One lonely dark Mississippi night, a young Robert Johnson took his guitar to a crossroads near Clarksdale and began playing a tune. Around midnight, as Johnson was strumming his instrument, he was approached by none other than the devil, himself. The melodic demon took Johnson's guitar, tuned it, and began to play a few songs. When the guitar was returned to Robert Johnson, he became a master blues musician--all for the price of his soul.
I cannot think of anyone in music who fits the word "legend" quite like Robert Johnson. His backstory is as much myth as it is fact. Did he sell his soul to the devil at the crossroads on a lonely Mississippi night? Was he actually poisoned to death by a lover's jealous husband? Where was he buried? Johnson died at the young age of 27, and never saw fame or fortune. It wasn't until the 1960s--when his music was re-released on vinyl--that his fame and legacy began to take shape. Musicians at the time such as Eric Clapton, Brian Jones, and Jimmy Page discovered his music and became enthralled with his sound. This particular tune was made famous because of Eric Clapton's electric version of it from the 1960s.
Knowing the myth, there is something eerie about hearing Johnson sing about the crossroads; even though the song has nothing to do with that fateful night in which he was diabolically imbued with musical talent. Johnson's sound would eventually help shape modern rock and roll, and it is easy to see the roots of rock in Cross Road Blues. Robert Johnson's legacy and history are fascinating, which makes me appreciate his music and this tune all the more. It is more than deserving of my 3rd Doc's Gold Seal of Approval.
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