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Non Smiley Smile Stuff => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: Lowbacca on December 19, 2015, 05:49:43 AM



Title: Robert Johnson
Post by: Lowbacca on December 19, 2015, 05:49:43 AM
I noticed we didn't have a thread for legendary bluesman Robert Johnson (*1911, †1938) yet.. :brow The occasion for opening one is the following:

http://m.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/music/article/New-photo-of-bluesman-Robert-Johnson-unearthed-6703035.php

A new image of Johnson might have been discovered. So far there have only been two authentic photographs of him.

(http://i.imgur.com/51FlVvd.jpg)


Any fans of the "Crossroad Blues" (and the rest of the recorded Johnson catalogue) here? What do you think about the 'new' photo? Is it him? I'm not sure it looks like him, to be honest. It's up to the analysts and fanatics now..


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: bluesno1fann on December 19, 2015, 05:53:24 AM
Johnson and his catalogue are utterly legendary. Always welcome a new photo unearthing; not exactly something that happens every day.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Lowbacca on December 19, 2015, 06:25:36 AM
As far as favourite RJ tracks go..

  • I'm a Steady Rollin' Man
  • Crossroad Blues
  • Sweet Home Chicago
  • Terraplane Blues
  • Love in Vain
  • Kindhearted Woman Blues

(http://i.imgur.com/DTWqphu.jpg?1)


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Chocolate Shake Man on December 19, 2015, 07:11:07 AM
Love RoJo. To add to your list Lowbacca, I would include Rambling on my Mind as a favourite.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on December 19, 2015, 09:20:01 AM
Yeah, I'd read about the new picture on his Facebook-site yesterday. A couple of years there was another one of him, but that probably wasn't him.




Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Aum Bop Diddit on December 19, 2015, 04:05:40 PM
Mrs. Robert Johnson does not look happy.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on December 20, 2015, 03:30:34 AM
This is the other picture that recently (2011 iirc) came to light. Some people claim it's Johnson but others are very doubtful about it.


(http://www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org/sites/rjohnson/files/imagecache/news_photo_550w/150417_amsongwriter_0.jpg)


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: JK on December 20, 2015, 05:19:35 AM
I remember when one of the box sets was issued (in the 1990s) the record company got phonecalls from reviewers asking if Mr Johnson was available for interviews. ;D 


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on December 20, 2015, 02:06:31 PM
Person who "authenticated" this photo also did the same for the 2008 image, which is widely agreed not to be Johnson.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on December 20, 2015, 02:11:02 PM
This is the other picture that recently (2011 iirc) came to light. Some people claim it's Johnson but others are very doubtful about it.


(http://www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org/sites/rjohnson/files/imagecache/news_photo_550w/150417_amsongwriter_0.jpg)

Note, the guy on the right has his wristwatch on his right wrist, indicating that the image has been reversed... which would make "Robert"left-handed. which he wasn't. There don't appear to be any strings on his guitar, either.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Emily on December 20, 2015, 02:34:06 PM
I'd be curious to see the evidence for identifying the other 3 in the picture. If that evidence is strong, I'd think it would be good support for this being RJ, as it does look quite a bit like him. The ears seem a bit big and don't seem to stick out as much and the eyes seem more symmetrical; and while this guy also seems to have a cloudy eye, it appears to be the wrong one. But it would be unlikely for someone who looks so much alike to be photographed with people of his circle. Unless it's a family member, I suppose. He had many half-siblings.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on December 21, 2015, 04:34:53 AM
This is the other picture that recently (2011 iirc) came to light. Some people claim it's Johnson but others are very doubtful about it.


(http://www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org/sites/rjohnson/files/imagecache/news_photo_550w/150417_amsongwriter_0.jpg)

Note, the guy on the right has his wristwatch on his right wrist, indicating that the image has been reversed... which would make "Robert"left-handed. which he wasn't. There don't appear to be any strings on his guitar, either.



That is one of the arguments that people who don't agree with this being Robert Johnson mention. Apart from that, imo this picture just doesn't look anything like Johnson as we know him from the two authentic pictures.


Anyway, here's some more about the "new" one:

http://www.udiscovermusic.com/is-this-the-face-of-robert-johnson




And a video of Robert Lockwood playing a song allegedly written but not recorded by Johnson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0JMmr00G3Q


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Lowbacca on December 21, 2015, 04:57:37 AM
[...]

And a video of Robert Lockwood playing a song allegedly written but not recorded by Johnson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0JMmr00G3Q
Thanks for that, Rocker!!


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on December 21, 2015, 06:51:43 AM
[...]

And a video of Robert Lockwood playing a song allegedly written but not recorded by Johnson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0JMmr00G3Q
Thanks for that, Rocker!!



Did you hear the two Robert Johnson albums by Eric Clapton? They are really, really good. "Me and Mr. Johnson" and "Sessions for Robert J.", the latter comes with a DVD


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Lowbacca on December 30, 2015, 04:32:30 AM
[...]

And a video of Robert Lockwood playing a song allegedly written but not recorded by Johnson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0JMmr00G3Q
Thanks for that, Rocker!!



Did you hear the two Robert Johnson albums by Eric Clapton? They are really, really good. "Me and Mr. Johnson" and "Sessions for Robert J.", the latter comes with a DVD

I believe I once had the first one but never heard of the second. Will check it out, thanks!


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on January 02, 2016, 12:34:02 PM
Another Robert Johnson Photo Debunked

By Frank Matheis and Dr. Bruce Conforth

It seems like they want to make any black guy in a hat out to be Robert Johnson!



http://www.thecountryblues.com/op-ed/another-robert-johnson-photo-debunked/


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Emily on January 02, 2016, 06:08:34 PM
Another Robert Johnson Photo Debunked

By Frank Matheis and Dr. Bruce Conforth

It seems like they want to make any black guy in a hat out to be Robert Johnson!



http://www.thecountryblues.com/op-ed/another-robert-johnson-photo-debunked/
Interesting, thanks. So all 4 subjects were identified based on a sketchy Lockwood similarity.
Elijah Wald, noted author and musician, simply said, “The attempt to associate random photos of black men with the only black man some people seem to care about is horseshit, and depressing horseshit at that,” perhaps the most blunt and truthful assessment.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Lowbacca on January 03, 2016, 03:13:47 PM
Another Robert Johnson Photo Debunked

By Frank Matheis and Dr. Bruce Conforth

It seems like they want to make any black guy in a hat out to be Robert Johnson!



http://www.thecountryblues.com/op-ed/another-robert-johnson-photo-debunked/
Great write-up, thanks for that!


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on March 01, 2016, 02:34:25 AM
Formal Response of the Robert Johnson Estate to the ‘Report’ Regarding the Legitimacy of the Third Photograph

http://www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org/news/formal-response-of-the-robert-johnson-estate-to-the-report-regarding-the-legitimacy-of-the-third-photograph/


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on April 29, 2019, 03:17:08 AM
ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads


https://www.netflix.com/de/title/80191049?trkid=0&fbclid=IwAR3rSNrsrW3cohb7aLg8VjAJnGomTdlzGNLeH5okcsJVUn-TFWso63gC9W4&s=i



Netflix Animates Robert Johnson’s Sinister Origin Story in New Doc Trailer
‘ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads’ examines legendary blues guitarist’s mysterious life and death

https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/remastered-devil-at-the-crossroads-netflix-robert-johnson-trailer-823078/


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: JK on April 29, 2019, 04:28:30 AM
ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads

https://www.netflix.com/de/title/80191049?trkid=0&fbclid=IwAR3rSNrsrW3cohb7aLg8VjAJnGomTdlzGNLeH5okcsJVUn-TFWso63gC9W4&s=i

Netflix Animates Robert Johnson’s Sinister Origin Story in New Doc Trailer
‘ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads’ examines legendary blues guitarist’s mysterious life and death

https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/remastered-devil-at-the-crossroads-netflix-robert-johnson-trailer-823078/

Wow--cool trailer there, Rocker. Thanks for the heads up. :)


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on April 29, 2019, 08:38:35 AM
ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads

https://www.netflix.com/de/title/80191049?trkid=0&fbclid=IwAR3rSNrsrW3cohb7aLg8VjAJnGomTdlzGNLeH5okcsJVUn-TFWso63gC9W4&s=i

Netflix Animates Robert Johnson’s Sinister Origin Story in New Doc Trailer
‘ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads’ examines legendary blues guitarist’s mysterious life and death

https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/remastered-devil-at-the-crossroads-netflix-robert-johnson-trailer-823078/

Wow--cool trailer there, Rocker. Thanks for the heads up. :)


You're welcome. If I understand it correctly, it already aired on the 26th. So maybe you can view it on netflix now.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: SBonilla on April 29, 2019, 08:40:35 AM
Yea, but BOLDEN. He's responsible for way more than Robert Johnson. That's the movie! I hope it's good, cuz I don't watch movies, but I'm gonna watch that one.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: pixletwin on April 29, 2019, 08:53:08 AM
Yea, but BOLDEN. He's responsible for way more than Robert Johnson. That's the movie! I hope it's good, cuz I don't watch movies, but I'm gonna watch that one.

ditto this sentiment.  :afro


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: NOLA BB Fan on April 29, 2019, 08:57:22 AM
Yes, Devil at the Crossroads is on Netflix now.
Also I too hope the Bolden movie does him justice .


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on May 02, 2019, 12:54:31 PM
Saw this on youtube:


Robert Johnson - Cant You Hear The Wind Howl -The Life and Music of Robert Johnson.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcjI2iaT7T8


An in-depth, award-winning documentary on the life and music of legendary bluesman ROBERT JOHNSON. Mixing rare photographs, exclusive interviews, and dramatic re-creations, director PETER MEYER presents a compelling portrait of this enigmatic figure. Hosted by Danny Glover with Keb' Mo' as Robert Johnson, featuring Johnny Shines, Honeyboy Edwards, John Hammond, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on May 21, 2020, 03:03:37 AM
Exclusive First Look at New Photograph of Blues Legend Robert Johnson


Even if he didn’t sell his soul at the Crossroads, the massively influential Mississippi guitarist remains shrouded in mystery. An upcoming memoir from his 94-year-old stepsister brings new depth to Johnson’s mythos—and the third verified picture of him in existence.

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/05/exclusive-first-look-at-new-photograph-of-blues-legend-robert-johnson?fbclid=IwAR0290sKjMqCShwc3_2BHE1DPO9gxRbTN3wDokjpoJHGffkuFQ_zPDQr7RQ


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on January 03, 2021, 03:00:17 AM
'Brother Robert' Reveals True Story Of Growing Up With Blues Legend Robert Johnson

Blues legend Robert Johnson has been mythologized as a backwoods loner, his talent the result of selling his soul to the devil. Wrong and wrong again, according to Johnson's younger stepsister, who lives in Amherst, Mass. She tells his true story in Brother Robert: Growing Up with Robert Johnson, a memoir about growing up with her brother she published in June.


https://www.npr.org/2020/12/29/950794131/brother-robert-reveals-true-story-of-growing-up-with-blues-legend-robert-johnson?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwAR1Vc8u9-voE2TzBA7wOY9PLtvG4misV5FhdBT_26dsKpM46gKLU8pcmnWA


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: pixletwin on May 21, 2021, 01:39:01 PM
'Brother Robert' Reveals True Story Of Growing Up With Blues Legend Robert Johnson

Blues legend Robert Johnson has been mythologized as a backwoods loner, his talent the result of selling his soul to the devil. Wrong and wrong again, according to Johnson's younger stepsister, who lives in Amherst, Mass. She tells his true story in Brother Robert: Growing Up with Robert Johnson, a memoir about growing up with her brother she published in June.


https://www.npr.org/2020/12/29/950794131/brother-robert-reveals-true-story-of-growing-up-with-blues-legend-robert-johnson?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwAR1Vc8u9-voE2TzBA7wOY9PLtvG4misV5FhdBT_26dsKpM46gKLU8pcmnWA

Just received got book this book in the mail a few days ago. Been a great read thus far.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on May 25, 2021, 03:33:19 AM
'Brother Robert' Reveals True Story Of Growing Up With Blues Legend Robert Johnson

Blues legend Robert Johnson has been mythologized as a backwoods loner, his talent the result of selling his soul to the devil. Wrong and wrong again, according to Johnson's younger stepsister, who lives in Amherst, Mass. She tells his true story in Brother Robert: Growing Up with Robert Johnson, a memoir about growing up with her brother she published in June.


https://www.npr.org/2020/12/29/950794131/brother-robert-reveals-true-story-of-growing-up-with-blues-legend-robert-johnson?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwAR1Vc8u9-voE2TzBA7wOY9PLtvG4misV5FhdBT_26dsKpM46gKLU8pcmnWA

Just received got book this book in the mail a few days ago. Been a great read thus far.


That's cool! I don't have the book but time and time again in the last months I wondered what the book says about Johnson. I mean he basically is more myth than person and it's interesting to get to know the real person.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on March 01, 2023, 01:14:21 PM
(https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/Sq6LHrZo3zeklPtQkTiOAgv79RY=/fit-in/300x0/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianbooks-media.s3.amazonaws.com/videos/amazon/amazon_image_bd53179469c420850b2758afdd67958db53c2f39.jpg)



Smithsonian Announces New Releases Drawn From Legendary Mack McCormick Collection
Releases Include Book “Biography of a Phantom,” Box Set “Playing for the Man at the Door: Field Recordings from the Collection of Mack McCormick, 1958 – 1971” and Display at National Museum of American History


When blues master Johnson’s little-known recordings were rereleased to great fanfare in the 1960s, little was known about his life, giving rise to the legend that he gained success by selling his soul to the devil. On April 4, Smithsonian Books will publish Biography of a Phantom: A Robert Johnson Blues Odyssey, McCormick’s all-consuming search, from the late 1960s until his death in 2015, to uncover Johnson’s life story. McCormick spent decades reconstructing Johnson’s mysterious life and developing theories about his untimely death at the age of 27, but never made his discoveries public. Smithsonian Books will publish this compelling work, Biography of a Phantom, for the first time, including 40 unseen black-and-white photographs documenting McCormick’s search. More information and how to preorder the book are available.


Source: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-announces-new-releases-drawn-legendary-mack-mccormick-collection





New Robert Johnson biography to feature unreleased photos and new life insights, Smithsonian announces
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New details will be revealed about the life and circumstances of one of the most mysterious figures in American music next month, according to an announcement made by the Smithsonian Institute last week.


A new biography of Johnson entitled “Biography of a Phantom” was left unfinished by folklorist Mack McCormick, who died in 2015. Now, the book is set to be released on April 4 by Smithsonian Books. The biography is expected to fill much-discussed gaps left open by a lack of record-keeping during the blues guitarist’s life. Johnson died a mysterious death at age 27 in 1938 after a performance in the Mississippi Delta.


Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/new-robert-johnson-biography-to-feature-unreleased-photos-and-new-life-insights-smithsonian-announces/ar-AA185Rd9 


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on September 12, 2023, 01:06:23 PM
I've read "Biography of a phantom" and it's a very entertaining book. The term "dedective story" that is commonlyused to describe it fits perfectly. I wouldn't mind more stories like this.
The book also talks about McCormick's life and questionable (to say the least) behavior toward Robert Johnson's family. This seems to be neccessary as it explains a.o. why certain parts of the original manuscript were edited.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: guitarfool2002 on September 19, 2023, 08:22:03 AM
Rocker, I haven't read the book yet and could probably search for the answers, but I wanted to ask you since you've read the book. The last time I did any serious study of Johnson was in the 90's and actually wrote a paper about him, and at that time there were only that small handful of photos of the man himself. Have there been any new discoveries of him that are reprinted or mentioned in this new book? I always found it odd that for an artist who was pretty well known in his genre and in his regional areas where he traveled that there were not more photos of him.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on September 19, 2023, 10:15:44 AM
Rocker, I haven't read the book yet and could probably search for the answers, but I wanted to ask you since you've read the book. The last time I did any serious study of Johnson was in the 90's and actually wrote a paper about him, and at that time there were only that small handful of photos of the man himself. Have there been any new discoveries of him that are reprinted or mentioned in this new book? I always found it odd that for an artist who was pretty well known in his genre and in his regional areas where he traveled that there were not more photos of him.


Well, currently there are three known photos of him. The most recently released one is on/in the book of his step sister. "Biography of a phantom" doesn't feature any picture at all of him as it was written in the late 60s/early 70s and the first picture got released in the 80s. McCormick probably got his hands on one or two during the mid-70s. In fact one still unpublished one was found in his archive after his death. He got it from Johnson's family but refused to return it, even claiming he lost it - as the epilogue makes clear it was found in a folder with "Robert Johnson picture" on it, so go figure...

I would argue though that having three - maybe four - photos is more than we could ask for. During his lifetime he certainly wasn't a star. He had a record out that sold relatively nicely ("Terraplane Bllues") but the following records sold less. I also don't think that cameras were as common and affordable as today. Charley Patton was a much bigger star and had a longer life and we only got one confirmed picture of him. Johnson' star only began to shine after the 1961 release of "King of the Delta Blues".



Speaking of the recordings, take a listen to this:


Robert Johnson Mint Test Pressings - XR Remastered For Outstanding Sound Quality

https://www.pristineclassical.com/products/pabl010


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: guitarfool2002 on September 20, 2023, 08:06:08 AM
Rocker, I haven't read the book yet and could probably search for the answers, but I wanted to ask you since you've read the book. The last time I did any serious study of Johnson was in the 90's and actually wrote a paper about him, and at that time there were only that small handful of photos of the man himself. Have there been any new discoveries of him that are reprinted or mentioned in this new book? I always found it odd that for an artist who was pretty well known in his genre and in his regional areas where he traveled that there were not more photos of him.


Well, currently there are three known photos of him. The most recently released one is on/in the book of his step sister. "Biography of a phantom" doesn't feature any picture at all of him as it was written in the late 60s/early 70s and the first picture got released in the 80s. McCormick probably got his hands on one or two during the mid-70s. In fact one still unpublished one was found in his archive after his death. He got it from Johnson's family but refused to return it, even claiming he lost it - as the epilogue makes clear it was found in a folder with "Robert Johnson picture" on it, so go figure...

I would argue though that having three - maybe four - photos is more than we could ask for. During his lifetime he certainly wasn't a star. He had a record out that sold relatively nicely ("Terraplane Bllues") but the following records sold less. I also don't think that cameras were as common and affordable as today. Charley Patton was a much bigger star and had a longer life and we only got one confirmed picture of him. Johnson' star only began to shine after the 1961 release of "King of the Delta Blues".



Speaking of the recordings, take a listen to this:


Robert Johnson Mint Test Pressings - XR Remastered For Outstanding Sound Quality

https://www.pristineclassical.com/products/pabl010

Thank you for clearing that up, yes the last I had looked into it there were 3 photos, the two that everyone pretty much had seen and another which if I remember some were still debating if it was Johnson or not. I didn't know about the 4th photo, hopefully that will be made public too.

That audio is stunning. The clarity and definition on Johnson's guitar is amazing, and you can actually hear the inflections in his voice too. The EQ is damn near perfect, whoever did it or however it was done, or even more amazing if it were a flat transfer with no EQ. That's probably one of the clearest examples of Johnson recording in the corner of a hotel room with one microphone and a portable disc cutter. Taking that into consideration, it makes the quality of the recording even more amazing.


Title: Re: Robert Johnson
Post by: Rocker on September 20, 2023, 10:57:29 AM
The "newest" picture is this:

(https://bestclassicbands.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Brother-Robert-book-768x1160.jpg)


Every few years a picture comes up and people are wondering if it is Johnson. It seems like everytime a black male with a guitar is shown it's enough for some to claim it is him. In most cases those photographs are easily discredited. I don't think that currently there is another serious contender.



Quote
That audio is stunning. The clarity and definition on Johnson's guitar is amazing, and you can actually hear the inflections in his voice too. The EQ is damn near perfect, whoever did it or however it was done, or even more amazing if it were a flat transfer with no EQ. That's probably one of the clearest examples of Johnson recording in the corner of a hotel room with one microphone and a portable disc cutter. Taking that into consideration, it makes the quality of the recording even more amazing.


Amazing, isn't it? Such luck that these test pressings survived. The remastering was done by one Andrew Rose of "Pristine Classical". As the name suggests they usually concentrate on classical music. For more information you have to click through the website as all I just wrote comes from there.
They have other Johnson releases (two sound clips, "Ramblin' on my mind" and "From Four until late") that were remastered. But I don't think they had the test pressings for those CDs.
https://www.pristineclassical.com/collections/artist-robert-johnson