637
Views
2
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
SPECIAL ISSUE: LEISURE MYTHS AND MYTHMAKING

The Crossroads: Selling Your Soul for Rock n' Roll

Pages 606-616 | Received 21 Jul 2019, Accepted 24 Jan 2020, Published online: 10 Feb 2021
 

Abstract

The allure of rock n’ roll is born of mystique and fantasy, and rock helps fans channel their affective needs, making it an accessible forum to build identity and connect with others. Music has also been shown to possess transcendent qualities, though oftentimes these ethereal properties are “dark” in nature, emblematic of the indulgent, deviant, and hedonistic aspects often attributed to rock music. The origin of rock n’ roll can arguably be traced back to one man – and one myth: the American blues musician, Robert Johnson, who allegedly “sold his soul” to the devil for virtuosic guitar playing ability, thus giving birth to the blues. This essay seeks to explore his origin story as the mythic root of rock music and ask how Johnson set the stage for deviance as an inherent quality of rock music as embraced by fans.

Notes

1 Though, perhaps he just wanted some peace and quiet, not to summon the devil.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 53.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 242.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.