Robert Johnson (1911-1938) was an influential American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of blues music.
Johnson’s life and career were shrouded in mystery and myth, partly due to the legend that he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for musical talent. Despite only recording a limited number of songs during his brief lifetime (29 songs in total), Johnson’s recordings have had a profound impact on blues and rock music.
Some of Johnson’s most well-known songs include “Cross Road Blues,” “Love in Vain,” and “Hellhound on My Trail.” His guitar playing, characterized by his intricate fingerpicking style and emotive vocals, set a standard for blues musicians that followed him.
Robert Johnson’s influence extended far beyond his own lifetime. His recordings became widely recognized and celebrated after being reissued in the 1960s, inspiring countless musicians across different genres. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and remains a legendary figure in the history of American music.
1. They’re Red Hot
“They’re Red Hot” is a song originally written and performed by blues legend Robert Johnson in 1936. It’s a lively, upbeat blues song characterized by Johnson’s distinctive guitar playing and energetic vocals. The lyrics are playful and humorous, describing the appeal of “red hot” tamales as a metaphor for something enticing and desirable.
“They’re Red Hot” is notable for its rhythmic guitar work and Johnson’s expressive singing style, which influenced many blues and rock musicians who came after him. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including The Red Hot Chili Peppers on their album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” in 1991, where they brought their own funk rock interpretation to the classic blues tune.
Robert Johnson’s original recordings, including “They’re Red Hot,” continue to be celebrated for their musical innovation and influence on the development of blues and rock music.
2. Kind Hearted Woman Blues
“Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is a classic blues song written and performed by Robert Johnson. Recorded in 1936, the song is known for its distinctive guitar riff and Johnson’s emotive vocals. It is one of Johnson’s early recordings and showcases his skillful guitar playing and lyrical storytelling.
The lyrics of “Kind Hearted Woman Blues” revolve around themes of love, longing, and heartache. Johnson sings about his affection for a kind-hearted woman who he desires but struggles to keep by his side. The song’s structure and melody are typical of Delta blues, with Johnson’s guitar work demonstrating his unique fingerpicking style and mastery of the blues form.
“Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is one of Robert Johnson’s enduring classics, revered for its musicality and influence on later blues and rock musicians. It remains a testament to Johnson’s talent and his impact on shaping the sound of American music during the early 20th century.
3. Come on in My Kitchen
“Come on in My Kitchen” is a blues song written and originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. It’s one of Johnson’s most well-known songs and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Allman Brothers Band and Eric Clapton.
The song is characterized by its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, where Johnson invites the listener into his metaphorical kitchen, a space where he shares his inner thoughts and struggles. The lyrics reflect themes of loneliness, heartache, and personal turmoil, common in Johnson’s blues repertoire.
Musically, “Come on in My Kitchen” features Johnson’s intricate fingerpicking guitar style and soulful vocal delivery. The song’s melancholic atmosphere and evocative lyrics have made it a blues standard, admired for its emotional depth and enduring influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
Overall, “Come on in My Kitchen” remains a testament to Robert Johnson’s prowess as a songwriter and blues musician, leaving a lasting legacy in the blues genre and beyond.
4. Ramblin’ on My Mind
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” is a blues song originally written and recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. It is a melancholic and introspective track, where Johnson reflects on feelings of restlessness and heartache. The song features Johnson’s emotive vocals and his intricate fingerpicking guitar style, showcasing his skill as a blues musician.
The lyrics of “Ramblin’ on My Mind” express a sense of wanderlust and longing, with Johnson singing about being unable to settle down due to his restless spirit. The song’s structure and melody are characteristic of Delta blues, a style Johnson helped to define with his innovative guitar techniques and soulful singing.
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Eric Clapton, who recorded a well-known version in 1970. Johnson’s original recording remains a poignant example of his mastery of the blues genre and continues to be revered for its emotional depth and musical influence.
5. Traveling Riverside Blues
“Traveling Riverside Blues” is a blues song recorded by Robert Johnson in 1937. It’s known for its driving rhythm, intricate guitar work, and evocative lyrics typical of Johnson’s style.
The song features Johnson’s distinctive slide guitar technique and soulful vocals, creating a raw and emotive atmosphere. Lyrically, “Traveling Riverside Blues” describes a journey along the riverside, with themes of longing, love, and the hardships of life.
“Traveling Riverside Blues” has become a classic in the blues genre, admired for its innovative guitar playing and Johnson’s ability to capture the essence of Delta blues. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including Led Zeppelin, who adapted parts of Johnson’s lyrics and music into their own interpretation in their song “The Lemon Song.”
Overall, “Traveling Riverside Blues” remains a testament to Robert Johnson’s influence on blues music and his legacy as one of the genre’s most iconic and influential figures.
6. Hellhound on My Trail
“Hellhound on My Trail” is a haunting blues song written and recorded by Robert Johnson in 1937. The song features Johnson’s signature slide guitar playing and soulful vocals, creating a dark and atmospheric mood.
In “Hellhound on My Trail,” Johnson sings about feeling pursued by a supernatural entity, often interpreted as a metaphor for his personal demons or the consequences of his turbulent life. The lyrics reflect themes of fear, regret, and inevitability, capturing the essence of the Delta blues tradition with its raw emotion and vivid storytelling.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its evocative imagery and Johnson’s masterful guitar work, which influenced generations of blues and rock musicians. “Hellhound on My Trail” remains a classic example of Robert Johnson’s musical genius and his profound impact on the blues genre.
7. Sweet Home Chicago
“Sweet Home Chicago” is a blues standard that has been performed and recorded by numerous artists over the years. It was first recorded in 1936 by Robert Johnson during his influential recording sessions in Texas.
The song’s lyrics celebrate Chicago as a destination for blues musicians seeking opportunity and a vibrant music scene. It references various landmarks and neighborhoods within the city, highlighting its significance in blues history.
Musically, “Sweet Home Chicago” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riff, and call-and-response vocal style. It embodies the essence of Delta blues, with its lively rhythm and bluesy melody.
Over time, “Sweet Home Chicago” has become a quintessential blues anthem, covered by artists such as Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and The Blues Brothers, among many others. It remains a beloved and recognizable song that pays homage to the roots of blues music and the city of Chicago’s role in its development.
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’s one of Johnson’s most famous and enduring songs, characterized by its driving rhythm and slide guitar work.
The song’s lyrics speak of a man who is leaving his troubles behind and hitting the road, using the metaphor of dusting his broom to signify his departure. The lyrics reflect themes of heartache, betrayal, and the desire for a fresh start.
Musically, “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” features Johnson’s distinctive slide guitar technique, which creates a mournful yet energetic sound. The song’s rhythmic intensity and emotive vocals showcase Johnson’s talent as a blues guitarist and singer-songwriter.
“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” has become a blues standard and has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elmore James, who recorded a popular rendition of the song in 1951. It remains a testament to Robert Johnson’s influence on blues music and his ability to capture the hardships and emotions of everyday life in his songs.
9. Love in Vain
“Love in Vain” is a blues song originally written and recorded by Robert Johnson in 1937. The song is a poignant and melancholic ballad that reflects on the pain and heartbreak of unrequited love.
In “Love in Vain,” Johnson’s emotive vocals are accompanied by his intricate guitar playing, showcasing his mastery of the Delta blues style. The lyrics tell the story of a lover who feels abandoned and betrayed, lamenting the loss of a relationship that was once cherished.
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including The Rolling Stones, who popularized their own version on their 1969 album “Let It Bleed.” Johnson’s original recording of “Love in Vain” remains a testament to his lyrical prowess and musical influence, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.
10. Cross Road Blues
“Cross Road Blues” is a blues song written and recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. It’s one of Johnson’s most famous songs, renowned for its haunting lyrics and powerful guitar work.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man standing at a crossroads, facing a decision that could change his life. He expresses his anguish and desperation, seeking guidance and a way forward. The crossroads metaphorically represents a pivotal moment of choice and consequence.
Musically, “Cross Road Blues” features Johnson’s intricate guitar playing, including his signature fingerpicking and slide guitar techniques. The song’s melancholic melody and Johnson’s soulful vocals create a haunting atmosphere that resonates with listeners.
“Cross Road Blues” has become a blues classic and a cornerstone of Johnson’s legacy. It has been covered and interpreted by numerous artists over the years, including Cream’s iconic rendition titled “Crossroads.” The song’s enduring appeal lies in its emotive storytelling and Johnson’s ability to capture the existential struggles of life and fate through his music.