Book Description

"Travel back to the birth of the blues, from the age-old field-hollers of Mississippi cotton fields to the hidden world of Delta juke joints, to the nightclubs of Chicago." - See Reviews Below "Finding Charley Patton" is a historical novel set in 1930, in Mississippi and Chicago. An African American reporter for the Chicago Defender travels back to Mississippi to find the mysterious Delta blues musicians who began appearing on 'race records' in the late 1920s. Black history and the blues are deeply interwoven into the fabric of America. The emergence of the radical new African American artform called "the Blues," and the blues culture the music inspired, had a profound impact on American society, both artistically and culturally. Yet the story of the blues is an often-overlooked chapter in the nation's history. In this rousing and entertaining adventure book, the story follows reporter Cyrus Jordan on his challenging journey, deep into "Jim-Crow" Mississippi, to write a story about the new Delta blues music. Cyrus Jordan, had worked in the Delta as a young man, and he hopes to find one bluesman in particular that he'd known there, named Charley Patton, who's recently been making records for Paramount. During the trip, the elusive history of the blues unfolds, along with the troubling social history of African Americans in Mississippi. But the book is about much more than the hard times often sung about in blues songs. It is also a tale of triumph over adversity and a great road-trip story, with a cast of complex and colorful characters and great blues music. The novel journeys deep into the hidden world of blues music found in cotton fields, juke joints, recording studios, and on street corners. The story follows the exploits of Mississippi blues musicians Charley Patton, Son House, Willie Brown, and their young proteges Robert Johnson, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters, as they perform around the Delta during the vibrant days of the early blues. The book also explores the Chicago blues scene of the 1920s and pioneering black record producer Mayo Williams, who recorded the early blues records for Paramount. As a black man from Chicago, Cyrus Jordan's long and arduous trip back to Mississippi to search for his old friend Charley Patton, whose music had transcended the Delta, becomes a journey into finding Cyrus's own roots and American identity. "Finding Charley Patton" is an inspiring story of music and life. Cover photo (C) 2003 Blues Images - Used with permission REVIEWS (This book was originally published in December of 2019, as "The Promise of the Blues" Here are some "Top reviews from the United States" PeterG - 5.0 out of 5 stars One not to miss! - Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2020 A fascinating work, a must for the lovers of the Blues! JerryG - 5.0 out of 5 stars If you're interested in the history of the Blues, you'll enjoy this book! Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2020 - "The Promise of the Blues" is a compelling thesis on the history of the Delta Blues, and the social conditions surrounding the music, wrapped in a very entertaining novel. A great read! JoAnn R. - 5.0 out of 5 stars I recommend this book for a good read. July 20, 2020 - Great book, really enjoyed reading it. An insightful adventure tale of music and identity. Amazon Customer - 5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Feel of the blues and the characters and life and times of back then. April 16, 2020 - An excellent, entertaining, and important read! Lara D - 5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough history and social commentary placed in a delightful package July 19, 2020 -The amount of historical gems in this book is impressive.....a very pleasurable read....