is this weak, racist?
Legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to obtain success. In his short life, Johnson wrote and recorded songs that would go on to influence generations. Though he wasn’t recognized until long after his death in 1928 at 27 years old, he would prove to have an affect on the likes of Eric Clapton who called him “the most important blues singer that ever lived.” Eric wasn’t alone. Robert Plant said, “we all owe our existence to Robert Johnson in some way.” More than a singer, he wrote some of the most enduring songs ever recorded including “Dust My Broom,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Cross a Road Blues” and “Walking Blues.” However, it wasn’t until after his recording were reissued in 1961 that he found the recognition he deserved. Especially in England, where blues was making young Brits salivate. The Rolling Stones were especially enamored with Johnson, and it showed in their early work. As a guitarist, he would influence Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and, of course, Clapton. In 2006, Johnson was awarded a lifetime achievement award. And his influence is still going strong as a new crop of blues musicians are examining his work.
