Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson (1911–1938) was an American blues musician, singer, guitarist, and songwriter from Mississippi.

Robert Johnson (1911–1938) was an American blues musician, singer, guitarist, and songwriter from Mississippi. He recorded only a small body of work in the 1930s, but his songs and playing style became highly influential in blues and later rock music. Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Early life

Robert Johnson was born in Mississippi in 1911 and grew up in the rural environment of the Mississippi Delta, where blues traditions were strong. Accounts of his early life are incomplete and sometimes vary in detail.

Recording career

Johnson’s known recording career was brief, spanning sessions in 1936 and 1937. He recorded 29 songs that were later issued on 78 rpm records and became foundational blues material.

Musical style and influence

Johnson was noted for his singing, rhythmic slide guitar, and songwriting. His recordings influenced later blues artists and many rock musicians, helping shape the development of popular music.

Death and legacy

Johnson died in 1938 at about age 27. After his death, his reputation grew dramatically, and he became a central figure in blues history and popular music mythology.