Johnson, Robert

Around 1931 Johnson left the Robinsonville area. When he returned, about a year later, his playing had improved to a miraculous degree, leading to extravagant rumours that he had made a “deal” with Satan. Johnson actively encouraged the legend, enhancing it further by writing songs about meeting the Devil, such as “Cross Road Blues” and “Me and the Devil Blues.” In reality, Johnson probably derived much of his ability from emulating other musicians he had...