Historical Blues — Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi who was an American singer and song writer that became renowned for his talents to play the blues. He was known as the King of the Delta Blues Singers and his popularity gave him notoriety from big names as Bob Dylan, as his hard upbringing never stopped him from realizing his talents. He got his first performances in small clubs and street gigs and these starts come out in his expressive tones and lyrics. Johnson’s life has also been somewhat of a mystery as well, with myths of him even selling his sole to the devil for his blues talents. Never the less, his musical talents have had an everlasting effect that still makes it relevant to this day.
One of his more famous songs was “Sweet Home Chicago”, which was written in 1936 by Gunter Hotel. This song was turned into a popular “anthem” for people that live in Chicago and has been renditioned many times. In his lyrics, he tells a story of him talking to the desire to go back to Chicago. I could see why many people related to this song that live their. The drums, electric and bass guitar and grand piano compliment his style so well during the song as well. He also adapted a high vocal for the song that seems to almost mirror a falsetto. I have linked the song below for your enjoyment.
Another great song of his is “Cross road Blues”. He performed the piece in a Delta blues style and also continued the myth of him selling his sole to the devil, due to him indirectly referring to the area where the deal might have happened. The tone of the song is somber and anxious with a sense of him being alone. The song itself though, was powerful and memorable, earning induction into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. I have also linked the song at the bottom as well.
Works Cited
“Biography.” Robert Johnson Blues Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 June 2017. <http://www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org/biography/>.
“Cross Road Blues.” Robert Johnson: Crossroad Blues. The Robert Johnson Notebooks, n.d. Web. 25 June 2017.
Lawrence, Andrew. “Sweet Home Chicago.” Community Guitar. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 June 2017. <http://www.communityguitar.com/students/Songs/SweetHomeChicago.htm>.