Handmade Music Factory. Mike Orr

      As a comprehensive nonprofit organization

      that protects the legacy and music of

      legendary blues artist Robert L. Johnson,

      the foundation also encourages those

      activities that keep alive the traditions

      that formed Johnson’s music.

      This book is about one of those traditions:

      HOMEMADE INSTRUMENTS.

      The state of Mississippi’s mantra is

      “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” That

      credo places the state in a unique arena

      when highlighting the genres of popular

      music that have contributed so much to

      the world of creative entertainment. The

      instruments that were born out of both

      creativity and poverty are indicative of the

      spirit of America and the “can do” mantra

      that shaped the Industrial Revolution.

      2011 is the centennial birthday of this icon

      force, and this foreword serves as a literary

      salute to the “King of Delta Blues” and how

      his ingenuity laid a foundation for greatness.

      Foreword