Pa. man finds rare Robert Johnson record

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A Pittsburgh record store owner has found what he calls "the holy grail of 78s" in a box of old albums he picked up for $50.

Jerry Weber says he discovered a copy of the second song ever recorded by Mississippi blues legend Robert Johnson, "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom."

Weber tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the record is in good shape. He pegs its value at $6,000 to $12,000.

Collector John Tefteller specializes in rare blues and jazz records and estimates there are perhaps 15 to 30 copies of the record in existence in that condition.

Johnson was a blues master who died in 1938 at age 27. His landmark recordings were reissued in the 1960s, influencing Eric Clapton and a host of other rock `n' roll icons.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.