The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu

Winner ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for Outstanding Book on Music - a must for music fans and language nuts!

"What a great resource, as fascinating as it is informative. Debra's passion for the blues shines through." Bonnie Raitt

"Debra's book will teach you what you really need to know about blues history and where the blues are coming from." Joe Bonamassa

Packed with wild and insightful stories from blues artists, Reuters calls The Language of the Blues "one of the wittiest, bawdiest, most fascinating dictionaries ever." Wall Street Journal critic Nat Hentoff says it's "invaluable," and producer Hal Willner agrees: "It's an invaluable reference book. And it's also great fun to read."

The Language of the Blues explores over 150 terms like buffet flat, killing floor, and mojo with fresh insights from Huffington Post blogger Debra Devi's interviews with blues legends like Hubert Sumlin, Robert Jr. Lockwood, Henry Gray, Bob Margolin, Robben Ford, Jimmie Vaughan and more. "As a musician myself, not a scholar," Devi explains, "I thought I could best make a contribution by talking directly to blues artists about what the words in blues songs mean to them."

The result is a lively read Blues Revue deems "an essential purchase for scholars and fans."  New York Times columnist Shelton Ivany adds, "If you have any questions about songs, lyrics, musicians or events, chances are you will find your answers in this unparalleled publication."

The Language of the Blues opens with a remarkable foreword by Dr. John. It includes 40+ stunning photos of blues legends (17 in color).