R. Crumb Draws the Blues #[nn]

"Patton" presents a vivid, grounded portrait of the legendary bluesman Charley Patton, tracing his journey from early encounters with the music in the early 1900s to his rise as a defining voice in the Delta blues scene, all rendered in the distinctive, expressive style of R. Crumb. This 12-page biography captures the essence of a man shaped by hardship and rhythm, whose life and art left an indelible mark on American music.

In "The Old Songs Are the Best Songs," a wry, musical twist on classic tunes brings unexpected life to familiar lyrics. With playful, offbeat interpretations of "On the Street Where You Live," "My Guy," "Purple Haze," and "When You Go a Courtin'," the story turns nostalgia into something delightfully strange and funny.

In "Jelly Roll Morton's Voodoo Curse," the legendary pianist’s own words weave a haunting tale of fame, ambition, and the mysterious forces that may have shadowed his downfall. Set against the vibrant backdrop of early 20th-century music and culture, the story explores the darker currents beneath his rise, leaving the truth of his fate lingering in the air.