Robert Johnson was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born on May 8, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, and died on August 16, 1938, in Greenwood, Mississippi. Despite his brief life and career, Johnson is considered one of the most influential musicians in the history of blues. His recordings in the late 1930s, which include classics like “Cross Road Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” and “Love in Vain,” showcase his exceptional guitar skills and haunting voice. Johnson’s music reflects themes of love, hardship, and the supernatural, often linked to the myth that he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads for his musical prowess. His innovative techniques and emotive performances have inspired countless artists across genres, solidifying his legacy as a foundational figure in American music.
1. They’re Red Hot
“They’re Red Hot” is a lively and playful song by Robert Johnson, recorded during his final recording session in 1937. Unlike many of his more somber and introspective blues tracks, “They’re Red Hot” showcases Johnson’s versatility and sense of humor. The song is a fast-paced, upbeat tune featuring Johnson’s nimble guitar work and spirited vocals. The lyrics, which revolve around a street vendor’s enthusiastic pitch for hot tamales, capture a snapshot of everyday life with a light-hearted and catchy rhythm. This track highlights Johnson’s ability to infuse joy and wit into his music, adding another layer to his complex and enduring legacy.
2. Kind Hearted Woman Blues
“Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is a blues song by the legendary Robert Johnson, first recorded in 1936. Known for its intricate guitar work and emotive vocals, the song is one of Johnson’s most famous and influential pieces. The lyrics express the pain of loving a woman who is unfaithful and unkind, a recurring theme in Johnson’s work. His haunting voice and masterful slide guitar technique create a raw, poignant atmosphere that captures the essence of the blues. “Kind Hearted Woman Blues” remains a cornerstone of Delta blues and has inspired countless musicians in the decades since its release.
3. Come on in My Kitchen
“Come on in My Kitchen” is a classic blues song by Robert Johnson, recorded in 1936. This song is renowned for its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, which depict themes of love and longing. Johnson’s expressive guitar work, characterized by his use of slide guitar, creates a deeply atmospheric and intimate sound. The lyrics tell the story of a man who invites his lover to seek refuge from the hardships of the outside world in the warmth of his kitchen. “Come on in My Kitchen” is celebrated for its emotional depth and intricate musicianship, solidifying Robert Johnson’s legacy as a seminal figure in the history of the blues.
4. Ramblin’ on My Mind
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” is a classic blues song by Robert Johnson, recorded in 1936 during his first recording session in San Antonio, Texas. The song features Johnson’s masterful guitar playing and his distinctive, expressive vocals. The lyrics convey a sense of restless longing and heartache, themes common in Johnson’s work. With lines like “I got mean things, I got mean things on my mind,” the song captures the essence of the blues: a deep, personal expression of sorrow and yearning. “Ramblin’ on My Mind” has been highly influential, covered by numerous artists including Eric Clapton, and remains a cornerstone of Johnson’s legendary catalog.
5. Traveling Riverside Blues
“Traveling Riverside Blues” is a blues song by Robert Johnson, recorded in 1937. Known for its intricate slide guitar work and compelling lyrics, the song is one of Johnson’s most influential pieces. The lyrics detail Johnson’s experiences and adventures, with references to various locations and women he encounters along his travels. The song is notable for its evocative imagery and storytelling, painting a vivid picture of life on the road. Johnson’s masterful guitar technique, combined with his soulful voice, creates a powerful and enduring blues classic. “Traveling Riverside Blues” has been covered by numerous artists, including Led Zeppelin, highlighting its lasting impact on the genre.
6. Hellhound on My Trail
“Hellhound on My Trail” is one of Robert Johnson’s most haunting and influential blues songs, recorded in 1937. The song is renowned for its eerie atmosphere and deeply personal lyrics, reflecting themes of fear, desperation, and the supernatural. Johnson’s mournful vocals and intricate guitar work create a sense of urgency and unease, as he sings about being pursued by an ominous, relentless force. Lines like “I got to keep moving, I got to keep moving, blues falling down like hail” evoke a vivid image of a man tormented by his past and the specter of impending doom. “Hellhound on My Trail” has left a lasting impact on the blues genre, cementing Johnson’s legacy as one of its most enigmatic and powerful voices.
7. Sweet Home Chicago
“Sweet Home Chicago” is a seminal blues song by Robert Johnson, recorded in 1936. The song has become one of the most famous and enduring blues anthems, capturing the longing for a better life in the city of Chicago, which was seen as a hub for blues musicians. The lyrics blend themes of travel, aspiration, and the search for a place of belonging. Johnson’s distinct vocal style and masterful guitar playing imbue the song with a sense of yearning and hope. “Sweet Home Chicago” has been covered by countless artists and remains a cornerstone of the blues genre, symbolizing the cultural migration to Chicago and its significance in blues history.
8. I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom
“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” is a classic blues song by Robert Johnson, recorded in 1936. This track is notable for its driving rhythm and Johnson’s skilled slide guitar work, which became a defining element of the Delta blues style. The song’s lyrics depict a man deciding to leave his troubles behind and search for a better life, a common theme in blues music. The phrase “dust my broom” is a metaphor for moving on and starting anew. Johnson’s passionate delivery and intricate guitar technique have made “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” a timeless blues standard, covered by many artists, including Elmore James, whose electrified version further popularized the song in the 1950s.
9. Love in Vain
“Love in Vain” is a poignant blues song by Robert Johnson, recorded in 1937. The song is characterized by its sorrowful lyrics and Johnson’s emotive vocal delivery, expressing the pain of unrequited love. The lyrics tell the story of a man bidding farewell to his lover, lamenting her departure and the heartache it brings. Johnson’s delicate guitar work, featuring a combination of fingerpicking and slide techniques, enhances the song’s melancholic mood. “Love in Vain” has been widely covered by various artists, most notably The Rolling Stones, who brought the song to a broader audience with their rendition in the late 1960s. This song remains a classic example of Johnson’s profound influence on the blues genre and his ability to convey deep emotional experiences through his music.
10. Cross Road Blues
“Cross Road Blues,” often simply known as “Crossroads,” is one of Robert Johnson’s most famous and enduring songs, recorded in 1936. The track is steeped in myth and legend, often associated with the story that Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads to achieve his extraordinary musical talent. Musically, “Cross Road Blues” showcases Johnson’s skillful guitar playing and evocative vocal delivery. The lyrics describe a desperate plea for salvation and guidance, with Johnson singing about standing at a crossroads, seeking help but finding none. Lines like “I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees” capture the song’s haunting and poignant mood. The song’s powerful imagery and emotional depth have influenced countless musicians, and it has been covered by many artists, including Eric Clapton with Cream, further cementing its status as a cornerstone of American blues music.