Guitar Greats-Robert Johnson

Where it all began! Robert Johnson is the first widely recognised, influential blues recording artist. He was sadly not recognised greatly in his short lifetime, but his work has been widely discovered since following his death at age 27. His guitar style included finger picking and slides, his lyrics were a confessional style.

Many myths surround Johnson, mostly due to lack of knowledge, including selling his soul to the devil, and 'playing' with black magic and consequently having bad luck and things going wrong due to these happenings.

Some of the rock n roll greats influenced by Johnson include Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and Robert Plant.

Johnson was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Robert's guitar would have been an early six string acoustic guitar, not too dissimilar to the one below. This was perfect for his lifestyle which was travelling from town to town, performing with just a guitar on his back. (No amplifier needed!)