1936
1936 · Robert Johnson · USA
Cross Road Blues
Delta Blues 3:12 Landmark Blues & Jazz Age
AlbumCross Road Blues (single)
LabelVocalion
Robert Johnson's raw Delta blues, recorded in San Antonio in 1936. The song gave rise to the legend that Johnson sold his soul to the Devil at a Mississippi crossroads — a myth that became foundational to rock mythology.
Musical Significance
Johnson's recordings were the bridge between rural folk blues and the electrified Chicago blues that spawned rock and roll. Eric Clapton called him 'the most important blues musician who ever lived.' His complete recordings totaled only 29 songs.
Historical Context
Recorded in 1936, when the Mississippi Delta was still reeling from the Great Flood of 1927. Johnson died two years later at 27, the first member of the '27 Club.'