DESPERATE MAN BLUES tells the story of Joe E. Bussard of Frederick, Maryland. Bussard has devoted his life to collecting and rescuing ancient 78rpm records from the basements and attics of the US. A musician, broadcaster and archivist, Bussard is known as the King of Collectors. If it was not for Bussard and others a large part of the musical history of the US may have been lost forever. The film features music from Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter family, Charley Patton, Robert Johnson and Uncle Dave Macon. The story of how Bussard amassed what is reckoned to be the finest collection of early, roots music in the US, is told with passion by the man himself.