From Yesterday's Photo Shoot

By Sydney Tyler Lofton

Lonesome Liz Art Contest Prize #1 - John the Conqueror

Lonesome Liz by Logan Riley

It's time for the contest winners prizes! First up is Logan Riley, who observantly painted me with my pet demon, crow and Legba's crossroads on my shirt.  From my banjo/gun photo taken in Appalachia by Keith Garvin, Grandson of Bill Monroe's first, (and favorite) banjo player Bert.

Here's the song he inspired, "John the Conqueror". John the Conqueror is both  a Hoodoo root used to give you the kinda mojo that conquers all; just like he did. It's said just calling his name conjures his juju, and it's some strong stuff.

 Here's his story, based on traditional folktales. It's said that, like King Arthur, he never really died and will come back one day... 

John the Conqueror

Oh yes, he conquered death,

did John, John the Conqueror.

Oh yes, he conquered death,

did John, John the Conqueror,

John the Conqueror John.

He fell in love with the Devil's child.

Yes he did, John the Conqueror.

Devil asked him to stay a while.

He conquered Hell, John the Conqueror.

John the Conqueror John.

High John, John the Conqueror,

John the Conqueror John.

John the Conqueror John.

Devil played all the tricks he knew

on John, John the Conqueror.

But his daughter kept him from his due.

Up jumped John, John the Conqueror

on the Devil's own horses John.

Devil didn't catch them when they ran.

Not his child, not John the Conqueror.

If the Devil can't catch you, no one can.

High John, John the Conqueror,

John the Conqueror John.

I understand he rides them still

High John, John the Conqueror

with the Devil's child and always will.

High John, John the Conqueror,

John the Conqueror John.

John the Conqueror John.

Oh yes, he conquered death.

High John, John the Conqueror.

Oh yes, he conquered death.

John the Conqueror John.

Lonesome Liz Art Contest Winners

FIRST PLACE: I'm going to write these two their very own songs on the theme of their choosing AND if I'm in their area, (and I shall likely be as they're in Nashville and NYC, they are on the guest list and I'm buyin' 'em a shot of whsikey too. Seein' as how there's not currently a show booked in aforementioned areas, however, I'm going to make videos of their songs AND send 'em a shot of whiskey in their very own mojo bottles. Logan wants a real mojo bottle so I don't suggest you drink THAT whiskey Logan. Instructions will come with it.  

Anjeanette Illustration

Draft

Logan Riley

ECOND PLACE: Again, if I'm in their area they're comin' to the show and drinkin' a shot of whiskey on me. And if not I'm sendin' 'em one in a Mojo Bottle. These two are going to get a video of the original or cover song of their choice.  

Orville Dunworth

Lana Gentry

(Now, these two created these before the contest but I'm damned if they don't deserve 2nd place anyway. Oh, wait, I already AM damned. Damn.

THIRD PLACE:  Three shots of whiskey in bottles painted by me goes to: 

Martta Rose Kelly

Tony Martinez

Honorable Mention:

Charles O'Donnovan

Lonesome Liz Art Contest Winners - Tony Martinez

 LL Fan Tony Martinez sent so many cool entries they get their own blog. Thanks so much Tony! (Who also tied for 3rd place with one of these but still gets his own blog too).