Blind Willie Johnson was a seminal figure in the annals of American music, with a life and career as enigmatic as the haunting sounds he coaxed from his slide guitar. Born in 1897 in Pendleton, Texas, Johnson's early life was marked by hardship and the loss of his mother and sight, which folklore suggests may have been deliberately caused by his stepmother in an act of vengeance. Despite his blindness, Johnson's fervent spiritual conviction and musical talent catapulted him into the realm of the sacred and the profane—his gritty, impassioned vocals and masterful slide guitar work blurred the lines between the secular and the holy.

Between 1927 and 1930, Blind Willie Johnson recorded 30 songs that would become fundamental to the blues and gospel music traditions. Songs like "Motherless Children," "John the Revelator," and "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" showcase his profound ability to convey raw emotion and spiritual yearning, earning him a posthumous recognition that far outstripped the appreciation he received in his lifetime. His work has since been covered by artists across various genres, attesting to his enduring influence. Johnson's life, shrouded in mystique, met a tragic end in 1945 when he died penniless after his home burned down. However, he left behind a legacy captured in timeless recordings that continue to move and inspire listeners to this day.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Blues

Country Blues

Gospel Blues

Texas Blues

Traditional Blues

Related Artists

Blind Willie McTell

Blind Lemon Jefferson

Charley Patton

Blind Boy Fuller

Son House

Skip James

Bukka White

Mississippi John Hurt

Lead Belly

Big Bill Broonzy

Big Joe Williams

Mississippi Fred McDowell

Latest Release

Blues Guitar Evangelist - the Legacy of Blind Willie Johnson (Remastered)

Blind Willie Johnson

Album - 10 Tracks - Released May 12, 2023