If traced the origin of rock music, Robert Johnson rightly referred to as the grandfather of rock & roll. The singing style, the finesse of the guitar and his songs influenced many musicians - from Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin to U2. Eric Clapton calls Robert Johnson the most important blues musician ever to live.
Born in Mississippi in 1911, Robert Johnson recorded 29 songs in two recording sessions in San Antonio, 1936 and Dallas, 1937. Better known songs include "Come on in My Kitchen", "Love in Vain", "Sweet Home Chicago" , "Cross Road Blues", "Terraplane Blues" and "I Believe I 'll Dust My Broom" which is often covered by rock artists. Its compilation, the King of the Delta Blues Singers, published in 1961 popularized the blues to young musicians of the 1960s.
Many myths, legends and speculations revolve around Robert Johnson, and the most famous is about Johnson selling his soul to demons at crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi (around the intersection of Highway 61 and Highway 49) to get great guitar skills.
This legend is derived from the bluesman story of Son House, without the support of Johnson's recognition in his song despite titles like "Me and the Devil Blues" and "Hellhound on my Trail". Furthermore, "Cross Road Blues" is interpreted by many people over the myth, whereas the lyrics read "Standin 'at the crossroads, tried to flag a ride" indicating he is more lead to the search for vehicle laying rather than selling his soul to Lucifer.
