Robert Leroy Johnson (1911-1938) was an highly influential American blues musician, singer, and songwriter, known as a master of the Delta blues style. His guitar playing, singing, and songwriting on recordings made in 1936 and 1937 have had a lasting impact on generations of musicians. Despite a short recording career of only seven months, he is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even describes him as perhaps "the first ever rock star".
Johnson's life is shrouded in mystery and legend, including the popular myth that he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his musical talent. His most famous songs include "Cross Road Blues," "Terraplane Blues," and "Hellhound on My Trail". Posthumously, Johnson was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. In 1994, he was honored with a U.S. Postal Service commemorative stamp. His "Complete Recordings" won a Grammy Award for Best Historical Album in 1991, and he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
