I'm inclined to believe that the myth about Robert Johnson's seling of his soul to the devil came from Tommy Johnson's claim (boast) that he was as good a musician as he was because he sold his soul to the devil and did so "at the crossroads at midnight". But it also could be that Tommy Johnson claimed what he claimed because of the myth about Robert Johnson having done so. It would be interesting to find out just when these "competing" claims were made. It is also possible that "selling your soul" in order to acquire great skill as a musician is a folk saying rather than a story. Meaning that other musicians over the years have had it said of them that they sold their souls to achieve their skills. The two Johnsons were unique and important musicians. Robert's early death and Tommy's severe alcolhol addiction probably added to the weight of the myths.

Friend of mine "went off for two years" to learn the fiddle. Stayed by himself in a remote rural setting and worked and worked at acquiring his skill. He is a truly fine fiddler these days. I'll have to ask him about soul selling. Knowing him I am sure he did some soul searching.

CB