Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson was a Delta Blues guitarist and singer active in the 1930s. Despite only recording 29 songs at two sessions, Johnson has influenced generations of rock n' roll artists since the 1960s.

Fast Facts

1. Name: Robert Leroy Johnson
2. Born: May 8, 1911
3. Died: August 16, 1938
4. Genre: Blues
5. Origin: Hazelhurst, Mississippi
6. Active: 1929 - 1938
7. Songs: 29
8. Label: Vocalion, Colombia/Legacy
9. Awards: 3 Grammy Awards
10. Rolling Stone Greatest Guitarists of All Time: #5

Career

Robert Johnson began his career emulating Skip James, Son House and Willie Brown before adopting his own distinctive and influential playing and singing style. He appeared to come into his own as a player so quickly, a legend arose (encouraged by Johnson) that he had sold his soul to the Devil. Johnson recorded thirty songs for Brunswick Records, most of which were originally released after his death. Johnson died, likely a victim of poisoning, at the age of 27.

Influence

Colombia/Legacy released two albums of Robert Johnson's recordings in 1961. Rock artists such as Keith Richards, Jimi Hendrix, and most notably Eric Clapton championed Johnson's music, bringing it to the attention of a new audience through blues-rock cover versions.

Notable Recordings

• 1961: King of the Delta Blues Singers
• 1990: The Complete Recordings

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