Robert Lockwood Jr. (March 27, 1915 – November 21, 2006) was an American blues guitarist and vocalist who, during his extensive career, managed to carve an indelible mark in the landscape of the blues genre. Known for his sophisticated fingerpicking style and smooth vocals, Lockwood was one of the few direct links to the legendary Delta bluesman Robert Johnson. He was born in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas and was raised in the heart of the Delta, where at an early age, he was taken under Johnson's wing after Johnson became involved with Lockwood's mother. This unique tutelage had a lifelong influence on Lockwood's music, giving him firsthand experience of Johnson's pioneering techniques, which he would go on to master and incorporate into his own style.
Over the years, Robert Lockwood Jr. released several albums that showcased his mastery of the blues, his deep connections to the Delta traditions, and his seamless integration of jazz elements into his music. Among his finest works are "Delta Crossroads" and "The Complete Trix Recordings," both of which helped to encapsulate his ability to blend traditional and contemporary blues forms. His instrumental skill was second to none, bringing new life to the works of Robert Johnson through releases like "Robert Lockwood Plays Robert Johnson." Yet he wasn't just a parrot of historical sounds; albums such as "Steady Rollin' Man" and "Just the Blues" confirmed his status as a dynamic force in his own right. Robert Lockwood Jr.'s career spanned more than seven decades, during which he was not only a guardian of the Delta blues legacy but also an innovator who pushed the genre forward, leaving behind an enduring legacy after his passing in 2006.
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