Robert Johnson

8 May 1911 – 16 August 1938

Robert Johnson was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose landmark recordings from 1936 and 1937 profoundly influenced later musicians. Though he died young and left few records, he is regarded as a master of the Delta blues.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Robert Johnson.

Life events

Born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi
8 May 1911

Robert Leroy Johnson was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Took up the guitar in the Mississippi Delta
c. 1929

Johnson learned guitar and absorbed the styles of local Delta blues musicians.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Education ✓
Married Virginia Travis
1929

Johnson married Virginia Travis, who died in childbirth the following year.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relationship ✓
Became a traveling musician
c. 1932

Johnson roamed the South performing on street corners and in juke joints.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
First recording session in San Antonio
23 November 1936

Johnson recorded 'Cross Road Blues' and other songs for the American Record Corporation.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Final recording session in Dallas
19 June 1937 – 20 June 1937

Johnson recorded his last songs, including 'Hellhound on My Trail', in Dallas.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died near Greenwood, Mississippi
16 August 1938

Johnson died at age 27 under circumstances that remain uncertain.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
1986

Johnson was posthumously honored as an early influence on rock music.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓