Dark Was the Night

By Gary Golio, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A blind musician's song transcends Earth, echoing human loneliness in space.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 199 ratings

32 pages· 661 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

$17.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

Blind Willie Johnson, born in 1897, overcame the loss of his sight and mother through the power of music. His soulful voice and slide guitar resonated on Texas streets, eventually earning him a record deal. In 1977, his haunting song "Dark Was the Night" was launched into space on Voyager I's Golden Record, capturing the essence of human loneliness and connection. How did a blind boy's music reach the stars, and what does it reveal about our shared solitude? Discover the journey of a song that transcends time and space.

From the publisher

The poignant story of Blind Willie Johnson–the legendary Texas musician whose song “Dark Was the Night” was included on the Voyager I space probe’s Golden Record

Willie Johnson was born in 1897, and from the beginning he loved to sing–and play his cigar box guitar. But his childhood was interrupted when he lost his mother and his sight. How does a blind boy make his way in the world? Fortunately for Willie, the music saved him and brought him back into the light. His powerful voice, combined with the wailing of his slide guitar, moved people. Willie made a name for himself performing on street corners all over Texas. And one day he hit it big when he got a record deal and his songs were played on the radio. Then in 1977, his song–“Dark Was the Night”–was chosen to light up the darkness when it was launched into space on the Voyager I space probe’s famous Golden Record. His immortal song was selected for the way it expresses the loneliness humans all feel, while reminding us we’re not alone.

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