Member-only story

Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues

Dylan Mitchell

·6.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Escaping The Delta: Robert Johnson And The Invention Of The Blues

5 min read · 1 month before

845 View Claps

71 Respond

Save

Listen

By Elijah Wald

Robert Johnson was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, in 1911. His father was a sharecropper and his mother was a domestic worker. Johnson's parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother. Johnson had a difficult childhood. He was often sick, and he had to work long hours in the fields. He also experienced racism and discrimination. Despite these challenges, Johnson developed a love of music at a young age. He learned to play the guitar from his uncle, and he began singing and playing in local churches and juke joints.

In 1936, Johnson recorded 29 songs for Vocalion Records. These recordings were released as two albums, King of the Delta Blues Singers and The Complete Recordings. These albums were a critical and commercial success, and they helped to establish Johnson as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. Johnson's songs are characterized by their haunting melodies, powerful lyrics, and innovative guitar playing. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of blues music.

Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues

by Elijah Wald

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	673 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	425 pages

Johnson's life was cut short when he was shot and killed in 1938. He was only 27 years old. The circumstances surrounding his death are still a mystery. Some believe that he was killed by a jealous husband, while others believe that he was killed by a white man. Despite his short life, Johnson's music has had a profound impact on popular music. His songs have been covered by countless artists, from Eric Clapton to Led Zeppelin. Johnson's music continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.

The Crossroads Legend

One of the most famous stories about Robert Johnson is the crossroads legend. According to the legend, Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his musical talent. This legend is based on a real event that occurred in Johnson's life. In 1931, Johnson was arrested for vagrancy. While he was in jail, he met a man who claimed to be the devil. The man offered Johnson a deal: he would give Johnson his musical talent, but in return, Johnson would have to give up his soul. Johnson agreed to the deal, and he was released from jail. The next day, Johnson went to a crossroads and met the devil again. The devil tuned Johnson's guitar and gave him the ability to play the blues like no one else.

The crossroads legend has been told and retold for decades. It has been the subject of songs, poems, and books. The legend has also been used to explain Johnson's untimely death. Some people believe that the devil came back to collect on his debt, while others believe that Johnson's death was a result of his own reckless lifestyle. Whatever the truth may be, the crossroads legend is a powerful reminder of the price that can be paid for success.

Johnson's Legacy

Robert Johnson's legacy is immense. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of blues music. His songs have been covered by countless artists, and his music continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world. Johnson's music is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Despite the challenges he faced in his life, Johnson was able to create music that is both beautiful and haunting. His music is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Free Download Your Copy of Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues Today!

This book tells the story of Robert Johnson's life and legacy. It is a fascinating and inspiring read that will appeal to fans of blues music and American history.

Robert Johnson Playing Guitar Escaping The Delta: Robert Johnson And The Invention Of The Blues