Author Description

Winner ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for Outstanding Book on Music Reuters calls it "one of the wittiest, bawdiest, most fascinating dictionaries ever." Bonnie Raitt adds: "What a great resource--as fascinating as it is informative. Debra's passion for the blues shines through." Wall Street Journal critic Nat Hentoff says it's "invaluable," and producer Hal Willner agrees: "It's an invaluable reference book. And it's also great fun to read." The Language of the Blues is a must-have for fans of blues, jazz, rock and slang. in it, author. rock musician and Huffington Post blogger Debra Devi explores over 150 terms like buffet flat, killing floor, and mojo with fresh insights from her in-depth interviews with blues legends like Hubert Sumlin, Robert Jr. Lockwood, Henry Gray, Bob Margolin, Robben Ford, Jimmie Vaughan and more. "As a musician myself, not a scholar," Devi explains, "I thought I could best make a contribution by talking directly to blues artists about what the words in blues songs mean to them." The result is a lively read Blues Revue deems "an essential purchase for scholars and fans." New York Times columnist Shelton Ivany adds, "If you have any questions about songs, lyrics, musicians or events, chances are you will find your answers in this unparalleled publication." The Language of the Blues opens with a remarkable foreword by Dr. John, who helped Devi uncover the illegal gambling origins of terms like "gig" and "axe." This new edition includes over 30 stunning photos of legendary blues artists (17 in color).