In this installment of Language of the Blues, author and rocker Debra Devi turns to Dr. John for a wide-ranging look at the street slang, traditions, and lived experiences embedded in blues language.
Author: Debra Devi
Debra Devi
Debra Devi is a rock musician and the author of the award-winning blues glossary The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu (foreword by Dr. John). www.debradevi.com
Find out the origins of the word “Bayou”, and it’s significance in the blues in this week’s article!
A bar where whiskey is served straight from the barrel is called a barrelhouse. Add a piano and you’ve got yourself a party.
Author/rocker Debra Devi focuses on the meaning and significance of a unique word used in blues song.
“balling the jack” a popular phrase from blues songs, rail yards, dance halls, and even Harlem plays and eventually the silver screen! Find all about “Balling the Jack”!
This week’s “Language of the Blues” word is “Bailing Wire”, which many a blusman hand-crafted their first guitar from!
Find out what “Bag” musicians are referring to… and it’s powerful gangster origins!
This week’s “Language” article explores one of the most (in)famous blues terms, the BACK DOOR MAN!
Read the great Dr. John explain what this week’s “Language of the Blues” word, AXE, is all about!
Another installment in our new weekly series by author and rocker Debra Devi. This week, we explore the term “Ashes Hauled”, made famous by Sleepy John Estes