Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson is the best known of the Delta blues musicians. He is a
legendary figure in the music world, influencing a wide array of modern musicians. Eric Clapton has called Robert Johnson “the most important blues singer that ever lived,” and even recorded an album of Robert Johnson’s songs entitled Me and Mr. Johnson. Robert Johnson was born on May 8, 1911 in Hazelhurst, Mississippi. His life is poorly documented, and there are only two known photos of Johnson in existence. As a teenager, he was known to hang around blues musicians, including Son House, trying to copy their styles. When Johnson suddenly reappeared with an amazing new guitar sound, rumors circulated that he had sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in return for his talent. Johnson became an itinerant musician, traveling all over the Mississippi Delta and beyond. He took part in two recording sessions, both in Texas, at which he recorded a total of 29 songs. Johnson died mysteriously at the age of 27 on August 16, 1938 after playing at a juke joint called the Three Forks Store near Greenwood, Mississippi. Though no autopsy was performed, it is believed that Johnson died from drinking whiskey that had been poisoned. Robert Johnson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its first year of existence in 1986, and ranked #5 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Below are some videos of Robert Johnson's music- enjoy!
Robert Johnson- Me and the Devil Blues
Eric Clapton on Robert Johnson's "Love in Vain"- see the Robert Johnson framed picture behind Clapton in the beginning
Beck performing Robert Johnson's "Last Fair Deal Gone Down"
Further Reading- Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues- Elijah Wald