Robert Johnson was an influential blues musician who lived in the early 20th century. He was born on May 8, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, and died on August 16, 1938, in Greenwood, Mississippi, at the age of 27.
Johnson’s life and career are shrouded in mystery and legend, with many myths and stories surrounding his musical abilities and personal life. He is best known for his contributions to the blues genre, particularly his innovative guitar playing and emotive singing.
Johnson’s recordings, made in the late 1930s, have had a profound impact on the development of blues and rock music. His songs, such as “Cross Road Blues,” “Love in Vain,” and “Sweet Home Chicago,” are considered classics of the blues genre and have been covered by numerous artists.
Despite his relatively small catalog of recordings, Johnson’s influence on popular music has been immense. His intricate guitar playing, unique vocal style, and emotionally charged lyrics have inspired generations of musicians, and he is often cited as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Robert Johnson’s life and music continue to fascinate and inspire people around the world, and his legacy as a blues icon remains enduring and influential.
1. They’re Red Hot
“They’re Red Hot” is a blues song written and originally recorded by blues legend Robert Johnson in 1936. The song features Johnson’s characteristic slide guitar playing and energetic vocals.
In “They’re Red Hot,” Johnson sings about his love for tamales, a traditional Mexican dish made with masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients and wrapped in corn husks. The lyrics describe the tamales as “red hot,” indicating that they are spicy and flavorful.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a lively and fun addition to Johnson’s repertoire. “They’re Red Hot” showcases Johnson’s skill as a guitarist and his ability to infuse his music with humor and personality.
“They’re Red Hot” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it remains a beloved classic in the blues genre, celebrated for its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics.
2. Kind Hearted Woman Blues
“Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is a classic blues song written and performed by Robert Johnson, one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. Johnson recorded the song in 1936 during his historic recording sessions in Texas.
In “Kind Hearted Woman Blues,” Johnson sings about his relationship with a woman who is kind-hearted and loving. The lyrics convey a mix of admiration and longing for this woman, as Johnson describes her as someone who brings joy and happiness into his life.
The song features Johnson’s intricate guitar playing and soulful vocals, characteristic of his style. With its driving rhythm and emotive delivery, “Kind Hearted Woman Blues” showcases Johnson’s mastery of the blues genre and his ability to evoke emotion through his music.
The song has since become a blues standard and has been covered by countless artists over the years. It remains a testament to Johnson’s enduring legacy as a pioneer of the blues and a towering figure in American music history.
3. Come on in My Kitchen
“Come on in My Kitchen” is a blues song written and originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. Johnson, a legendary blues musician, recorded the song during his first recording session in San Antonio, Texas.
“Come on in My Kitchen” is a blues classic with haunting lyrics and a distinctive slide guitar melody. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and desperation, with Johnson singing about a troubled relationship and his desire for his lover to come back to him. The song’s title and refrain, “Come on in my kitchen, baby, it’s going to be raining outdoors,” suggest a sense of intimacy and refuge from the stormy world outside.
The song’s sparse arrangement, featuring Johnson’s expressive vocals and intricate guitar playing, highlights his skill as a musician and storyteller. The song’s haunting melody and emotional depth have made it a favorite among blues fans and musicians alike.
“Come on in My Kitchen” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Eric Clapton, who recorded a popular version of the song for his album *Me and Mr. Johnson* in 2004. The song remains a classic of the blues genre and a testament to Robert Johnson’s enduring influence on music.
4. Ramblin’ on My Mind
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” is a blues song written and originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. It is a classic example of Johnson’s style, featuring his signature guitar playing and soulful vocals.
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” is a melancholic song with lyrics that express a sense of restlessness and longing. Johnson sings about feeling lost and alone, with lines like “I got ramblin’, I got ramblin’ on my mind, hate to leave my baby, but you treats me so unkind.” The song’s sparse arrangement, featuring Johnson’s expressive guitar playing and haunting vocals, adds to its emotional impact.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Eric Clapton, who recorded a version of “Ramblin’ on My Mind” for his album *Unplugged* in 1992. Clapton’s rendition of the song helped introduce it to a new generation of blues fans and cemented its status as a blues classic.
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” is a testament to Robert Johnson’s songwriting and musicianship, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotions through his music. The song remains a powerful example of the blues genre and a highlight of Johnson’s influential body of work.
5. Traveling Riverside Blues
“Traveling Riverside Blues” is a classic blues song written by Robert Johnson, one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. Johnson recorded the song in 1937 during his historic recording sessions in Texas.
In “Traveling Riverside Blues,” Johnson sings about his experiences traveling along the riverside, encountering various people and situations along the way. The lyrics depict scenes of love, longing, and adventure, as Johnson describes encounters with a woman and other characters he meets on his journey.
The song features Johnson’s masterful guitar playing, characterized by his intricate fingerpicking and slide guitar techniques. With its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics, “Traveling Riverside Blues” captures the essence of the Delta blues tradition and showcases Johnson’s unparalleled talent as a blues musician.
“Traveling Riverside Blues” has since become a blues standard and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. It remains a testament to Johnson’s enduring legacy as a pioneer of the blues and a towering figure in American music history.
6. Hellhound on My Trail
“Hellhound on My Trail” is a blues song written and recorded by Robert Johnson in 1937. It is one of Johnson’s most famous and haunting songs, showcasing his unique guitar playing and soulful vocals.
“Hellhound on My Trail” is a blues ballad with lyrics that convey a sense of foreboding and despair. Johnson sings about being pursued by a “hellhound,” a mythical creature that represents his troubles and hardships. The song’s lyrics include lines like “I got to keep moving, I got to keep moving / Blues falling down like hail, blues falling down like hail” and “The blues come to me like the hellhound on my trail.”
The song’s melody is dark and moody, with Johnson’s intricate guitar playing adding to the song’s haunting atmosphere. “Hellhound on My Trail” is a showcase of Johnson’s skill as a guitarist and songwriter, and it has become a classic of the blues genre.
“Hellhound on My Trail” has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Allman Brothers Band, who recorded a version of the song for their album *At Fillmore East* in 1971. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Johnson’s influence on music and his ability to create powerful and evocative songs.
7. Sweet Home Chicago
“Sweet Home Chicago” is a blues standard that has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. The song is often associated with Chicago blues and is considered one of the genre’s anthems. It was first recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936 during his historic recording sessions in Texas.
In “Sweet Home Chicago,” the singer expresses a longing to return to Chicago, which is often referred to as the “home of the blues.” The lyrics evoke images of the city’s vibrant blues scene and its role as a cultural hub for musicians and fans alike.
The song’s simple yet catchy melody and repetitive chorus make it a favorite among blues musicians and fans. Its enduring popularity has led to countless covers and adaptations by artists from various genres, solidifying its status as a classic in the blues repertoire.
“Sweet Home Chicago” remains a beloved and iconic song that continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and its representation of the rich tradition of blues music in Chicago and beyond.
8. I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom
“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” is a blues song originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. It is a classic example of a Delta blues song, featuring Johnson’s distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals.
“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” is an upbeat blues song with a catchy rhythm and playful lyrics. The song’s lyrics describe a man who is leaving his troubles behind and hitting the road, with lines like “I’m gettin’ up in the mornin’, I believe I’ll dust my broom” and “I’m gonna write a letter, telephone every town I know.”
The song’s title is a metaphor for leaving a bad situation behind and starting fresh. The broom symbolizes the act of sweeping away the past and moving on to better things. The song’s infectious groove and lively melody have made it a favorite among blues fans and musicians.
“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elmore James, who recorded a popular version of the song in 1951. The song’s catchy melody and timeless lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a classic of the blues genre.
9. Love in Vain
“Love in Vain” is a blues song originally written and recorded by American blues musician Robert Johnson in 1937. It is one of Johnson’s most famous and enduring compositions, showcasing his masterful guitar playing and emotive vocals.
In “Love in Vain,” Johnson sings about the pain and heartache of unrequited love. The lyrics depict a narrator who has been left behind by their lover, longing for their return but ultimately resigned to the fact that they have moved on. The song’s haunting melody and melancholic lyrics convey a sense of loneliness and despair, capturing the universal experience of lost love.
“Love in Vain” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Rolling Stones, who recorded a popular version of the song for their 1969 album “Let It Bleed.” Johnson’s original recording remains a classic of the blues genre, celebrated for its raw emotion and timeless appeal.
10. Cross Road Blues
“Cross Road Blues” is a blues song written and recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. It is one of Johnson’s most famous and influential compositions, showcasing his distinctive guitar playing and powerful vocals.
In “Cross Road Blues,” Johnson sings about his experiences at a crossroads, where he encounters various challenges and obstacles. The lyrics depict a narrator who is feeling lost and desperate, seeking guidance and direction in his life. The crossroads serve as a metaphor for the choices and decisions that one must make, with the narrator ultimately expressing a sense of resignation and uncertainty about his future.
The song’s driving rhythm and haunting melody have made it a favorite among blues enthusiasts and musicians. “Cross Road Blues” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has become a classic of the blues genre, celebrated for its evocative lyrics and timeless appeal.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
