Tied to the Life and Work of Robert Johnson
During his career, Ainslie has become particularly tied to the life and work of late bluesman Robert Johnson, whose legend states that he sold his soul to the devil at a Mississippi crossroads. Ainslie was recently part of the official centennial celebration of Johnson’s birth, serving on a discussion panel and playing at the event. Ainslie has transcribed and published all of Johnson’s work.
He feels compelled to play, just like his teachers did. “I teach out of an obligation to my elders,” he said. He and and other instructors teach “to share with our brothers and sisters what we’ve learned.”
–“Blues Bash Concert is the First at The Barns,” 7/14/11