Robert Johnson is one of the most famous musicians to ever live. Some think he gave birth to Blues music. This song, Crossroads, is probably his most famous song and it is about selling his soul to the devil at crossroads in exchange for getting to become a famous blues player. It is also about slavery and the awful life of African Americans in the south. Many of the most famous artists of our time have done remakes of this song including Eric Clapton, the Allman brothers, John Mayer and Lynard Skynard. Robert gave rise to Rock and Roll and the Blues which have obviously become a worldwide phenomenon.

Robert Johnson died in 1938 at the young age of 27 and his death is unsolved. Many say that his song is cursed, but I think this song is one of the most important songs in the music industry. Music would not be what it is today without Robert Johnson. The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton all claim he was one of their biggest influences.


Here is the link to the song and a video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd60nI4sa9A




What do you all think he is saying in his song? There are mixed views and debate about whether or not he really did try to sell his soul to the devil.

Why do you think his music and this song in particular had such a strong effect on music, rock and roll, and jazz??