Born in 1911 in Mississippi, Robert johnson was born to parents Julia dodds and noah johnson(whom Julia had never married). Robert spend majority of his time in Mississippi delta region with his mother Julia dodds and stepfather charles dodds. Robert’s stepfather wanted him to work in the fields with him, but Robert had some other plans. Robert wanted to spend his life and earning his living with blues. Mississipi Delta was a place wherein the blacks were treated badly, but it had the joints which gave a chance to the musicians to earn their living. Robert tried his hands and mastered the jew harp and harmonica before taking up guitar. At the age of 19 robert married the 16 year old virginia travis who wanted Robert to leave music and work in the farm, so Robert did it. Robert left music and started working in the fields, and virginia got pregnant and went on to live with his ger grandmother. Taking advantage of this Robert took the chance to pick and play his guitar. It was later found that virginia left the world in April 1930 along with their baby, which left Robert devasted. It was after Virginias death Robert decided to dedicate his life to music and dreamt of becoming a big star. In July 1930 sun house mobbed to Robinsonville. Johnson had witnessed the playing of then blues masters willie brown, charley patton and son house. All had gathered in an concert of their with packed house. Robert had also been to the concert only to later picking up the guitar later and playing it. Robert was a novice player and The sound was noisy according to many in the hall who left the concert due to the guitar being played by Robert. Feeling down Robert disappeared for an year. Later, after an year Robert returned and present himself in front of an audience who had gathered to witness the playing of sun house and willie brown. But this time Robert was soo good to leave everyone in an awe.
How did he get so good?
Many came to an conclusion that he was hanging in crossroad according to the myth and handed his guitar to devil who turned it and sold his soul to the devil. Robert used to play music in the graveyard which made many believe that he really sold his soul to the devil. Robert played many things at a point of time, which was very difficult to be played by anyone else. Robert recorded 29 songs in total for an American record company.
What caused his death?
Success had got into Roberts head and he was seen taking up with a man’s wife and disrespected the husband. The man or the woman gave Robert an alcohol with poison, which caused him to suffer that night and died 2-3 days later.
It was only later found that despite being guilty the man(or woman) was not arrested and was left free.
Robert has been an huge motivation to led zeppelin. Eric Clapton and many such great musicians.
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