Artist page · 03/07/2026

Robert Johnson

HazlehurstBorn in 1911BLUES13 vinyl albums
Robert Johnson, born in 1911 in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, was a pioneering Delta blues guitarist and singer active in the 1930s. Despite a brief career ending in 1938, his influence extends widely across blues and modern rock music.
13Albums on Vinyles.com
763Discogs releases
730kLast.fm listeners

About

Robert Johnson, Delta blues roots from Mississippi to legendary status.

Key albums like King Of The Delta Blues Singers originate from 1930s sessions; original pressings often rare and sought after.

Robert Johnson is hailed as a foundational figure in the Delta blues genre, known for his acoustic guitar work and emotive vocals. His recordings from the mid-1930s include legendary tracks such as "Cross Road Blues," "Terraplane Blues," and "Sweet Home Chicago." Johnson's sessions in San Antonio produced key master takes that continue to be reissued on vinyl, often prized for both historical significance and audio quality. The mystique surrounding his life and the myth of making a pact at a crossroads add to his enduring legacy.

Several modern vinyl reissues of Johnson's work are available, including high-quality audiophile pressings on 180g vinyl, compilations, and albums featuring bonus tracks.

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Robert Johnson's career.

01
Cross Road Blues
·
02
Sweet Home Chicago
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03
Me and the Devil Blues
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04
Come on in My Kitchen
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05
Terraplane Blues
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06
I Believe I'll Dust My Broom
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07
32-20 Blues
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08
When You Got a Good Friend
·

The essentials

The 3 Robert Johnson albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 2023
Vinyl
King Of The Delta Blues Singers

A key collection of Robert Johnson's 1936-1937 recordings, foundational for the Delta blues style and highly influential across genres.

Jazz/Blues genreLabel: IntermusicIncludes major hits like Cross Road Blues
#2 · 2026
Vinyl
King Of The Delta Blues Singers Vol. 2

Continues the collection of Robert Johnson's master takes, often pressed on audiophile 180g vinyl, sought after by collectors.

Jazz/Blues genreLabel: MUSIC ON VINYLIncludes rare tracks and bonus material
#3 · 2019
Vinyl
King Of The Delta Blues Singers + 2 Bonus Tracks!

An expanded edition including additional tracks, representing Johnson's enduring presence on vinyl with quality reissues.

Jazz/Blues genreLabel: IntermusicBonus tracks included

Go further

Artists similar to Robert Johnson

Artists who share part of Robert Johnson's musical DNA.

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Robert Johnson

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

"Son House was astonished by Johnson's rapid progress, admitting he was now surpassed."
— Blues historian
01Recording

1936 San Antonio sessions with Don Law

Robert Johnson recorded his seminal works in November 1936 under producer Don Law in San Antonio, including the hit 'Terraplane Blues' that was pivotal for Vocalion Records.

1936San Antonio
02Biography

The crossroads myth

The legend tells of Johnson meeting a dark figure at a crossroads near Clarksdale, Mississippi, who tuned his guitar and bestowed him extraordinary skill, inspiring stories about a pact with the devil.

1930sClarksdale, Mississippi
03Influence

Mentorship by Ike Zimmerman

After being initially discouraged by Son House in 1931, Johnson found a mentor in Ike Zimmerman, who helped develop his guitar technique and stage presence during his formative years.

1931Robinsonville, Mississippi
04Legacy

Aged 27, part of the 27 Club

Robert Johnson died in 1938 at the age of 27 under mysterious circumstances, becoming one of the earliest members of the 27 Club of musicians who died young.

1938Greenwood, Mississippi

Records by Robert Johnson

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FAQ

FAQ: Robert Johnson on physical formats

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

When did Robert Johnson record his iconic blues tracks?

His primary recording sessions took place in 1936 and 1937, producing classics like 'Cross Road Blues' and 'Terraplane Blues.'

What is the legend of Robert Johnson's crossroads story?

The legend says Johnson met a dark figure at a crossroads near Clarksdale, Mississippi, who tuned his guitar and gave him exceptional skills.

Which city in Mississippi was Robert Johnson born in?

He was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, in 1911, a key figure in Delta blues history.

Where did Robert Johnson pass away?

Robert Johnson died in 1938 in Greenwood, Mississippi, at the age of 27 under unclear circumstances.

Are there audiophile vinyl pressings of Robert Johnson's albums?

Yes, several reissues, especially from the Music On Vinyl label, offer 180g audiophile pressings of his key albums.

What formats can you find Robert Johnson's music on vinyl?

His music is available mainly on LP vinyl, including compilations, original collections, and expanded editions with bonus tracks.

Which Robert Johnson song is most played on streaming platforms?

'Cross Road Blues' is among the most listened tracks, with over 800,000 plays, reflecting its lasting appeal.

Is there a recommended Robert Johnson album for new vinyl collectors?

King Of The Delta Blues Singers is a good starting point as it compiles his key recordings from the 1930s.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 03/07/2026