The story of one man�s efforts to authenticate a photograph of the influential King of the Delta Blues amid pushback from others. After Zeke Schein purchased the lost photograph of Robert Johnson online, he knew he held something important in his hands. But would anyone else see what he saw? One of only three or four known photos of the legendary blues guitarist, the photograph was certainly an exceptional artifact of music history. Despite official recognition of its authenticity by the estate of Robert Johnson, music historians have continued to dispute the photograph�s legitimacy.
The story of Johnson�s lost photograph is also the story of Schein�s crusade to prove he�s holding a bona fide piece of music history. Much like a modern-day Don Quixote in a felt fedora, Schein is on a mission to convince others to see the truth as only he can.
�When you love the music and the person behind the music, you want to know more about him. That�s what this book is all about.��from the foreword by Dion DiMucci, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and author of�Dion: The Wanderer Talks Truth �Magic and mystery meld with humility and history.�Portrait of a Phantom�is a tale told by a true acolyte and seeker of the source of the blues.��Patti Smith, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and author of the National Book Award�winner�Just Kids �A fascinating trip into the world of blues history . . . The details and anecdotes herein give a great perspective to �the Phantom.���John Hammond, blues singer and musician
Language
Place of publication
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 224 mm
Width: 147 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
ISBN-13
978-1-4556-2549-9 (9781455625499)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Zeke Schein is a true New Yorker, born, raised, and still residing there. In his long career at Matt Umanov Guitars, he has helped many of the greatest names in music to find their sounds, including Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Pete Townshend, Carlos Santana, Steve Earle, John Hammond, Jack White, John Mayer, Jeff Tweedy, Dion DiMucci, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, and Citizen Cope. Schein plays slide guitar and has performed onstage with such luminaries as Patti Smith and Ronnie Earl. His love of music and appreciation of its history are what led him on the journey documented in this book.
Poppy Z. Brite is the author of numerous short stories and eight popular novels, including Lost Souls and Exquisite Corpse. Now going by the name Billy Martin, he works as a visual artist and herbalist in his hometown of New Orleans. His knowledge of Southern culture and folk magic lends this book an extra layer of mojo.
The incomparable Dion DiMucci provides a short foreword. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is one of the most popular early-American rock and roll musicians. Still performing, he released New York Is My Home in 2016, praised for its mature blues sounds.
