Twenty-nine songs, two recording sessions, a crossroads legend — Robert Johnson, the most influential bluesman of all.
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Robert Johnson: King of the Delta Blues 11
1911Robert Johnson born in Hazlehurst, MississippiDeltaGrows up between Memphis and the Delta plantations.
1930Robert Johnson laughed off stage by Son HouseNot good enoughSon House mocks his poor guitar playing.
1931 – 1932Robert Johnson returns transformedThe crossroads legendBack after a year away playing brilliantly — the legend says he sold his soul at the crossroads.
1936Robert Johnson's first recording sessionSan AntonioRecords Cross Road Blues and Sweet Home Chicago.
1937Robert Johnson's Terraplane Blues sellsModest hitHis only hit in his lifetime.
1937Robert Johnson's second recording sessionDallasRecords Hellhound on My Trail and Love in Vain.
1938Robert Johnson dies near Greenwood, MississippiAged 27Dies at 27, reputedly poisoned.
1961Robert Johnson's King of the Delta Blues Singers releasedColumbia LPAn LP that inspires Clapton, Keith Richards and Dylan.
1968Robert Johnson's Crossroads recorded by CreamWheels of FireCream's live version of his song becomes a rock classic.
1986Robert Johnson inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of FameEarly influenceAmong the first early influences inducted.
1990Robert Johnson's The Complete Recordings releasedBestselling box setA blues box set that sells over a million and wins a Grammy.