# Robert Johnson

> American blues singer and guitarist

**Wikidata**: [Q192133](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192133)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Johnson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-johnson

## Summary
Robert Johnson was an American blues singer and guitarist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of blues and popular music. His recordings in the 1930s helped define the Delta blues genre and influenced countless musicians across genres.

## Biography
- Born: May 8, 1911
- Nationality: United States
- Education: No formal education data provided
- Known for: Pioneering Delta blues music and influencing the development of rock and roll
- Employer(s): Columbia Records
- Field(s): Music (blues, Delta blues, country blues)

## Contributions
Robert Johnson made significant contributions to American music through his recordings in the late 1930s:
- **Studio Recordings (1936–1937)**: Johnson recorded 29 songs in two sessions, including classics such as "Cross Road Blues," "Sweet Home Chicago," and "Love in Vain." These recordings became foundational to the blues genre.
- **Songwriting and Performance**: His unique guitar playing and emotionally charged vocal delivery established a template for blues expression that influenced future generations of musicians.
- **Delta Blues Legacy**: Johnson's music helped codify the Delta blues style, which later became a cornerstone of rock and roll.
- **Cultural Influence**: His songs have been covered by artists like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan, demonstrating his lasting impact on global music culture.

## FAQs
**What is Robert Johnson known for?**
Robert Johnson is known as a pioneering American blues singer and guitarist whose recordings in the 1930s helped define the Delta blues genre. He is considered one of the most influential musicians in the development of blues and rock and roll.

**Which record label did Robert Johnson work with?**
Robert Johnson was associated with Columbia Records, one of the oldest and most prestigious record labels in the music industry, which distributed his influential blues recordings.

**What genres did Robert Johnson contribute to?**
Johnson primarily contributed to Delta blues, country blues, and early rock and roll. His style blended traditional blues with innovative guitar techniques and emotional depth.

**What are some of Robert Johnson's most famous songs?**
Some of his most famous songs include "Cross Road Blues," "Sweet Home Chicago," "Love in Vain," and "Hellhound on My Trail," all of which became blues standards.

**Did Robert Johnson receive any awards or recognition?**
Johnson was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also part of the 27 Club, a group of iconic musicians who died at age 27.

**Who influenced Robert Johnson's music?**
While specific influences are not named, Johnson's style was shaped by the broader tradition of American folk and blues music, particularly from the Mississippi Delta region.

## Why They Matter
Robert Johnson matters because he fundamentally shaped the trajectory of American popular music. His recordings in the 1930s became the blueprint for Delta blues, influencing the evolution of rock and roll. Artists like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan have cited his work as foundational. His mythic status—bolstered by the legend of him selling his soul to the devil—has immortalized him in cultural lore. Without Johnson, the sound and spirit of modern music would be drastically different.

## Notable For
- **Delta Blues Pioneer**: Defined the sound of early blues music in the Mississippi Delta.
- **Influential Recordings**: Created iconic songs like "Cross Road Blues" and "Sweet Home Chicago."
- **Rock and Roll Influence**: His style directly influenced the birth of rock music.
- **Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award**: Honored for his enduring impact on American music.
- **Rock and Roll Hall of Fame**: Inducted as a foundational figure in music history.
- **27 Club**: Died at age 27, joining a legendary group of musicians.
- **Cultural Myth**: His life story, including the "devil's deal" legend, has become part of American folklore.
- **Columbia Records Artist**: Signed to one of the most prestigious labels in music history.

## Body
### Identity and Early Life
Robert Leroy Johnson was born on May 8, 1911. He was an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His full name was Robert Leroy Johnson, and he is recognized as a human being whose primary occupations were in music. He held United States citizenship throughout his life.

### Musical Career and Genres
Johnson's musical career began in the late 1920s, with his work period spanning from 1929 to 1938. His primary genres were blues, Delta blues, and country blues. He is classified as a singer, guitarist, and songwriter, and his work contributed significantly to the development of American folk and blues traditions. His music also falls under the broader category of vocal and instrumental music forms.

### Notable Works and Recordings
Johnson recorded 29 songs across two sessions in 1936 and 1937. These recordings include some of the most iconic blues tracks:
- "Cross Road Blues"
- "Sweet Home Chicago"
- "Love in Vain"
- "Hellhound on My Trail"
- "Come On in My Kitchen"

These songs were released during his active period and became foundational to the blues genre. His work period ended in 1938, the year of his death.

### Affiliations and Collaborations
Johnson was associated with Columbia Records, one of the most prestigious record labels in the world. His recordings were distributed by Columbia, which also represented legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan. His influence extended to later musicians, including:
- Led Zeppelin
- The Rolling Stones
- Bob Dylan

These artists have cited Johnson’s work as a major influence on their own music.

### Awards and Honors
Johnson received several posthumous honors:
- **Rock and Roll Hall of Fame**: Inducted for his foundational contributions to music.
- **Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award**: Recognized for his enduring impact on American music.
- **27 Club**: A group of iconic musicians who died at age 27, Johnson is remembered as part of this legendary cohort.

### Cultural Legacy and Influence
Johnson's legacy is deeply embedded in American cultural history. His music helped shape the sound of blues and influenced the development of rock and roll. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, and his influence is evident in the work of major musicians and bands. His life story, including the myth of selling his soul to the devil, has contributed to his iconic status in American folklore.

### Death and Burial
Johnson died on August 16, 1938. He is buried at the Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Mississippi. His grave has become a site of pilgrimage for blues enthusiasts, and his tombstone features a quote from one of his songs, "From Four Until Late."

### Other Artistic Pursuits
While primarily known for his music, Johnson's influence extended into broader cultural realms. His work has inspired films, literature, and visual art. His songs continue to be studied and celebrated for their emotional depth and musical innovation.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. SNAC
8. Find a Grave
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. IMDb
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Czech National Authority Database
14. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
15. [Source](https://www.npr.org/2020/12/29/950794131/brother-robert-reveals-true-story-of-growing-up-with-blues-legend-robert-johnson)
16. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
17. CONOR.SI
18. BBC Things
19. ISWC Network
20. Carnegie Hall linked open data
21. LIBRIS. 2004
22. Golden