10 Legendary Details Surrounding Robert Johnson, The Blues King Who Allegedly Sold His Soul

6 /10 The Wandering Harp

Robert took up the life of a traveling musician in 1932 between Memphis and Helena and all the smaller towns throughout Mississippi and Arkansas.

When he met Johnny Shines, the two would travel even further, going as far as Chicago, Texas, Kentucky – even Canada. He played with Henry Townsend in St. Louis.

He used different names as he traveled, only known by his friends and widespread, an extensive family he stayed with as who he indeed was.

5 /10 Fiendish Engagement

Robert wasn’t just a wandering musician; he was an outright fleeting one. He never made trouble and collected plenty of money, but as soon as an opportunity sprang to leave, he would.

Even in the middle of a gig, famously, he’d be playing his heart out and then exit, going the rest of the band to play and catch up or risk losing sight of him for days – even weeks at a time.

It was assumed he was entangled in some other obligations – perhaps due to his pact with the devil for power.

4 /10 Satanic Verses

Robert never sang outright evil songs.

The superstitions surrounding his power were corroborated by other blues musicians who were familiar with the folklore, rooted in the Christian upbringing and cultural appeal first garnered by the American slaves in the 1800s.

After so long of waiting for a savior, and even after emancipation not being entirely “saved” yet, some saw a more accessible out and took it, though they ultimately suffered for it in the end.

3 /10 Devil On Demand

In 1936, Robert sought out someone to record his sound using the newly standardized and revolutionary vinyl records that were still quite a new undertaking at the time. In just three days worth of sessions,

Robert recorded 16 tracks in a hotel in San Antonio. He also did more than one take each, allowing further comparisons to be reached by researchers to determine his precise style.

Some of these recordings, such as Cross Road Blues and Sweet Home Chicago, became the classic songs of Blues for years to come.

2 /10 The Devil's Dues

Johnson died in 1938 at just 27 years old. Though this was not quickly reported. Robert’s habit of disappearing for long periods meant people thought he walked away and never returned.

It wasn’t until 30 years later that his death certificate – a simple one – was discovered by a musicologist researching the roots of Rock and Roll in the foundational members of the early Blues movement.

It was believed he died of an aortic dissection.

1 /10 Resting In The Blues

Robert Johnson’s exact burial location was never discovered, and three grave markers are attributed to him in different parts of Mississippi.

Some researchers attribute Robert’s death to poisoning or other diseases until more conclusive research was done as late as 2006.

They noted Robert’s unnaturally long fingers and his one evil eye, signs of Marfan syndrome which may have, at the time, been mistaken for symptoms of a demonic presence.

These things were supposed to be ghastly, which he used as tools to perfect his music. Dark gifts which made sweet music.