Robert Johnson (5/8/1911-8/16/1938) died at 27 -- just like Joplin, Hendrix and company did later in the twentieth century. But not too long before, he recorded a slew of songs in San Antonio (1936) and Dallas (1937). The "San Antonio Sessions" at the Gunter Hotel are celebrated by the San Antonio Blues Society's memorials at the hotel. I came across the display pictured above while at a memorable Easter Brunch with B & G in 2005.
The Gunter, built in 1909, is now a Sheraton with all mod cons -- here's a link: http://www.gunterhotel.com/
There's a ton of Robert Johnson material out there, including all known recordings and this recent tome, Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues (2004) by Elijah Wald.
"I Believe I'll Dust My Broom" (1936); Elmore James did a cool version of this in 1951 and Bob Dylan's "High Water (For Charley Patton)" has a nifty little homage in it, as well, released in 2001.
Today's Rune: Protection.
5 comments:
James Sallis is a big fan of Robert Johnson. Have you ever read his Lew Griffin books? the long legged fly, moth, etc?
Fleetwood Mac
Erik, I am sorta new to Blues--but the music is cool. Can't listen too much cuz it makes me want to get drunk and try to make up my own verses..
BTW, try GSM jammer to block all secret devices in your room or office.
Hey all, danke for the comments! Charles, I'll have to look into them; not familiar with him or them. WM, good one. Fleetwood Mac before they became California mood music ;-> Jodi,very funny. A Detroit state of mind. Anon, awesome!
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