Robert Johnson *tips hat*

[bassmanjazz]

Yesterday marked the 100th birthday celebration of what was probably the single most influential guitarist to ever sling a six sting.

Imagine, everybody WE admire as guitar greats found inspiration and their own voice playing and listing to music recorded by Robert Johnson.

I've known of the dude for quite some time but never put out the effort to actually look him up or study any of his recordings. I may be WAY behind the curve on my education here, but I found his story fascinating none the less.

In a recording career that only spanned only a few studio sessions, he shaped the voice for generations to come by being one of the guitar heroes for the likes of Clapton, Page and Hendrix to name but a scant few.

He is the originator of the 'Faustian' story, selling your soul to the devil to be a better player (at the crossroads)

Read about him on the link below and take a moment to wail a few notes out in his memory.

Read about him here. If you haven't you won't regret it!

[zedhed]

Yeah I first heard of Robert Johnson back in the 70's. The quality of his recordings are dubious because of the state of technology but his playing was way ahead of his time.

I didn't know that he died at age 27 though. Wow, that's a short life especially for someone so talented. Mind you, that's not uncommon I suppose when we look at those who now live in the rock hall of fame in the sky.

Thanks for sharing Bass.

[Fezzler]

Yup - 27 or 28 - poisoned by jealous husband I believe.

[bassmanjazz]

His playing is simply astounding. He plays rhythm and lead at the same time. It's simply incredible. With vocals you could have 3 players but nope, it's just him.

You can absolutely see his influence with zeps plant and page as well as the impact on Clapton once you listen to the king of the delta blues album. Makes me wonder what a guy like that could do with today's technology.