R. Crumb trades personalized drawing for rare 78

The amazing Jerry’s Records…

Jerry Weber and his son “Whistlin’ Willie” of Pittsburgh vinyl landmark Jerry’s Records have come across some doozies in their time at the space. But this time, their trades have resulted in something far more interesting than cash or a box of dusty old vinyl:

Willie spotted a strange record by Bogus Ben Covington, a performer he’d never heard of, among some Blind Lemon Jefferson sides they’d recently bought…

The A-side of Covington’s 1928 record was “Adam and Eve and the Garden.” The B-side had the even more evocative title “I Heard the Voice of the Pork Chop”… it was in impossibly good condition. In fact, it had never been played as far as Willie could tell. It also was on the rare Paramount label, making it one of the most collectable records in the world, sight unseen…

The reclusive underground cartoonist Robert Crumb, who last visited Jerry’s Records during the 2004 Carnegie International, probably would jump at the opportunity to own a rare Bogus Ben Covington record… After an exchange of emails, the Webers and Mr. Crumb agreed to a trade: Upon receiving the Bogus Ben Covington 78, Mr. Crumb, who is acutely aware of the value of his art, would send a pen-and-ink drawing of “Juice Jar Jerry” and “Whistlin’ Willie” to the states suitable for reproduction on T-shirts and posters…

The result is an intricate and iconic line drawing of the store owners grinning, almost sneering with the rare record in hand.

Head to the Post-Gazette for a picture of the drawing in question from the ultra-reclusive Crumb.