I recently noticed that tomorrow would have been the 100th birthday of Robert Johnson. Don’t think you know him? I suspect that, if you listen to music, you probably do. He’s the guy who over a reasonably short period wrote and recorded a number of songs that became staples of rock and blues artists.
Probably the first Johnson song I heard was Crossroads by Cream a song a/k/a Crossroads Blues.
There’s also The Rolling Stones’ Love in Vain and Travelling Riverside Blues by Led Zeppelin. One standard is Sweet Home Chicago, here performed by Robert Lockwood Jr. Here’s a list of Johnson songs. My favorite may be Walkin’ Blues by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band; unfortunately, I can’t find a direct link, though if you follow this link, you can join some website for free for a week, which will let you hear it.
Eric Clapton, formerly of the aforementioned Cream, recorded a whole 2004 album of Robert Johnson songs called Me and Mr. Johnson. A version of a song from that album, They’re Red Hot.
This week’s cover story edition on Coverville features the songs of Robert Johnson, including a couple I’ve mentioned.
What are your favorite Robert Johnson recordings or covers?
Ahhhhh, Robert Johnson. Love the riff on him in “O, Brother, Where Art Thou?” And thank God recordings exist of his artistry. The Stones, Clapton, and others were so savvy in getting close to his work, as well as that of Muddy Waters and others. Rest in peace, Mr. Johnson. We owe you more than you know… Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/last-stop-on-the-erie-lackawanna/
I love the boxset Columbia records put out back in the eighties, my favorite song is “Sweet Home Chigago”. I am disgusted by The Rolling Stones, on their “Let it Bleed” album they claim “Love In Vain” was written by Jagger/Richards! Liars!
Now I’ve heard “Dead Shrimp Blues.” I can die happy. Thank you Roger.
I gotta listen to more of this guy.
love robert johnson got all his music he was the father of the blues