Robert Johnson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Robert Johnson.

Robert Johnson (1911-1938) is one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the history of blues music. Born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, little is known about his early life, and his brief musical career remains shrouded in mystery. Despite his limited recordings, Johnson's impact on the blues genre and subsequent musicians cannot be overstated.

He began playing guitar in his teens, but it was not until his mid-twenties that he started gaining recognition as a musician. Legend has it that Johnson possessed an uncanny ability to master the guitar in a very short time. Rumors of a Faustian pact, where he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for musical talent, added to his mystique.

Johnson's recordings from 1936 and 1937, which are iconic, include songs like "Cross Road Blues," "Sweet Home Chicago," and "Love in Vain." His unique guitar playing style, characterized by complex fingerpicking and haunting vocals, showcased his extraordinary talent. Johnson's influence on subsequent generations of musicians, particularly in rock music, is immeasurable. Artists like Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Bob Dylan have all credited Johnson as a major inspiration.

Tragically, Johnson's promising career was cut short when he was allegedly poisoned at the age of 27. Despite his untimely death, Robert Johnson's music and enigmatic persona continue to captivate audiences and contribute to the rich legacy of blues music.