
Hello, and welcome to my first Cabinet of Curiosities post. Legends and folklore have held a fascination for me since I was a child. As an adult, I’ve been privileged to give presentations on the subject, and have woven bits of legend into most of my published novels and short stories.
Today, I’d like to step back into the dusty days of the Mississippi Delta when folklore and music intertwined in the life of legendary blues guitarist, Robert Johnson. When a hardscrabble existence and a hunger for fame, led a young man to bargain his soul for the trappings of success.
According to legend, Robert Johnson was already a moderately successful blues guitarist when he walked down to the crossroads on a moonless night. At the stroke of midnight he recited an incantation to summon the devil (or Legba, depending on the version of the tale). In exchange for his soul, the devil tuned Johnson’s guitar. From then on Johnson played with amazing skill no other musician could match. When Son House, a friend and mentor to Johnson, was overheard saying “He sold his soul to play like that,” it only served to stoke the fire of superstition.
There was no question Johnson had peculiarities. He lived the life of a nomad, roaming from town to town peddling his music. He had an uncanny ability to pick up tunes at first hearing, and was once taught by a man rumored to have learned music in a church graveyard. He often turned his back to the crowd while playing, but could easily engage a group of listeners. Outgoing in public, he was reserved in private, well-mannered and soft spoken.
Having lost his sixteen-year-old bride and unborn child years before, he became a bit of a womanizer which may have led to his downfall. Legend has it Robert met his end when he drank from an open bottle of whiskey in a juke joint where he’d been playing. Some say a jealous husband poisoned the whiskey with strychnine, others that it was an ex-girlfriend. He suffered convulsions and died three days later. Still others whisper he was shot or stabbed. Whatever the cause, the man who sang “Hellhounds on My Trail” had nowhere left to flee.
Robert Johnson died at the age of twenty-seven on August 16, 1938 not far from a country crossroads in Greenwood, Mississippi.
Among his songs, six mention the devil or something supernatural. “Crossroad Blues” which has been recorded by a number of other musicians is also rumored to carry a curse. Several of those who have recorded, or played it frequently, experienced tragic circumstances–Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers Band, Lynryd Skynrd, Led Zepplin and Kurt Corbain. I think it speaks volumes that all of these musicians and many others, kept Johnson’s song alive long after his demise.
In 1980 he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Perhaps most telling of all, on September 17, 1994, the U.S. Post Office issued a Robert Johnson 29-cent commemorative postage stamp.
For Robert Johnson, King of the Delta Blues, his legend along with all of its inherent mystery, lives on.
One of my favourite movies is ‘Crossroads’ based on this legend, can heartily recommend it. Thanks for reminding me of it, I’ll be doing a rewatch at the weekend!
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Fraggle, is that the old movie made in the 80s? I LOVE that film!! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched it. One of my all time faves. I have a dvd copy and will have to dig it out and rewatch, too!
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Yes Ralph Wotsisface (?Macciato I think but thats a coffee maybe :D) and Stevie Vai in the guitar duesl. Brilliant stuff!
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Yep, that’s the one I thought. Ralph Macchio as the wannabe blues guitarist. That duel at the end is incredible. Stevie Vai is amazing!
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Great first post, Mae 🙂 A good song, but I admit I’d be afraid to record it with the history behind it.
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I’d be leery of recording it, too, Denise! 🙂
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Until now I did not know about Robert Johnson. You wrote an interesting, tragic, and chilling account. Thanks for sharing, Mae.
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Karen, he was such a legend. An amazing guitarist who died way too young. I’m glad I could shed some light on him.
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Very interesting post, Mae. I knew none of this. What a legend, especially as he died so young. I would be highly reluctant to record that song with the bad luck that seems to follow it. Thanks for sharing 💕🙂
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I admit to having the Clapton version on mp3. When I think of the legend behind it, it always induces chills!
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Fascinating post, Mae! This is all new to me. Thanks for sharing!
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I’m glad I could shine a light on Robert Johnson, Jill. He was such a talented man who died much too young.
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I’ve heard this story before and have always been fascinated by it. I’m most familiar with Eric Clapton’s version and never stopped to think about the tragedies in these musicians’ lives.
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With your love of music, I’d figured you’d be familiar with this legend, Joan.
I have Clapton’s version on mp3. It’s a great song with a tragic past!
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I didn’t realize Johnson died so young. He produced such moving music, how tragic that the world lost him so early. It was a dreadful price to pay if he really did sell his soul, at the crossroads or otherwise.
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I agree that the world lost an amazing musician when Johnson died, Priscilla. I’m glad he left such amazing music behind for his legacy.
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I always loved this story, and wrote the crossroads magic into one tale years ago. Cool post.
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Very cool that you used the legend in a tale, Craig. Crossroads and folklore go hand-in-hand and fascinate me!
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Ooooo…creepy. I’d never heard this story before. Great first post, Mae!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Tessa. Johnson was an amazing musician who lived a hardscrabble life!
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I wasn’t familiar with Robert Johnson, but what a creepy story. From the TV show Supernatural, crossroads and hellhounds are things you don’t want to get involved with. I’m excited for this feature, Mae!
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I love legends related to crossroads, Teri. This one is really old, but it’s always stuck with me from the first time I heard it. Glad I was able to shine a light on a talented musician. He left us way to early.
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I knew nothing of Robert Johnson before your post, Mae. What an interesting (and creepy) story. It’s a mystery I think I’ll let lie. I’m amazed just how convoluted life can be at times. Thanks for the journey through this legend. I look forward to reading about more legends and folklore.
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I’m glad I was able to introduce a new legend to you, Gwen. Robert Johnson was an amazing musician, but I agree the rumors about his life and fame are on the creepy side!
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I’ve loved the crossroads legend since I first heard it, though I didn’t know all these details. Thanks for sharing this story.
I know I’m really going to enjoy this feature, Mae.
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Glad I could shine a greater light on the legend, Staci. I’m also glad you’re looking forward to more “curiosities.” I know we share a love of those things!
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Gotta check out that movie. HIs music is amazing.
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Noelle, I love that movie. It’s really old (from the 80s) but I’ve watched and enjoyed it countless times.
And I agree, Robert Johson was someone extraordinary!
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After that amazing intro, how could I not play that YT? What energy.
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I love the old bluesy feel of the song. Imagine hearing him play that live!
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Great post, Mae. I almost don’t want to listen to Crossroads knowing the legend.
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Ha, ha! I do still love the song, but I certainly wouldn’t want to record it if I was a musician! 😉
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Me either. 😁
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I’ve never heard this legend before. Deals with the devil never go well except maybe the guitar song The Devil Came Down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels.
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The Charlie Daniels song is another good one, Judi. I have that on mp3 as well. A better ending than this legend!
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What an interesting legend Mae! I guess when great people die young, such stories are made and jealousies do play their role in case of talented persons. Cabinet of Curiosities is most appropriate title for these legends. I look forward to more. 😊
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I like your insight into how and why people need to spin legends, Balroop. So true.
And I’m glad you’re looking forward to more “curiosities.” I do enjoy sharing these types of tales!
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I’m not familiar with Robert Johnson, Mae. I went to YouTube to listen to Crossroads. Talent like that seemed supernatural. I can’t imagine Robert Johnson sold his soul for the musical talent to play guitar. Dealing with the devil always has a catch and would never be on the winning side. Thank you for the post, Mae! 😊
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I’m so glad this post prompted you to check out Crossroads, Miriam. It’s a great song despite the legend behind it. Johnson was a talented man. And I totally agree with you that any dealings with the devil are bound to end bad!
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I love that song played by Eric Clapton. I didn’t realize it had such an eerie history. This reminds me of a story Teagan Geneviene wrote based on Robert Johnson’s history titled Brother Love.
Kind of freaky so many major recording artists met tragic ends after producing his song.
Interesting post, Mae!
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I have the Clapton version on mp3, Jacquie. It’s a great song, though I agree the history associated with it is eerie. And I do remember Teagan’s intriguing Brother Love blog serial. Music and legends inspire so many tales. Thanks for visiting today for the launch of Curiosities posts!
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Very interesting! Isn’t it crazy how legends get started? With social media and all, we don’t have that kind of mystery anymore. Camera phones capture everything!
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Hi, Karina. Thanks for visiting to check out my post. I agree about camera phones. I guess there’s always a downside to any new technology. We’ve removed an aura of mystery from many things. I guess that’s why I cling to all these old legends and bits of folklore. I hope they never go away!
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I love the legend surrounding Robert Johnson. Regardless of whether he met the devil and sold his soul, his musical legacy still lives on, as you pointed out. Great post, Mae!
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I’m sure he came by all that raw talent naturally, Jan, but the legend certainly makes for good folklore! His name and his music deserve to be remembered!
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Fascinating post about Robert Johnson, Mae. I wonder what the listeners at his first concert must have thought when he turned his back to them? I like the name you chose for this new instalment. 🙂
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It is an odd way to perform, isn’t it, Mark? Very peculiar, but then Johnson certainly had his share of eccentricities.
Thanks for visiting, and I’m glad you like the name I chose 🙂
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I’ve never heard of this one so I’m glad you shared it, Mae. Such a fascinating tale!
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Glad you dropped by to check out the post, Mar, and found it interesting. I love sharing things like this!
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Love this stuff! Old school, legends, creepy-ish stories….I’m a fan!! 🙂 Have you heard the podcast Stuff You Should Know and their episode on R.J.? It’s pretty awesome: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-stuff-you-should-know-26940277/episode/short-stuff-robert-johnson-and-the-45721716/
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Oooh! I didn’t know about the podcast, Sue. Thanks for the link. And I definitely in the same camp as you with old school legends!
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Fascinating, Mae. I do wonder about the energy that seems to cling to certain people, or to songs, or to places. I don’t think we fully understand the invisible world. 🙂
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That is so true, Diana. I doubt we ever will understand it, but it sure makes for interesting discussions!
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Crazy and creepy. So another member of the 27 Club.
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Sadly, yes. I wondered how many would pick up on that!
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This is a fascinating post, Mae. I didn’t know any of this and it is very interesting. A wonderful and creepy story.
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Thanks, Robbie. 🙂
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You’ve written a fantastic post, Mae. I’m a long-time Robert Johnson fan. I have his entire collection (those few and precious recordings he made) on CD and on my iPod. He certainly carries that dark legend to this day. Thanks for sharing Robert with your readers. Perhaps he has found new fans here.
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Wow! That’s awesome you have a CD of his recordings, Beem. His legend is fascinating, but his talent was extraordinary. I would love to read an account of his life. I’m going to have to see if there is any tine of biography on him. It’s sure to be thoroughly engrossing!
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