Or that he is considered the father of blues. I read about him some time back, his life was interesting, mysterious and very much the blues ethos, same with Led Belly. Interesting side note, Cleoma Breux was my great, great aunt, not blues, Cajun, but still very cool.
Just came here from Wendigoon, it really does sound like a grandfather of rock and roll. Can you imagine how Robert Johnson might react if you were to tell him that he was the progenitor for one of the most massive genres of music ever!?
@asper the guy himself said he sold his soul to the devil and even said exactly where lol. That is probably why people think that...because he said it. Maybe he was just lying but he said it.
@asper I agree that this is the most likely scenario. I was just pointing out that he did indeed say it. The OP didn't seem to know this. Although, Bob Dylan claimed to sell his soul at the same crossroads.. It is very peculiar at the least.
@asper nope,with years I understand,but no with a couple of months. he was trash people said it was a terrible guitarist he would never accomplish or get anywhere.
I grew up on Rolling Stones, Cream, Them, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Canned Heat, etc. Then I found out where a lot of their songs came from.. struggling Black blues musicians with cheap guitars in the 30s and 40s.. 😭😩 May they have glory in heaven!
good point. about the cheap guitars. those $ 35,000 vintage guitars the hedge fund guys buy (and can hardly play) are not the instruments guys like robert johnson played. robert johnson was broke. the guitar he is holding in the famous photograph belonged to the recording studio. there were times when white bullies destroyed his guitars because he was a black man.
@@annemcnamara997anyone who plays the blues really should appreciate this fact. the genre was born out of both the strife and beauty of African American culture at the time. and to be a true blues musician I think you have to acknowledge the humanity and soul brought by this. For example, while I think Rory Gallagher was technically a blues rock musician due to some of the tempos he played at, he understood where the blues came from and that's why even though he mainly played a stratocaster on stage he was a player of cheap guitars as well since that's what his hero's played. It is definitely a genre that requires a genuine soul and an empathy for those who struggle but choose to strive for a better life anyways. This makes the blues always culturally relevant in some form as while many things might have changed, the problems have not gone away for society, they have only changed appearance. Having a ridiculously unneeded les paul from whenever the "golden years" were meant to be wont make that change. hell for a long time no one valued guitars like Les Pauls highly until someone famous played them and then there was enough demand that vintage guitar nonsense was profitable.
You know if you break the "Legend" down you will find that other musical influences other than poor black musicians with cheap guitars. If I am not mistaken Robert Johnson was a joke. He left for a time and came back and blew them all away. Claimed he sold his soul to the devil at what is now 49 and 61 in Clarksdale Ms. In actuality according to a Guitar Magazine article maybe 15 years ago he went to Arkansas and learned how to play. No one knows from who or where at but the Legend was born. And yes this is the basis of Rock and Roll. As for the actual crossroads. 61 is a limited access 4 lane median devided hwy. But that whole region from Yazoo City where 49 splits to 49W and 49E and reconnects south of Clarksdale is strange feeling. 6 pm and getting on 61N hardly any traffic. Hell 49W seems out of time and space for that area. I think these blues musicians picked up on that. It a good place to take a road trip and so much musical history but there is a wierd feeling and probably one of the few routes east of I35 you can run with your brightlights for miles without having to dim them for oncoming traffic.
Well this is were it comes from unfortunately if it wasn't for slavery we would not have rock and roll in America sad but true that's where it came from the first time Eric Clapton heard this and they are overseas in Europe or Britain they have lost it they couldn't believe that they never heard music like this before and their lives and that's when rock and roll started
They say his real crossroads began when he lost his wife in child birth. He was known as an unskilled guitar player until he left one day, only to return 9 months later with a newly developed guitar technique no blues man had seen before. This is where the legend of Robert Johnson begins
Blain Perkins Robert would often get drunk and curse God in the bar he was in. Making a lot of people uncomfortable. He became pretty anti religious after his wife and child die. Which added on to the legend. We do know his last words scrawled down on a piece of paper were. “Jesus of Nazareth, King of Jerusalem I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he will call me from the grave.” Perhaps coming to peace with God before he passed.
First of all, it's not the "Harmony", you are referring to the "Melody". Secondly, the reason you haven't heard it is because it had a hell of a lot more to do with the old recording and the way the guitar was picked up by the mic. Thirdly, Robert Johnson learned guitar at 21 and no one was playing blues on the piano, at that time it was all jazz. So the notion this melody has anything to do with or is inspired by a piano is totally wrong. It clearly sounds like acoustic slide blues. I am guessing that you heard blues music in the 50s that had a lot of piano, that was inspired by Robert Johnson and not the other way around, and then made this connection in your mind. Blues is built on the I-IV-V and Robert Johnson started that and was the godfather of that.
@@drdre4397 I did mean harmony in reference to parts like 0:39 . and the piano reference did not mean inspired by. just that one could make the comparison in overall sound not that they took from each other. as well as that but in others like Sweet home Chicago and Kind Hearted Woman, the precision of the picking in the rhythm parts of the guitar sound like piano without legato tone. Robert wasn't inspired by piano obviously just that with hindsight his playing style sounds comparable. really In my original comment I didn't elaborate enough and you misinterpreted what I mean.
@@bathtubshrimp2314 wasn't an arguement, thank you for projecting. There's music theory behind the sound of the devil wether or not you are too ignorant to learn about it.
This is such a wild tune. The lack of accompaniment gives it an ethereal feel, the rhythm/tempo kind of slips and slides around. The older I get the better I appreciate it
@@andresargento1380 because Robert was way ahead of his time, he influenced musician like Dylan, Clapton, Keith Richards....his guitar style was unique. I think you can understand why many considere him as the greatest bluesman of all time
I turned 21 today and I share the same birthday as Robert Johnson. Here’s to you Robert. For your iconic sound, changing the world of music forever, and inspiring some of my favorite artists! I raise my first glass to you! 🥃🥃🥃
I've been playing guitar for a very long time. What's amazing about the way Robert plays is the way he handles rhythm on low E while maintaining riffs throughout the whole song. For someone whose been playing for 10 years that's quite difficult, and Robert had only played for 6 months. One truly does wonder how he learned to play that fast
when your only focus is your passion, time is irrelevant. it's not the amount of time you put in, but the quality. robert lost everything and only had his music.
@@eavesDropSound no he actually sold his soul. He is said to be the first man to ever sell his soul to the devil but I find that hard to believe. Maybe the first recorded person to sell his soul to the devil
@@austinsterling4455 if you believe in that sort of thing. I'm going based off witnesses accounts from both the Netflix documentary my own research on him the last couple years I've known of him.
People say this man sold his soul to the devil. I say with hard work, dedication and persistence you can achieve any goal in mind you have, even producing music.
Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 - August 16, 1938) was an American blues musician and songwriter. His landmark recordings in 1936 and 1937 display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and song-writing talent that has influenced later generations of musicians. Although his recording career spanned only seven months, he is recognized as a master of the blues, particularly the Delta blues style, and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as perhaps "the first ever rock star". As a traveling performer who played mostly on street corners, in juke joints, and at Saturday night dances, Johnson had little commercial success or public recognition in his lifetime. He participated in only two recording sessions, one in San Antonio in 1936, and one in Dallas in 1937, that produced 29 distinct songs (with 13 surviving alternate takes) recorded by Don Law. These songs, recorded solo in improvised studios, were the totality of his recorded output. Most were released as 10-inch, 78 rpm singles from 1937-1938, with a few released after his death. Other than these recordings, very little was known of him during his life outside of the small musical circuit in the Mississippi Delta where he spent most of his life. Much of his story has been reconstructed by researchers. Johnson's poorly documented life and death have given rise to much legend. The one most closely associated with him is that he sold his soul to the devil at a local crossroads to achieve musical success. From Wikipedia.
Such an amazing artist that passed away way too young, yet his contributions to blues are undeniable!!! RIP Robert Johnson, you may be gone, but your legend lives on!
@@emannurkic He didn't sell shit! It was a marketing ploy. Blues men had to have a story just like todays artist. The point was to pack a house and sell records. If not for his story, we may not be talking about him today, even though his playing was legendary. Two blues men I always knew. Leadbelly and Robert Johnson. Not the best, but best stories. You think the movie Crossroads would have been made with a different title based on Robert Johnsons playing skill alone? Nope. You either have to be super skilled or mediocre with something extra. Robert was super skilled with a killer story.
Came here from Wendigoon, I was already familiar with the story but wasn’t familiar with his actual work. Hearing what he was able to do with that guitar send chills down my spine. I’m a musician myself, I’ve got a couple of my own projects in the works actually, but truly without Robert Johnson rock and roll wouldn’t exist the way it does today. Thank you Robert, for laying the groundwork for myself and countless others to follow in your footsteps.
To think 83 years after your passing to have 25 million people listen to one of your songs. Man you would have never thought it was possible. God bless and I hope you are okay. 💯
Jay Coney Not saying he was crap, far from it, but its not that hard to play. If you judge a piece by how hard it is to play, then you have failed at music. Not only playing, but listening to it. Either you like this song or not, nothing more to it really, its just taste.
***** I have been playing for 13 years but I would wager I could have tackled this 2-3 years in no problem. Hendrix is much harder, but still, not the hardest stuff out their by a long shot. M Batio (personally think his music is very boring) would be CONSIDERABLY harder to play than this, but it also proves my point perfectly. Something doesn't need to be difficult to be good.
Jay Coney Yeah and considering the fact that they didnt even use any scales/tabs/theories etc. just by listening and playing with each other. It may seem that they do the same stuff alot of times that's because they don't have any blueprint on what to do. Basically they were just playing on how they feel by putting that in the guitar. It's so amazing when you think about it
Jay Coney he doesn't suck, the sound quality does, which leads idiots to believe that his playing isn't good, if you gave Robert Johnson the recording equipment we have to day this would compare to a fraking Beethoven symphony lol
Interesting comment. “Crossroads” is a straight up satanic song but you’d never know it unless you knew the history behind it or really paid attention to the lyrics. Man sold his soul to the devil as the legend goes.
Oh I think when the legend becomes bigger than the facts print the legend. lol. It was a common phrase that people attached to all blues and rock musicians, but I can tell you from experience, some of it is absolutely truth. That’s why Bob and people like me went to other way. Oh yes everyone will go down to the crossroads sooner or later, you don’t have to be no musician, it’s just that’s what the devil is try’s to be.
When you listen to Mr. Johnson play, it literally feels like you are in the small juke joints, cafes, and clubs that he played at. His legacy is the reason why I love my music. By Way of McComb, Mississippi. I’m going to make my way to Hazlehurst, Mississippi and show my respect and honor the legendary Man, the Myth, the Long Fingered Music Loving. Robert Johnson. Stand Up Mississippi 🎶♟
This man's poor hard life sounds so unique and very much my favorite blue's sounds He'd created with probably the first K,pole and long neck bottle glass slide. It brilliant and simple. He's playing the guitar higher-ups pitch with a slower pace than most songs at the time was upbeat Broadway hightempo sounds. He's almost stopping time with every single bump bump. Rip.robert Johnson king of delta blue's.
I went to the crossroad fell down on my knees I went to the crossroad fell down on my knees Asked the Lord above "Have mercy, now save poor Bob, if you please Mmmmm, standin' at the crossroad I tried to flag a ride Standin' at the crossroad I tried to flag a ride Didn't nobody seem to know me everybody pass me by Mmm, the sun goin' down, boy dark gon' catch me here oooo ooee eeee boy, dark gon' catch me here I haven't got no lovin' sweet woman that love and feel my care You can run, you can run tell my friend-boy Willie Brown You can run, you can run tell my friend-boy Willie Brown Lord, that I'm standin' at the crossroad, babe I believe I'm sinkin' down
So just out of sheer determination, perseverance, and just a pinch of pettiness, became the granddaddy of rock and roll and when people were so stunned by his mastery of the guitar that they were just like no fucking way, thats bullshit this guy made a deal with the devil... And he fucking rolled with it! He incorporated this as the theme of his music, this guy is the definition of "I cannot believe you did that you absolute mad lad!"
Been listening since 1970 (13 years old) ain't no devil in this Tune Robert only Asking the Good Lord above for Mercy "Save poor Bob if You please" Hallelujah. Jesus Did.
This is to me the most interesting piece of music history, this guy comes out of nowhere, inspires everyone that comes behind him and promptly dies fascinating
One of my favourite parts of this song and his other recordings is how you can hear his slide hitting the neck of the guitar in the background. Just adds to that overall raw, bluesy feel.
I have always loved this kind of music I remember when I was young listening to SRV, Jimmy Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Bob Dylan, and a lot more. I was in my 20s before I heard Robert's name. He really is impressive. Of course I heard the story of the devil at the crossroads so I did some research. Best I can tell is everyone said he was mediocre before getting in with Ike Now talent can bloom very quickly under a proper teacher I've no doubt. I've read alot about some of their beliefs though. I love the mystique of the graveyard sessions and it may not have necessarily been the devil but i do believe you can channel energy. No one but who was there knows what happend for sure though. Say what you will but in this ole world l've found if you go looking for something hard enough you're apt to find it. He's timeless no matter how you look at it. Anyway I'm rambling hope everyone enjoys the music for what it is...good damn music
The man who started rock and roll before rock and roll what a legend this guy was just imagine how many lost records are out there this man Deserves to be remembered
MultiTopfpflanze metal and rock wouldn't exist it it wasn't for the delta blues men. Do some research on the history of the blues, you will enjoy it. Check out surf music too, surf music is metal with no distortion.
"Blues just has this something." Try "Skin Game Blues" by Peg Leg Howell, "When A Man's A Long Way From Home" by Leadbelly, and "Blues At My Baby's House" by Buddy Guy.
+Stephanie Verdin narrow minded people. Thats how it has dislikes. I love the imagery used here. I am not a fan of Angelina Jolie but somehow she fits into this video. Its so strange. I dig it.
+Stephanie Verdin influencing this poor Eric is not the most fantastic fact of the XXth century. Fortunately, he influenced Muddy waters & a bunch of geniuses, including jimi Hendrix..
Thank you for uploading this music. Unfortunately, I am just now discovering Robert Johnson, after watching the last performance of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013 Induction show where several musicians played this very song. That is what prompted me to explore Robert Johnson and his music and how his influence still echoes today. I am grateful that I did because wow and damn. Now, I can't stop listening to his music or watching documentaries about him and the mystery and mythos about him. Thank you, Shogun. Keep this up on You Tube for as long as you can.
Robert Johnson was the first great bluesman I knew about, and he was the first and youngest to go. There's never been another like'm and there never will be. I thank the Lord for musicians like Robert Johnson and for recordings. Thanks for sharing, the kids today aren't as lucky as we were as far as great music goes, imo.
Go nine nights in a row to a deserted crossroad at around 12am-3am Be vocal about making a pact Bring your guitar and play your best you can HE will approach from a distance playing HIS own fiddle HE will switch instruments with you, tune yours and give it back to you. Then HE will walk away leaving you the ability to play whatever your heart desires. For a price of course.
People die everyday and we thinks there’s something going on when famous people die at the same age? As I’m writing this comment there’s a chance that someone we don’t know has died at the age of 27. It doesn’t mean shit.
I've been listening to countless versions of "Crossroads" for a long time, but none of them even come close to this original recording. The power and drama of this song lies in the soulful originality of the song's performance. Voice and guitar. Fantastic work of art.
What is sad is that most of these folks from this era of the Delta Blues, weren't paid a penny for their music. It's the reason Bonnie Raitt started a foundation for the old blueman/women.
The reason this is so powerful and soulful is because he wasn't money motivated. He did it for the pure love of the blues and telling his stories. (His music only started making money around 30 years after his death). Nowadays you don't even have to like music all that much to get wealth and fame from it. for the most part, music has went from art to a business.
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees Asked the Lord above, "Have mercy, now, save poor Bob if you please" Yeah, standin' at the crossroad, tried to flag a ride Ooh-ee, I tried to flag a ride Didn't nobody seem to know me, babe, everybody pass me by Standin' at the crossroad, baby, risin' sun goin' down Standin' at the crossroad, baby, risin' sun goin' down I believe to my soul, now, poor Bob is sinkin' down You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown That I got the crossroad blues this mornin', Lord, baby, I'm sinkin' down And I went to the crossroad, mama, I looked East and West I went to the crossroad, baby, I looked East and West Lord, I didn't have no sweet woman, ooh well, babe, in my distress
Moi perso c'était une histoire que je connaissais grâce à un pote au collège ya longtemps et puis la vidéo de seb est sorti et ça m'a fait plus m'intéressé au sujet donc Merci Seb.
