They sold their soul to the devil.
Interesting that you should say that they sold their souls to the devil , which I believe could be true, because during the time period from 1965 til now blacks attended church at higher rates than white people. Hmmmmm what was going on in those churches....
Ulysses Everett McGill: Well, ain't it a small world, spiritually speaking. Pete and Delmar just been baptized and saved. I guess I'm the only one that remains unaffiliated.
Ulysses Everett McGill: What'd the devil give you for your soul, Tommy?
Tommy Johnson: Well, he taught me to play this here guitar real good.
Delmar O'Donnell: Oh son, for that you sold your everlasting soul?
Tommy Johnson: Well, I wasn't usin' it.