Also American

Person · 1911–1938

Robert Johnson

The Delta blues guitarist whose 1936–37 recordings became the bedrock of the blues and rock.

A root of [[black-music]].

Robert Johnson's haunting "Cross Road Blues" and "Hellhound on My Trail," cut in two brief sessions, made him a legend whose influence runs through nearly all of rock guitar.

On the timeline

  1. November 23, 1936
    Robert Johnson's recordings

    In two brief sessions, Robert Johnson records the songs that become the foundation of the blues canon.

Resources

The web

Connections to other moments, systems, and investigations — the links rarely drawn together.

  • inspired·Person
    Muddy Waters

    The Delta blues Johnson recorded ran straight into Muddy Waters and electric Chicago blues.