Robert Johnson

Location:
CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Mississippi, US
Type:
Artist / Band / Musician
Genre:
Blues / Americana / Roots Music
Site(s):
Label:
Sony
Type:
Major
www.musicplaylist.us/loadplaylist.php?playlist=9585966">



Robert Johnson (1911-1938) is commonly known as King of the Delta Blues. His songs have been recorded by giants in the music industry such as Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, B B King and many others. The music/compositions of Robert Johnson have influenced the music and style of many other artists and performers throughout the years.



In 2004, Robert Johnson's son Claud, and his grandsons, Steven, Gregory and Michael Johnson began a non profit organization called the "Robert Johnson Blues Foundation" to honor their father and grandfather and the original style of music that he created.



"Jim, do you know who Robert Johnson is?" This simple question began a 10 year legal battle that ended with the music of one of the world's most influential blues musician, Robert Johnson, back in the hands of its lawful heir, his son Claud. The question was posed to Claud's lawyer and good friend, Jim Kitchens. Claud, now in his 70's, has parked his gravel truck in the driveway of his Crystal Springs, MS home and is putting his effort to bringing the music of his dad to another generation. A few of the benefits of his new life was the opportunity for Claud to meet Eric Clapton who was so influenced by the music of Robert Johnson that he released an entire LP of his music in 2004, entitled ME AND MR. JOHNSON.



Yet by far one of the most memorable and heartfelt points in his new life is the day Claud Johnson, Robert's son, along with his sons Steven, Michael, and Gregory Johnson and their families traveled to the 48th Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2006 in Los Angeles, CA. Claud accepted a Grammy "Lifetime Achievement" Award on his father's behalf!



Robert Johnson, "King of the Delta Blues Singers", was born in Hazlehurst, MS in Copiah County, on May 8, 1911. Crystal Springs, MS is its sister city and host of the Robert Johnson "BLUES JAM 2008" which commemorates the birth of the Mississippi blues legend. This year we will celebrate the "70th Year" of the Life and death of our loved one!"



Johnson is one of the most admired and influential Delta blues artists despite his short life and the small number of recordings he sang. His songs, such as "Sweet Home Chicago", "Come on in My Kitchen", and "Crossroad Blues" are blues classics -- have been played by thousands of blues artists and adapted by rock 'n' roll artists. His life and work would later influence the growth and talent of famous musicians such as Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, Red Hot Chili Peppers and even Elvis.



Robert Johnson was a gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter whose life story is wrapped in mystery and legend. Only two photographs are known to exist of him and he recorded only 29 songs before his death in 1938 at the age of 27. Many of his contemporaries believed that he met the devil at a lonely crossroads at midnight and made a deal to sell his soul in return for becoming the greatest blues musician of all time. Truth be told he was blessed with enormous talent and spent a lot of time learning from other blues masters, specifically Ike Zimmerman and honing his skills. He achieved some success and fame from recordings and performances during his life and was scheduled to perform at the first "Spirituals to Swing" concert at Carnegie Hall when he died.



Although his burial place remains uncertain, it is generally accepted that his death was not accidental. Johnson was supposedly poisoned by a jealous husband (or girlfriend) while performing at a juke joint near Greenwood, Mississippi and died on August 16, 1938. He defined the 30s blues era, but died in 1938 at the young age of 27. Though he only wrote 29 songs, his impact on the world of music has been INCREDIBLE. Many consider him the father of modern rock and roll. On January 23, 1986 Robert Johnson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.



Johnson's music lives on through his recordings, which were first released as a compilation by Columbia Records in the 1960's. In 1990 a complete two-CD box set of all his recordings (every take of every song) was released and over a million sets were sold. His music also lives on through the many blues musicians that are still alive today -- old and young, throughout the United States and around the world.



The Robert Johnson Estate cares for the music and licensing of the Robert Johnson name. Gibson Guitar Co. has developed and is selling a Robert Johnson guitar and is in the final design of a dobro.

Robert Johnson's music is recorded by artists worldwide and plans are being developed for a book, play and movie.



ENJOY MEMBERSHIP in the ROBERT JOHNSON BLUES FOUNDATION

with benefits



Dear Future Members:



The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation (501c.3) non-profit organization is pleased to offer you our Annual Membership opportunities. By becoming one of our members you will have the honor of helping us achieve our mission. The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation is dedicated to preserving the music and memory of Robert Johnson through the provision of art education, competitions and scholarships.



In keeping with our mission we have provided college scholarships to help students striving to further their education. We were glad to be able to handpick and adopt Kipori "Babywolf" Woods, an acclaimed and up-and-coming blues musician from New Orleans. Kipori and his family lost all of their possessions in the hurricane but we have, and continue to assist them as they get back on their feet. He was featured as an honorary performer at our 2006 Spring Festival on Saturday, May 6, 2006.



Our main event and fund-raiser remains our annual " Robert Johnson BLUES JAM" honoring the birth of Robert Johnson (d.o.b. May 8, 1911). Our 2008 BLUES JAM will be held Saturday, May 10, 2008 at Lake Chataqua Park in Crystal Springs, MS. This is also the home of the "Robert Johnson Blues Museum & Foundation". On Saturday, May 10th we will be honored with awesome performances by the Grammy Award winning Honeyboy Edwards and the awesome Grammy winner "Pinetop Perkins" and the Muddy Water's Reunion Band, 'Howlin' Wolf Reunion Band, Mississippi's southern soul singer T.K. Soul, and many many more talented performers.



Our New Generation Award winner for 2007, old Tyler Bryant of Honey Grove Texas, will be performing along with his band. Last year Tyler gave a stellar acoustic solo performance and was then joined by 2006 winner Patrick Droney for a half hour set. "This is such an amazing honor" said Bryant."I feel so blessed to receive this, I'm lucky because I was born knowing what I want to do." Bryant was chosen through a contest that saw entries from several countries and judged by a blue ribbon panel which included Grammy winning producers, songwriters and artists. Stay tuned for this years WINNER!



THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR HELP::

We hope you understand that funding for the RJBF is derived from generous private and corporate donations, foundation grants, and annual dues. We ask that you join our cause as a sponsor, or a Robert Johnson Foundation member. Your contribution will help many people. We appreciate ALL support.



For more information about us go to our site: www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org



God Bless!



OWN A PIECE OF ART AND MUSIC HISTORY! TO ORDER THIS ORIGINAL DRAWING YOU CAN CONTACT THE ROBERT JOHNSON BLUES FOUNDATION FOR A COPY OF THIS PRINT THAT HAS BEEN HAND SIGNED BY THE ARTIST (CHRIS OSBOURNE) & ROBERT JOHNSON'S SON, CLAUD JOHNSON. THIS HAS BECOME A FAST COLLECTIBLE FOR ENTHUSIASTIC "ROBERT JOHNSON FANS AROUND THE WORLD"!
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