From 1936-37, a blues musician by the name of Robert Johnson recorded 29 songs that went on to influence some of the biggest artists of our time including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Robert Plant.
Johnson was born in Mississippi in 1911 and grew up on a plantation. With a passion for music from the start, it’s said that Johnson would often pester older blues musicians for a chance to play with them.
Eventually, Johnson left Mississippi for Arkansas. When he returned to Mississippi six months later, he was suddenly an expert guitar player! From then on, he mostly worked as a traveling musician, playing in bars and on the corner of different streets.
That is until 1936, when Johnson got the chance to record some music for the American Record Corporation. Sadly, two years after receiving the opportunity to record for the American Record Corporation, he died.
Much like his life, there is a lot of mystery surrounding his death. Blues legends state that while Johnson was in Arkansas, he sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for learning how to play the guitar. Other theories involve a poisoned bottle of whisky given to Johnson by the jealous husband of a woman he flirted with.
Whatever the case may be, no one knows for sure. In fact, the tombstone is only thought to be his original grave. No one knows for sure!
Johnson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 1986 and is remembered for his hit songs like “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Cross Road Blues,” and “Love in Vain.”
What do you think was the cause of the Blues legend’s death? Use the comments section below and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!
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