Robert Johnson, born on May 8, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, is often hailed as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. His music is firmly rooted in the Delta blues tradition, but his innovative guitar playing techniques and haunting vocal style have transcended genre boundaries to influence musicians across various music spheres. Although he recorded only 29 songs during his short life, those tracks have cemented his legacy as a foundational figure in the development of blues music.

Tragically, Johnson's life was as enigmatic as it was brief; he passed away under mysterious circumstances at the age of 27 on August 16, 1938. Despite the brevity of his career, his recordings from 1936 and 1937 left an indelible mark on the future of music, influencing countless artists from the Rolling Stones to Eric Clapton. Posthumous collections like "The Centennial Collection" and "King Of The Delta Blues Singers" have further solidified Johnson's status as the "King of the Delta Blues," and his reputed deal with the devil at a Mississippi crossroads has become a legendary part of music folklore. His work laid the groundwork for the emergence of rock 'n' roll and continues to be celebrated for its raw emotion and complexity.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Blues

Delta Blues

Pre-war Blues

Traditional Blues

Related Artists

Muddy Waters

Howlin' Wolf

Lightnin' Hopkins

Son House

Elmore James

B.B. King

John Lee Hooker

Blind Lemon Jefferson

Skip James

Willie Dixon

Mississippi John Hurt

Etta James

Latest Release

The Centennial Collection

Robert Johnson

Album - 42 Tracks - Released April 22, 2011