Who is Robert Johnson

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Ranked #2,436 in Music, #66,554 overall

Robert Johnson The Godfather of The Blues Guitar

Robert Leroy Johnson was born in Hazelhurst, Mississippi on May 8, 1911 to Julia Major and Noah Johnson. Although Blues music was already being formed at the time of his birth.

Robert went on to become known by such titles as "The Godfather of the Blues" and the "Grandfather of Rock and Roll". Many rumors and legends have been told about how Robert sold his soul to the devil to acquire his musical talents (The Crossroads) however the truth is that he was a gifted individual and he worked long and hard to perfect his playing skills.

Robert Johnson was a heavy influence on greats like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and many many others. Clapton referred to Johnson as "the most important blues musician who ever lived". Rolling Stone Magazine placed Johnson at number 5 in it's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list.

Robert Johnson The Early Days 

The first musical instrument Robert learned to play was the harmonica. The amazing way he handled the Harmonica made it easier for him to get into parties, clubs and "juke joints". It was during these early days that he became friends with other blues musicians such as Willie Brown and Charlie Patton. It has been said that these older men looked upon the young Johnson as a nuisance, a young'n who was always in the way. But they truly liked him and respected him for his playing ability.

Robert Johnson got hold of his very first guitar in 1927 at the age of 16. Inspired by the older musicians with whom he hung out with he devoted his efforts to learning to play the blues. Little did he know that the fame of his name and the influence of his particular style would far outshine those to whom he looked up to and influence the world of music forever.

The Tragedy Of Death & The Blues 

In 1929 an 18 year old Robert Johnson was married to Virginia Travis who was already pregnant. Johnson decided to settle down and become a family man and held down a regular job while he played music only on the weekends. Tragedy struck the Johnsons In August of 1930 when both Virginia and the child died during labor, she was only 16 years old.

Robert Johnson Blues GuitarIronically, Johnsons music improved after the tragedy. He had lost his first love as well as his unborn child and Virginia's family blamed it all on Robert because of his "evil" ways. The pain of the loss caused Robert to turn all of his energy into his music.

In 1930, not long after the death of his wife and child, Robert met a man by the name of Ike Zinnerman. Zinnerman said that he had learned to play guitar while sitting on tomb stones. Robert thought a lot of Ike's playing style and so the two remained close for several years. Robert learned as much as he could from Ike incorporating everything he discovered into his own unique style. Perhaps the legends about Robert selling his soul to the devil were spurred by this relationship with a man whom everyone looked upon as evil and devilish.

In 1938, at the young age of 27, Robert Johnson was found dead. The story goes that he was poisoned by a jealous man. Other stories say that he was shot or stabbed. The real circumstances behind his death are not known for certain. Of further interest is the fact that no one even knows for sure where he is buried.

Robert Johnson - Grandfather of Rock N Roll

Robert Johnson - World's Greatest Bluesman

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Robert Johnson Videos 

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Robert Johnson- Crossroad

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Robert Johnson "Sweet Home Chi...

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Robert Johnson - Me and the De...

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Robert Johnson Songs - Up Clos...

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MOVE YOUR MONEY - Robert Johns...

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Robert Johnson - Hellhound On ...

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