Legendary Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson's life and death have been the kind of tales that blues music is famous for.  Bursting the bubble ever so gently, it is evident that this 27 year old man was like other Delta musicians of the era--a traveller, a story teller, a thief of other's material, a ladies man and an amazing talent.  He learned from Charlie Patton and Son House and went on to develop a style and a skill that likely took him many, many hours of practicing and a load of natural talent.  

Like so many, Robert grew up on a plantation (photo at the top) in Tunica, MS and moved around alot.  What is known about him on a factual basis is that he was a scoundrel that sought redemption in his final days before being poisoned in Three Forks Juke just outside of Greenwood, MS.  (Although cause of death from the medical doctor listed Syphilis).   Robert Johnson memorabilia is housed at the Robert Johnson Museum on the second floor above the Blue Parrot Cafe in Greenwood.  Steven LaVere has put this together for all of us to remember the archetypal figure Robert Johnson was in blues music.   And, as I understand it, there is continued controversy surrounding this collection as the descendants of Robert Johnson have not been paid their 'dues' (or so rumor has it...don't want to get myself sued here).

Despite all sorts of myths about where he is buried, the Little Zion MB church just north of Greenwood is the location as you can see in one of the photos that makes the point.  The other two graves are cool for the mythology but that's about it.  

It is hard not to get caught up in the mythology of it all but he is, in my mind, impossible to imitate because he is the culmination of all that is the Delta.

'Nuff said...

Kat