Poking holes in Robert Johnson's deal with the devil

The legend of bluesman Robert Johnson has only grown over the years through cover songs, rereleases, countless books, even a movie. 

The story that's grown over the years remains a simple one: Johnson made a deal with the devil at a crossroads in the Mississippi Delta, trading his soul for the ability to make magical music. Johnson recorded only 28 songs over a short career, but the haunting guitar work and vocals on those select tunes has influenced countless musicians ranging from Eric Clapton to Led Zeppelin to Jack White. 

Little is known of Johnson -- only two photos of him have been published -- and it's that scarcity of information that has helped fuel the legend. Historians and blues fanatics have converged on Clarksdale, Miss., over the years, searching for clues to decipher one of 20th century music's most enduring legends. Years after his death, Robert Johnson remains a huge source of tourism to the area. 

In recent years, more than a few skeptics have begun to question this enduring tale, poking holes in shaky evidence. The latest example comes from WNYC's "Radiolab" show, which devotes a half-hour to new evidence that turns the Robert Johnson story on its head. 

Could Johnson's colorful tale simply be a case of mistaken identity? Listen to the stream above and decide for yourself.