|
|
Robert Johnson
Jazz and Blues
Scott #2857
September 17, 1994 in Greenville, MS
Designed by Julian Allen
|
Robert Leroy Johnson influenced the Blues more
than any other Musician in history. He was born in Hazelhurst, Mississippi on
May 8, 1911. Little is known of his early life and no photos of Robert existed
or were known until 1980. Legends and local Mississippi Delta stories
proliferate about Robert Johnson. One local legend tells of Robert selling his
soul to the Devil in exchange for his guitar expertise. His recording, Crossroads
lends some credence to the legend.
Robert starting playing the guitar while a
teenager and learned Delta Blues guitar playing from such legends as Charley
Patton and Son House.
Robert Johnson was married twice; one of his
wives died in childbirth. His music style was dark and contained many
references to double dealing women and the devil. He traveled through
Mississippi and Arkansas playing mostly in Juke Joints, Country Gatherings,
and Levee Camps.
Robert's songs were recorded only twice. Both
times were with Columbia Records in 1936 and again in 1937. Much of his music
was forgotten until the Blues revival of the 1960s.
Many of Robert Johnson's songs have been
re-recorded by modern artists such as the Rolling Stones, who recorded Love
in vain and Stop Breaking Down.
Robert died mysteriously on August 16, 1938 in
Greenwood, Mississippi. The most popular story has it that he was poisoned by
the jealous husband of a woman he was stepping out with. Another story
says that Robert was cursed by Black Magic and spent his last hours barking
like a dog.
Sources:
Encyclopedia Britannica
Atlanta Music
Group (AMG)
|
