Early this morning, when you knocked up on my door
Early this morning, when you knocked up on my door
And I said 'Hello Satan, I believe it's time to go'
-"Me and The Devil Blues" Robert Johnson
The legend of Robert Johnson is one of myth and mystery. Thanks in part to Johnson's induction into the Rock n' Roll hall of fame, his face appearing on a stamp, the release of a Johnson Box Set (400,000+ sold) and in no small part to the movie 'Crossroads' many people know the story, but hear it is in a nutshell: Johnson came from mississippi to live in Louisiana to learn to play the blues. He played many Louisiana clubs and small arenas, but despite some talent, many people he worked with at the time remeber him as an average player, of no great importance. Soon, his wife died during childbirth, and he became obsessed with his guitar playing. Remebering an old story told in hushed whispers, he returned to his home state of Mississippi to find a supernatural path to success and musical excellence. He went to a crossroads, a gate to hell and spoke an ancient incantation. (Most people think this place is the 61/49 Clarkesdale crossroads, but I have read in the soul patrol that it is, in actuality, where Dockery Rd crosses Old Highway 8) The Devil appeared and offered Robert Johnson what he desired: unmatched skill with the guitar in exchange for his immortal soul and for creating a new sound that would bring other souls to him. Johnson agreed, and only one year after leaving Louisiana, he returned, now amazing his fellow bluesmen as well as audiences with an unmatched skill. It was at this time that he began his longtime friendshp with 'Willy Brown' whom he mentions in the song 'Crossroads'. It is said, though, that his dreams were racked with visions of hell and the Devil, thus inspiring the song 'Hellhounds on My Trail' after a short taste of success, Johnson was killed, some say by poisonin, some by shooting, others by stabbing. The truth is, the Devil came to get his due, and rob Johnson of everlasting peace....."
The truth behind Robert Johnson's life is nearly as amazing as the Robert Johnson legend Robert Johnson was born illigitamite for Julia Dodd and Noah Johnson on May 8th, 1911 in Hazelhurst, MS. just off of Comerce 304. He worked on plantations much of his life, his only outlet and escape was his music. He never learned to read music, but only played by ear. He played some local clubs and bars, but at this point he wasn't much more than your average guitarist. Then, suddenly, his wife and life long love Virginia Travis died during child birth, and he left Robinsonville, probably to try and locate his father whom he had never known. During this time, he met and was befriended by Ike Zinnerman, a man renound for his skill with the guitar, but whom was never recorded. It is most likely that Zinnerman and Johnson played intenslely for a year, and Johnson's skill flourished. When he returned to Robinsonville, those he once played with were left behind, as Johnson took center stage. Son House, whom many believe was jelous of Robert's impossible to match skill, began the rumor that he could have only learned so much so fast from the devil himself! Knowing that such a story would only add to his mystique and fame, Johnson never confirmed nor denied the stories, and wrote songs about satan, hellhounds, and a 'Crossroads' deal with th devil to master the image. To further add to the story, Johnson and his partner Willie Brown, made famous by the movie 'Crossroads' would sit in graveyards in the dead of night, write songs, and drink. Johnson was a rambler, moving all over the country, never seeming to find peace wherever he went, except while playing his music. The heght of Johnson's career came during '36 and'37 when he recorded a total of 29 songs, and a handfull of alternate versions of those he did not feel were adequate. These songs, which in some way are the basis of all rock as we know it, are known as the "Texas Recording Sessions" as they were recorded in San Antonio and Dallas. The producer was Don Law of The American Records Co. One night, Johnson was playing ajuke joint in Mississippi, unknown to Johnson, he was already suffering from syphilis and pnuemonia. He hit on the owner's girl, and the man subsequently poisoned his whisky jug (probably with lye, though strychnine is usually the identified culprit) this weakened Johnson til he could not fend of his illnesses any longer, he died in a painful fit of convulsions, 3 days after the poisoning August 16 1938, he was 27 years old. Today, Johnson still can't seem to find peace, two seperate graves claim to be his resting place. Johnson's talent and contribution was finally recognized in 1986 with his induction into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. He has gained the recognition in death, that he tried and wanted so bad in life.
Here are some links to some great Robert Johnson sites: