Robert Johnson and the Birth of the Blues

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the life and work of Robert Johnson, one of the most influential figures in the history of the blues. We’ll explore how Johnson helped to shape the sound of the blues and why his work is still revered by musicians today.

Robert Johnson’s Life and Music

Robert Johnson was an American musician who is credited as being the father of the blues. He was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi in 1911. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he first picked up a guitar at the age of 12. He started playing the blues in the Mississippi Delta region.

Robert Johnson’s life and musical influences

Robert Johnson was born in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, on May 8, 1911. He was the illegitimate son of Julia Major Dodds and construction worker Noah Johnson. Julia Dodds married Charles Spencer in 1912 and moved away, leaving Robert with her parents in Hazlehurst. Noah Johnson also left town soon after, and young Robert was effectively orphaned. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Julius and Carrie Thompson, who were both musicians. As a boy he learned to play the harmonica and sang in the local church choir. He later took up the guitar and began to play the blues.

In 1929, at the age of 18, Robert Johnson married 16-year-old Virginia Travis. The following year their first child, Clarenceano (“Son”) Johnson, was born; he died shortly after birth. Travis later died in childbirth along with their next child. Grief-stricken, RobertJohnson left Hazlehurst and began to wander through Mississippi and neighboring Louisiana and Arkansas, playing music for tips in juke joints and at country dances. It was during this period that he met Don Robey, who would later become his manager.

In 1934 Johnson returned to Hazelhurst long enough to marry Caletta Crafton; they had one child together before divorcing several years later. By this time Johnson had developed a reputation as a talented but erratic musician. In 1936 he went to San Antonio, Texas, to record his first songs for Brunswick Records; however, only two of the tracks were released at the time (and were not commercially successful). Disappointed, Johnson continued to drift through Mississippi and Louisiana until 1937 when he returned to San Antonio to make more recordings. This time he had better luck: “Sweet Home Chicago” and “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” became hits on the black radio networks and helped make Robert Johnson one of the most famous bluesmen of his day

The recording of Robert Johnson’s music

In the early 1930s, Robert Johnson was one of the many blues musicians who traveled to Dallas, Texas, to make recordings for ARC Records. Johnson recorded two sessions there in November and December of 1936. At the first session, he recorded “Terraplane Blues” and “Sweet Home Chicago”. The second session yielded “Come On in My Kitchen”, “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom”, and “Cross Road Blues”. These songs would be released on various ARC subsidiary labels, including Vocalion and Bluebird.

Although these recordings were not particularly successful at the time, they are now considered some of the finest examples of Johnson’s artistry. His deft guitar playing and soulful singing voice are on full display, and the songs themselves showcase his uncanny ability to blend elements of folk, blues, and gospel music into a unique and powerful whole.

In addition to his musical prowess, Johnson was also a master storyteller, able to spin tall tales about his travels and adventures. Some of these stories were sharecropping yarns passed down from his father, while others were original compositions. Either way, they added an extra layer of depth and intrigue to his already compelling music.

Sadly, Johnson’s life came to a premature end just a few years after he made these recordings. He died in 1938 at the age of 27, likely from poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol given to him by a jealous lover. But even in death, Johnson’s legend has only grown; today he is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential musicians in American history.

The Birth of the Blues

The blues is a genre of music that originated in the African-American communities of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The style is characterized by blue notes, call-and-response patterns, and a specific chord progression. While the genre has been traditionally associated with guitar and piano, the blues can be played on any instrument.

The origins of the blues

The blues is a musical genre that originated in the African-American communities of the southern United States in the late 19th and early 20th century. The genre developed from the folk music of the African-American South and was influenced by both European harmonic structure and the rhythms of African music, especially that of the Congo. The blues first developed in the Mississippi Delta region around 1890–1900 and spread throughout the south and east, reaching Chicago by about 1915. By1920, major American cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, and St. Louis had begun to develop strong blues scenes.

The influence of the blues on other genres of music

The blues have been a major influence on other genres of music since they first emerged in the late 1800s. Players of all kinds have drawn inspiration from the distinctive sound and feel of the blues, resulting in the development of numerous new styles.

The blues have been a major force in the development of jazz, rock and roll, and even country music. Many of the most influential musicians in these genres have been heavily influenced by the blues, and their work has helped to shape the sound of popular music for generations.

The influence of the blues can be heard in many different styles of music, all over the world. The blues are truly one of America’s greatest gifts to the world of music.

Robert Johnson’s Legacy

The influence of Robert Johnson’s music on later generations

Robert Johnson’s music has had a profound influence on later generations of musicians. His pioneering work in the field of blues laid the groundwork for many of the stylistic innovations that would come to define the genre. His unique blend of Delta, Memphis, and Chicago blues styles helped to shape the sound of American popular music for decades to come. His songs have been recorded by countless artists and have become standards in the canon of American music.

The influence of Robert Johnson’s music on the blues today

It is well known that Robert Johnson was one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. His impact on the genre can still be felt today, nearly 80 years after his death.Johnson’s music was characterized by its simplicity, which made it easy for other musicians to learn and play. This, combined with his unique guitar style and painfully honest lyrics, made his music timeless. It is no wonder that so many contemporary blues artists cite him as an inspiration.

While Johnson only recorded 29 songs during his short life, their lasting impact cannot be overstated. His music has been covered by some of the biggest names in the business, including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones. These artists helped to introduce Johnson’s music to a new generation of fans and ensured that his legacy would live on long after his death.

Today, nearly a century after he first picked up a guitar, Robert Johnson is still widely considered to be the father of the blues. His influence can be heard in the music of contemporary artists such as John Mayer, Jack White, and Gary Clark Jr. As long as there are people making music, Robert Johnson’s legacy will continue to live on.