰
Excellent! Lots of legend surrounding the great Robert Johnson!
Cool storyline! Have a great day, guys. 🌜🦉🦇😈🗣️🎙️🎸🎼🎵🎶
Being from and living in Liverpool England, I’m too far away from the good stuff like this 😔
10:49 Watch out Grimmlove! Four years later and you're well over half way there... 😬🖤💚
My soul is priceless n not for sale thanks ✝️🙏🏼😎
Love the Robert Johnson story. Next time when in San Antonio, Tx, you can continue his story. He did most of his recordings at The Gunter Hotel still standing in downtown San Antonio, he was also arrested here.
I will never ever give sale my soul to the devil my soul is Jesus Christ he owns my Jesus not the devil
Youve beem believing in fairytales your whole life. Theres no christ or devil. Heaven or hell. Man mistook religion for alien visitors coming to earth to guide humanity. From their bases on the moon.
Its all about ALIENS. Go to Area 51. And see if you can get in there without being shot. The American government have ALL THE ANWSERS. They are keeping it from us.
PROJECT DX Heroin is one hell of a drug. Careful you might overdose with that amount!
Cool bro we all get it
Mister Atomic your comment was so unnecessary
I was born just south of there in Greenville, back in 1952. When I think of blues, I think of Elvis!
“His name is Scratch, you play the right notes he’ll come find you.”
Awesome video. I really enjoy watching you guys. Please keep up the great work.
Love your channel
You do such a good job
Your videos are not boring and you do such a great job with all your information and explaineing everything good
Good blessings to your channel
Awesome video!.......... great explanation of the history and making these videos is your calling!............👀😎👍👋✌️🇨🇦🌟
Hahaha Michael is like a kid playing in the dirt. He’s so funny 🤣 You should go back in like a couple months and see if it’s still there and do a video on it 😌 Jessica, I LOVE your hair in this!!!!! Better than the green honestly 🥰
Just discovered this channel and I grew up in Clarksdale and vaguely heard of this story. Glad you covered it.
If you ever have the chance to see the move Crossroads with Ralph Macchio do it the movie is unreal .
R.I.P. Robert Johnson; the founder and first member of the forever famous “27 Club”!!!
What a beautiful sentiment Jessica, but I don't think you have to sell your soul when your desires are altruistic!
I'm sure you guys know the "Monkey's paw" story... Be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it... 😅
I bet you'll reach 1M subs because of your great work, you don't need a deal with the Big Trickster!
Kisses from Barcelona, Spain! 😘
The devil can give you things... things that will be burned up. Jesus can give you life eternal.
Amen brother!!!!
@@jerryguzman2847 ???
I totally agree with you on that
@@whitneyfjohnson hail Daren
Amen
What a great project, guys! Amazing!
Greetings from Russia:)
Man I love the supernatural reference especially when an episode was based on Robert Johnson
It ain't just the town, there is definitely something spiritual about Mississippi. No doubt.
Loved this one!! I am a huge fan of Robert Johnson!! This was awesome! Great vlog, as always!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼😊
Hung out and had a drink at Roberts grave. Went to the crossroads etc on my honeymoon. BB king grave also is across the street from where he grew up behind his museum. Not nearly as mysterious but if you love the blues it's worth a stop. Started on the Kentucky bourbon trail went on down the blues trail and spent a few days in NOLA rooting thru voodoo shops, death museum and a few others. Would recommend all and really dig you guys video too. Glad to see someone else cares about all this stuff too.
I'm hooked, you guys are awesome. So much true history.
Fantastic job! I live right across the bridge in Greenwood, a couple of miles from that little church and cemetery. When we were teens, some friends and I tracked down the three burial sights. The one you guys were at IS accepted as being the real deal. It was great seeing a lot of familiar scenery. Hope you guys got to visit Greenwood while you were so close.
You folks are so awesome. The friends i wish i had.
As far as Pop Culture, there is a Ralph Macchio movie called Crossroads and there is a Head-cutting guitar duel at the end. This movie is also the film debut of Steve Vai. Check it out.
5 point crossroad. That's what makes them magic. There is one near my town in Iowa (Oskaloosa) that people always died on. There's a lot of hauntings and weird shit in our area. If you ever feel like coming to BFE Iowa I'll totally be your tour guide.
Im from iowa as well never heard of it might need to peep as im an avid urban legend nut
Great content, 👌🔥 forward you seeing more of your great work.
I watched a detailed documentary on this. Many that were around at the time, many were musicians and particularly guitarist talked about this. If Robert Johnson was as bad as they say, he could not have been as good as some of the recordings I heard in 6 months. Possibly, the greatest guitar player of all-time good. That's how good we are talking. Some have said it was more like a year or two later. If a young person picks up an instrument and gets good in a couple of years that's very believable but as we get older ? Very unlikely but I guess not impossible. Assuming that it was him actually playing then, whatever the explanation, it would've taken more than just practice in 6 months but it was probably a lot longer than 6 months
Don't forget the doobs
Jessica is such a pure spirit animals are drawn to her light.
I once saw the devil, at a crossroads in Charleston WV. My brother was with me and we both saw him. Scary morning to say the least. I could care less who believes me. I know what we saw.
Can you describe the scene?
Can you describe the scene and him?
@@robertaandersone2363 Yes. My brother and I were walking to the bus stop for work, and approaching a crossroads, he was sitting at the corner, appeared like and old black man in a canaray almost neon "pimp" suit. The vibe was really bad and when he spoke a simple..."Good mornin boys" it gave you chills. Once we crossed the street he had vanished.
@@alfiegraphics2904 damn, sounds like he has style tho. :)
@@hamdankhan319 Yes. My brother and I were walking to the bus stop for work, and approaching a crossroads, he was sitting at the corner, appeared like and old black man in a canaray almost neon "pimp" suit. The vibe was really bad and when he spoke a simple..."Good mornin boys" it gave you chills. Once we crossed the street he had vanished.
Jessica looks like the undertakers sister.💀
Robert Johnson, 1911-1938, an original godfather of the blues, should also be counted among the "27 Club" of famous musicians who died at 27 years old.
One of my favorite guitar pickers....👍👍😎👌💗🙏❣️🎸🎸🎸🎸😳 thanks brother God bless ❤️ much love from Huntington WV 🙏❤️😳🥰
Here's to 1 million.. cheers
Cool video
R I P DANIEL J.... YES Y KNOW
Family. Best statement of this vid. Love this!
It fascinates me how people still buy into this folklore. Robert was special that’s for sure but the real story is after losing his wife and child in a complicated childbirth he lived with his parents for a while. He would sneak out at night to listen to Son house and Willie Brown play. They weren’t much for mentoring him so he left Town for a while. No one is quite sure how long he was gone. It was then that he met Ike Zimmerman. By all accounts this guy taught him the things he needed to know. They would go into a graveyard at night to play because the guy had a wife and kids and didn’t want to wake them up. Robert had untapped talent, songwriting skills, and a desire to be the greatest bluesman ever. Add in the missing mentoring, deep pain from losing his wife and child amongst difficult living circumstances and it sure sounds like the formula for greatness.
It’s a shame that more concrete information about his life isn’t known. He’s such an important figure in music history.
Wow what a great video this is somthing that i would love to do some day . Thank you from the UK .
Jessica, I just love your sunglasses!
Raw cotton right from the fields is super awesome...I miss the south, I lived in North Carolina for years, never been to Mississippi but have ALWAYS wanted to go.
Stuck in northern NORTHERN Minnesota, now..
Thanks sooo much for allowing me to live vicariously through you guys!!!
I gotta say, tho, TONS of creepy stuff and legends up here on the Iron Range, mn....I (I'm sure many many more, too) would LOVE to have you visit up here♡♡♡♡
Never seen those crossroads before, but whats spooky is that its exactly how ive always visualized it
Robert Johnson is awesome, I suspect disappearing for months and presumably playing loads of guitar in that time would make you improve your playing ability when you got back
Thank you Robert for your amazing guitar work in the Soggy Bottom Boys