Robert Johnson (1911–1938) was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the most influential figures in the history of blues music. He is best known for his distinctive guitar playing, emotive vocals, and powerful songwriting.
Johnson was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, and spent much of his life traveling and performing throughout the Mississippi Delta region. He began playing guitar at a young age and quickly developed a unique style that combined traditional blues with elements of folk, jazz, and country music.
Despite his relatively short life and limited recorded output, Johnson’s impact on the blues genre was profound. His songs, including “Cross Road Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” and “Love in Vain,” have become standards of the blues repertoire and have been covered by countless artists across various genres.
Johnson’s mythic status in the annals of music history is partly due to the legend surrounding his life. According to folklore, Johnson met the devil at a crossroads and sold his soul in exchange for musical talent. This legend has contributed to the mystique surrounding Johnson and his music.
Robert Johnson’s recordings, made in the late 1930s, have been highly influential in shaping the course of popular music. His innovative guitar techniques, such as his use of slide guitar and intricate fingerpicking, have inspired generations of musicians, including Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Jimi Hendrix.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 27, Johnson’s legacy as a pioneering blues artist and a central figure in the development of rock and roll continues to be celebrated by music fans around the world. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
1. They’re Red Hot
“They’re Red Hot” is a song written and originally recorded by blues musician Robert Johnson in 1936. It was included as the eighth track on his seminal album “King of the Delta Blues Singers.”
The song features Johnson’s signature slide guitar playing and energetic vocal delivery. Lyrically, “They’re Red Hot” is an uptempo and playful track in which Johnson describes his love for “red hot” tamales, a popular food item in the Mississippi Delta region. The song’s catchy rhythm and infectious melody make it a standout track on Johnson’s album.
“They’re Red Hot” has been covered by various artists over the years, including the Rolling Stones, who included a rendition of the song on their 1971 album “Exile on Main St.” Johnson’s original recording remains a classic of the blues genre, showcasing his virtuosic guitar skills and charismatic vocal style.
2. Kind Hearted Woman Blues
“Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is a blues song written and recorded by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson in 1936. It was one of the tracks included in his seminal album “King of the Delta Blues Singers,” which was released posthumously in 1961.
“Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is a classic Delta blues song characterized by Johnson’s intricate guitar playing, emotive vocals, and raw, emotional lyrics. The song tells the story of a man who is yearning for the love and affection of a kind-hearted woman, but finds himself in a state of longing and despair. Despite the melancholic theme, the song features an upbeat tempo and a catchy melody typical of Johnson’s style.
As with many of Johnson’s songs, “Kind Hearted Woman Blues” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it remains a quintessential example of the Delta blues genre. Johnson’s original recording continues to be celebrated for its influence on the development of blues music and its enduring impact on popular culture.
3. Come on in My Kitchen
“Come On in My Kitchen” is a blues song written and originally performed by Robert Johnson, the influential blues musician. It was recorded in 1936 and released as part of his collection of recordings on the Vocalion label.
The song is a classic example of Johnson’s Delta blues style, featuring his distinctive slide guitar playing and soulful vocals. In “Come On in My Kitchen,” Johnson sings about love and betrayal, inviting the listener to enter his kitchen where he can share his troubles and heartaches.
Over the years, “Come On in My Kitchen” has become a standard in the blues repertoire and has been covered by numerous artists across different genres. It remains a testament to Robert Johnson’s songwriting and musical prowess, and it continues to be celebrated as one of the defining songs of the blues genre.
4. Ramblin’ on My Mind
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” is a blues song that has been recorded by various artists over the years, but it is perhaps most famously associated with Robert Johnson. Johnson recorded the song in 1936 during his historic recording sessions in Texas.
The song features Johnson’s signature slide guitar playing and emotive vocals. In “Ramblin’ on My Mind,” Johnson expresses feelings of restlessness and wanderlust, longing for freedom and escape from the troubles of life. The lyrics reflect themes common in the blues, such as love, loss, and the hardships of the road.
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” has since become a blues standard and has been covered by numerous artists, including Eric Clapton, who recorded a version for his “Unplugged” album in 1992. Johnson’s original recording, however, remains a definitive and influential interpretation of the song, showcasing his unparalleled talent as a blues musician and songwriter.
5. Traveling Riverside Blues
“Traveling Riverside Blues” is a blues song written and recorded by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson in 1937. It was one of the tracks recorded during his historic recording sessions in Dallas, Texas, and San Antonio, Texas, in 1936 and 1937.
“Traveling Riverside Blues” is a classic Delta blues song that showcases Johnson’s exceptional guitar playing, distinctive vocal style, and lyrical prowess. The song’s lyrics describe the narrator’s experiences traveling along the riverside, encountering various characters and situations along the way. The narrator reflects on love, loss, and the struggles of life, all set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta.
The song features Johnson’s intricate fingerpicking guitar technique, as well as his signature slide guitar playing. The combination of his expressive vocals and masterful guitar work creates a haunting and evocative atmosphere that is characteristic of Johnson’s music.
“Traveling Riverside Blues” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Led Zeppelin, who recorded their own version of the song in 1969. Johnson’s original recording remains a classic of the blues genre and a testament to his enduring influence on popular music.
6. Hellhound on My Trail
“Hell Hound on My Trail” is a blues song written and recorded by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson. It was recorded in 1937 during Johnson’s final recording sessions in Dallas, Texas.
The song is a haunting and introspective piece, characterized by Johnson’s soulful vocals and intricate guitar work. In “Hell Hound on My Trail,” Johnson sings about feeling pursued and haunted by a malevolent force, symbolized by the “hellhound.” The lyrics convey a sense of fear, desperation, and resignation as Johnson grapples with his own inner demons and the hardships of life.
“Hell Hound on My Trail” is widely regarded as one of Robert Johnson’s greatest songs and has had a significant impact on the blues genre. Its eerie atmosphere and powerful imagery have made it a favorite among blues enthusiasts and musicians alike. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, further cementing its status as a blues classic.
7. Sweet Home Chicago
“Sweet Home Chicago” is a blues standard that has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. The song is attributed to Robert Johnson, although its exact origins are uncertain. It is believed to have been first recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936 during his historic recording sessions in San Antonio, Texas.
“Sweet Home Chicago” is a quintessential blues song that celebrates the city of Chicago as a hub of music and culture. The lyrics express a longing to return to Chicago, where the narrator hopes to find happiness, love, and a sense of belonging. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and memorable lyrics have made it a beloved anthem of the blues genre.
Over the years, “Sweet Home Chicago” has been covered by countless artists from various musical genres, including blues, rock, and jazz. Some of the most famous recordings of the song include versions by artists such as Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and the Blues Brothers.
“Sweet Home Chicago” has become a staple of live performances and jam sessions, both in Chicago and around the world. Its enduring popularity and timeless appeal make it one of the most iconic and recognizable songs in the blues canon.
8. I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom
“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” is a classic blues song that was written and recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. It’s one of Johnson’s most well-known and influential songs.
The song features Johnson’s distinctive slide guitar playing and soulful vocals. In “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom,” Johnson sings about leaving town and hitting the road, using the metaphor of dusting his broom as a symbol of moving on and leaving his troubles behind. The lyrics convey a sense of determination and resolve to move forward and start anew.
“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” has since become a blues standard and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elmore James, who recorded a popular version of the song in the 1950s. Johnson’s original recording, however, remains the definitive version and continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest blues songs of all time.
9. Love in Vain
“Love in Vain” is a blues song written by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson. It was recorded in 1937 during his final recording session in Dallas, Texas. The song features Johnson’s trademark slide guitar playing and emotive vocals.
“Love in Vain” is a poignant and melancholic blues ballad that tells the story of unrequited love and heartbreak. The lyrics describe the narrator’s feelings of sadness and longing after being abandoned by their lover. Despite their efforts to win back their love, the narrator realizes that their efforts are in vain, hence the title of the song.
Over the years, “Love in Vain” has been covered by numerous artists from various musical genres, including the Rolling Stones, who recorded a version of the song for their landmark album “Let It Bleed” in 1969. The Rolling Stones’ rendition introduced the song to a wider audience and helped cement its status as a blues classic.
Robert Johnson’s original recording of “Love in Vain” remains a timeless masterpiece of the blues genre, showcasing his exceptional songwriting talent and emotional depth. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a staple of blues music repertoire.
10. Cross Road Blues
“Cross Road Blues” is a blues song written and recorded by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson in 1936. It is one of Johnson’s most iconic and influential songs.
In “Cross Road Blues,” Johnson sings about standing at a crossroads and feeling lost and desperate. The lyrics convey a sense of uncertainty and existential angst as Johnson grapples with his fate and seeks guidance. The song’s haunting melody and Johnson’s emotive vocals contribute to its timeless appeal.
The crossroads mentioned in the song have become legendary in blues folklore, symbolizing the intersection of life’s choices and the struggle between good and evil. According to myth, Johnson made a deal with the devil at the crossroads, trading his soul for musical talent and success.
“Cross Road Blues” has had a profound impact on the blues genre and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Cream, Eric Clapton, and The Allman Brothers Band. Johnson’s original recording, however, remains the definitive version and continues to be celebrated as a classic of blues music.
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.
