Beyond the Crossroads: The Devil and the Blues Tradition

By Adam Gussow ’79 *00

Published Feb. 19, 2018

The devil is one of the key figures in blues music. Beyond the Crossroads (UNC Press) goes deeper than the tale of Robert Johnson trading his soul for the ability to play the guitar. Adam Gussow ’79 *00 explores the many uses of the devil in the blues, showing how he is also an empowering figure.