The Legend of Robert Johnson by: Darth Chew
When I was asked by Mag X to write an article about Robert Johnson I was like, “who’s Robert Johnson?” I was told he was an American Blues Musician. I then began to think to myself “He was a Blues
musician; I don’t remember hearing about him or his music.” I mean don’t get me wrong I love blues music but I didn’t I’ve ever heard his name before. So I said “sure I’ll write an article about him.” So I decided to look up some of his music and as I did some research on him I was amazed that I have heard of this man and that I actually have heard his music. I can understand why he was named the grandfather of Rock and Roll and as well why he was one of the first musicians to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 1986. His vocal phasing and guitar style have influenced a large group of musicians that have in turn name him the most important blues singer that ever lived. A large feat to be done by one man. Of course if you know of the man you also know of the legend. Which legend you ask? The legend that he sold his soul to the man downstairs the man who we call the devil. The legend goes like this wanting to be great guitar player the young Johnson was instructed to take his guitar to a crossroad near Dockery Plantation at midnight. There he was met by a large black man (The Devil) and after taking his guitar and tuning it and playing a couple of songs on the newly tuned guitar he then handed it over to Johnson who gained mastery over the instrument. It was this exchange that in effect was described as Johnson’s soul being sold. And, in exchange for his soul Robert Johnson was able to play, sing and create the greatest blues anyone had ever heard. In the last years of his life Johnson is believed to have traveled St Louis and possibly Illinois. He spent some time in Memphis and several states in the area. By the time he passed away six of his records were already released in the south as race records. The reason of his death is also filled with obscurity since no one actually knows how he actually died. Some say he was poisoned by the husband of a married woman, others say the woman was the girl of a juke joint owner so there isn’t anything really concrete to say how he died. The location of his actual burial site is left in controversy since there are three markers at the outskirts of Greenwood that are supposed to mark where Robert Johnson’s body has and been laid to rest. So there you have it a quick look into the man who has been labeled the Grandfather of Rock and Roll. And, in my personal opinion a label that is highly deserved. So whenever you listen to something that has a bluesy sound to it close your eyes and think about the man who rumor has it might have made a deal with the devil, But don’t fault him for that. All he wanted to do was play the best music he knew how and between you and me I personally believe the devil is into New Age music anyway so keep that in mind. This is Darth Chew signing off for now.
