Shine a light : my year with "Blind" Willie Johnson / Shane Ford.
| Author/creator | Ford, Shane author. |
| Format | Book |
| Publication | United States : [publisher not identified], [2011] |
| Copyright Date | ©2011 |
| Description | 172 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm |
| Subjects |
| Abstract | Meant as a companion piece for those already familiar with Johnson's music and myth--journey through Texas with Shane Ford as he leads the way to honor the legend, Blind Willie Johnson. Included is new research and pictures, never-before-seen. |
| Abstract | According to his death certificate, "Blind" Willie Johnson was born in Independence, near Brenham, Texas in January of 1897. When he was very young, his mother died. It is unknown for sure how Johnson became blind but according to "Angeline" (his self-proclaimed last wife), it was due to his stepmother throwing lye water into his face before the age of 10. Johnson would make money by playing and singing on the streets of several Texas cities. He recorded 30 songs over a period of three years for Columbia Records from 1927-1930, many with Willie B. Harris, with whom he had one daughter. His records sold well but as the depression hit, the music industry was struck hard and Johnson would never record again. The last years of his life were spent with "Angeline" in Beaumont, Texas. He continued to sing and operated a house of prayer at 1440 Forest. He died in 1945 in the ruins of his burned home. Johnson's influence had a tremendous impact on many musicians and popular music. Some of the artists that have been affected by Johnson include Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Grateful Dead, and others. Ry Cooder described Johnson's "Dark was the night - Cold was the ground" as "the most soulful, transcendent piece in all American music." Johnson's "Dark was the night - Cold was the ground" was also included on the Voyager golden record (launched into space in 1977) alongside Bach, Mozart, Chuck Berry and others to portray the diversity and culture of life on Earth, should any intelligent life form find it. Included here is the author's story as he led the way to honor Johnson in Texas, locating Johnson's burial site, fighting to get a Texas historical marker, attempting to piece together Johnson's life, and raising money to get a memorial where Johnson is buried. The book includes never-before-seen research and pictures surrounding Johnson's life. |
| ISBN | 9781458371553 |
| ISBN | 1458371557 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk | ML420.J734 F67 2011 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |