Remembering the influential and mysterious Robert Johnson
One of the most influential Blues musicians of all time and considered to be the founding member of the infamous 27 Club, Robert Johnson’s life continues to be shrouded in mystery, blending myth with reality
Remembering the influential and mysterious Robert Johnson
The legendary blues musician Robert Johnson was born on May 8, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. Despite a short life and limited recorded output, Johnson’s impact on the blues and subsequent rock music is profound.
Johnson’s early life was shrouded in mystery, with little known about his upbringing and family. He began playing guitar in his teens and traveled extensively throughout the Mississippi Delta, honing his craft and learning from other blues musicians of the time.
One of the most enduring myths surrounding Johnson is the story of his supposed pact with the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his musical talent. According to legend, Johnson met the devil at a crossroads late one night, where he traded his soul for the ability to play the blues like no one else. While purely mythological, this story speaks to the mystique and otherworldly quality of Johnson’s music.
Robert Johnson is also considered the founding member of the infamous “27 Club,” that includes the group of musicians who died at the age of 27, regarded as the one who began the “curse” due to his supposed “pact with the devil.” The circumstances of Johnson’s death are uncertain, with some accounts suggesting he was poisoned by a jealous husband, while others claim he died of natural causes or complications from syphilis. Regardless of the cause, Johnson’s premature death at age 27 in 1938 cemented his status as a tragic figure in music history.
Despite only recording a handful of songs during his lifetime, Johnson’s music left an indelible mark on the blues genre. His innovative guitar playing, haunting vocals, and emotionally resonant lyrics continue to inspire generations of musicians to this day.
In 1986, Johnson was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most important figures in the history of American music.
Watch and listen to Robert Johnson’s “Me And The Devil Blues”
Also watch the trailer for the documentary “Devil At The Crossroads” about the life and myths of Robert Johnson’s life
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