+Roger Aceves hes blues and rock n roll which both merge together you must be deaf or have only heard a few hendrix songs and think you understand his whole craft
I honestly think that the story sounds good but takes away from the hard work and dedication it must have taken from johnson to become as good as he was in such a short period of time. It truly is mind blowing the things man can accomplish when they completely submerge themselves into their work and I think Mr. Johnson is no exception.
I disagree - This story does not take away the hard work and dedication that Robert did to become as good as he was. Rather, it takes away the myth of the crossroads/devil meeting and says that Robert practiced hard during his time in the cemetery with Ike Zimmerman.
The myth adds so much to his music. It’s what’s made him not only his music stay but where more then just blues fans want to continue to hear his music. The story of the myth is everything. His hard work in a perfect world is outstanding but his music alone would have died long ago unfortunately.
Was this not a retelling of the legend of Faust .Charlie Daniel's reshaped it into " The Devil Went Down to Georgia " . There's tales now of similar " business transactions " taking place in Bohemian Grove .
The guy wanted to be FAMOUS, voodoo snake witch told to him you would be famous, but not now, after Stones recorded his songs he became A LEGEND A FROZEN IN TIME.
Ike sounded like an awesome person. Very few people would go to that kind of effort, especially on someone who initially showed no promise. Rare breed even today.
That story has been common knowledge and ignored for years. I am a white guitar player from Missouri and I just want to tell you that your grandfather was amazing. Totally overlooked and it is a dirty shame. You should be beyond proud. He was and will always be one of the few true masters..
Modern blues, rock and roll, all those bands from the 60s, they all owe a debt of gratitude to Robert Johnson. Bless you, Robert Johnson. Bless you Steven Johnson, for keeping your grandfather's legacy alive.
Blaming the devil for his ability just takes takes away from all the hard work and dedication he put in to get better. He loved the instrument and a man needs a soul to play the way he did. A true original. Thank you for posting this.
I honestly agree with this comment the story's about how he would wait for the blues players to have a break and go play and sound like shit only gives more evidence to that fact how people think that's proof he was bad then he was suddenly good like how can you misinterprete that? He clearly loved music so much it was everything to him... It only makes sense that a man with such passion who never got the chance to learn or the support he needed to learn when someone noticed his drive and determination and passion they decided I will teach this man everything I know. And him being so determined and driven to play guitar he would definitely take that opportunity with both hands and commit 100 percent. Its upsetting that such a amazing man who deserves all the credit in the world for his achievements is boiled down to some mysterious bullshit... The reason people did not want to accept how good he got was because it was mean accepting that its possible with loads of effort and they have to accept they could not put the effort in and that's hard for people to accept that anyone with hard work can achieve greatness... It's just people's inability to accept there own lack of determination and passion for something.
Yep if you can already play a bit of guitar, with a decent teacher and 2 years of practice you can become a fingerstyle blues player. The difficult bit is keeping the thumb strumming and coordinating with the right hand fingers but once you've got that down, the rest is pretty straightforward.
@@LewReviews I totally agree plus. He practiced and was determined to get good to have a career and people loved his music he earned it. That is more realistic. Let's remember he was at a very racist time in American history, where people would very likely make up any reason and story to tear down a successful and talented determined black man.
I've been saying he just practiced to get better. I'm gonna listen to his family and desendents before I listen to some random person regurgitating an ghost story. I think Robert Johnson made me and the devil blues because he joined the music industry in 1937. So he was definitely part of the occult or had knowledge of it...He didn't die until he joined the record label and finished recording all his music in 1938. I think the book Brother Robert will give you the best description of him.
Coach Johnson...(my coach Terry high 2002-2003). I remember coach was telling us about his grandad and I thought it was the coolest story. I know he's proud of his grandad and vice-versa
I enjoy every story I come across from Robert Johnson’s story of life as a musician. I for myself believe more of the myth because to me he wanted it that way. For one thing who goes back. Especially when venturing out into the world. His fairytale story is the last famous one we ever hear, every other whether true or not is showing they will all fade. Nothing’s living on no more.
I believe it too because not only did he get real good in a short amount of time when he use to suck he got famous too, legend has it that he met the devil at the cross roads gave his guitar to the devil let him tuned it and gave it back to him and told Robert to serve me for the rest of your days and you'll be the greatest and he died young at 27 selling out comes with a price
My favorite Robert Johnson songs are Cross Road Blues, Sweet Home Chicago, Me and the devil blues, Kind hearted woman blues, Love in Vain, Traveling Riverside Blues, Hellhound on my Trail, and I believe I'll Dust my Broom.
Everyone is entitled to their beliefs HOWEVER, the devil is real and R. Johnson wouldn't make records after records of the devil if it wasn't true. The devil wants credit for his work and in return, us humans want success and notoriety so we choose a shortcut and sell our soul for instant gratification. We're human, it's normal to have these urges and it does exist. Amen
@@greatwaheguru1295 well the devil is a being, he is a fallen angel. Hes not always in your mind although he can have his angels do that. He wants to be like God but hes not, hes an individual being just like we are and hes not apart of us.
"My dear brothers, never forget, when you hear the progress of enlightenment vaunted, that the devil's best trick is to persuade you that he doesn't exist!". Charles Baudelaire
it was two years!! Practice, yeah, hell yeah, but you can't deny the sound you get from that guitar, the lyrics, the tone, the screech, the lick, the bends, the notes. It all feels like a man that has something to say. I man that may or may not have sold his soul to the devil... But his music sure sounds like he met the devil...
This story made more sense. Now a spirit could have taught him in the graveyard who knows. He ain't scared of no ghost and now he's one. The Legba? like I said who knows.
Yes I play harp and it takes hours of practice to get problem in learning. God gives us the talent but we have to earn it. I have practiced a piece and did not get it but days later it came like a knife in warm butter...
The idea that the greats are born or given something that makes them great is a discounting of their efforts at the only thing that can do the trick: Practice combined with imagination.
Just now finding this video.. and I whole heartedly agree. I can appreciate the mythology surrounding Robert Johnson but I can most appreciate seeing first hand what a dedicated young man or woman in their prime is capable of mastering.
I respect anyone who improves themselves to become a better version of themselves. As a musician for most of my life I know that it is crucial to get a mentor or teacher for any craft especially music. With the right team around you and the will to become better, there are no limits to what you can do:)
Whether Robert Johnson "sold his soul to the devil" is anyone's guess... ...however, he still did a number of things that were very peculiar, strange and odd especially for the time period & subculture he grew up and lived in: 1) Practicing with an almost complete stranger like Ike Zimmerman. 2) I can't help but wonder what Zimmerman saw in an incompetant novice Johnson that sold him on the idea to invest the amount of time & hard work necessarily to instruct him for numerous years required for Johnson to make the improvements in his performance that he made when he had a reputation for not being able to "carry a tune in a bucket". 3) It should also be noted that the accomplished bluesman / musician continued to use and was known by his given name, Ike Zimmerman, and did not use a stage name as did his other blues contemporaries such as Son House, Blind-Lemon Jefferson, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Lead Belly. 4) Practicing his guitar in a nearby graveyard?? Who does that... and why?? 5) His songs & lyrics were full of occultic references to the devil, death, hell and the grave... which was odd, if not unheard of... especially in the black communities of the Jim Crow-era Deep South who's cultural songs were either based in gospel music, 'chain-gang' work-hollars, or "hoochie-coochie" songs found in or about the "juke-joint" lifestyle.
I agree with all that but there is no way to prove he sold his soul. I mean is it even possible to do that? Even if the devil is real? I dunno bro, I don't think it needs to be that complicated
Blues music is often dark, depressive and full of despair. It makes perfect sense that they would practice in a cemetery in order to "get into the blues".
@@peculiarone not satanic at all you idiot. Lots of musicians did and still do it due to the isolation and silence, has nothing to do with your superstitious BS
Of course Robert practiced over and over and got better just like anyone would doing anything like music, sports etc. but its funny that he said Robert learned in 3 yrs. But Son the musician says in another documentary that Robert was bad, left for 6-8 months, came back to Arkansas and was good. One story is based off of research, and the other is someone who actually knew and played with Robert. Very interesting.
Yeah, i get it that it's his grandson but with all the other information. It was under a year. Not three years. He isn't exactly telling anyone ANY factual information upon where he researched this all from. He did move around but it wasn't for three years. I think this is just to purify RJ. Where is his information and study coming from? Where is the proof?
Maybe he left his hometown because the people there mocked him because they believed that he sounded horrible. So, he decided to leave his hometown to get more practice. Once his guitar skills improved he decided to return to his hometown to show the people how practice makes perfect. Maybe....but Mr.Johnson did join the 27 club along with Jimi Hendrix, and that dude from The Doors.. I think it's Jim Morris.
Hard work. As a drummer/percussionist since childhood I believe that, sure, you are born with some level of talent but only through practice can you ever hope to be a "good" or great musician
I love how people act like you cant get good at guitar in a 2 year span. what else did he have to do back then? the internet didnt exist. and black people were segregated from using libraries and schools in those times. so he probably just played guitar a lot in 2 years and just got really good.
Well, he did study music for a while, since he was a kid, which can make learning the guitar a lot easier. But yeah, if I was in GD Mississippi, I too would play my guitar all day.
I think this fellow is on the right track, and it was proven in court that R.J. did have a son also, so he may very well be Robert's grandson. The legend is pretty awesome though and as i've always heard, "When the legend becomes the truth, print the legend!". That story actually started with another bluesman named Tommy Johnson. No, not the one in "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou", but the real guy with that name. Robert simply borrowed the story to explain how he became proficient at something he had really spent 3 years learning.
He's lying. He's trying to cover up his Grandfather name. ME AND THE DEVIL BLUES Early this morning When you knocked upon my door Early this morning, ooh When you knocked upon my door And I said "hello Satan I believe it's time to go" Me and the Devil Was walkin' side-by-side Me and the Devil, ooh Was walking side-by-side I'm going to beat my woman Until I get satisfied She said "you don't see why That I will dog her 'round" Now baby you know you ain't doin' me right, now She say "you don't see why, hoo That I would dog her 'round" It must-a been that old evil spirit So deep down in the ground You may bury my body Down by the highway side Baby, I don't care where you bury my body when I'm dead and gone You may bury my body, hoo Down by the highway side So my old evil spirit Can get a Greyhound bus and ride
ike Zimmerman, I have heard that story and written about it in my book. I find it a great coincidence that Robert Zimmerman (aka Bob Dylan) has some interesting things to say about the Robert, the crossroads the deal and Legba, scratch, the devil whatever you call him. look up Dylan and the devil on you tube
Whatever people choose to believe is they're business and I respect that completely. My opinion is that Johnson might have really had a raw talent for playing guitar but he might have not taken himself too seriously in the beginning and when you combine that with hard liquor and random people's different instruments (that your not used to) than it might have seemed like he didn't sound that good. So...could Johnson have really practiced for almost a year, get a guitar that suits him, work on his technique and find the guitarist within himself? I would say yes.
Matty's Jukebox He sold his soul to the devil! His grandson can deny it all he wants to but Johnson couldn't play well until he asked the devil for help! He probably practiced with those people like he said, but he didn't get that good from practice. Satan gave him the edge he needed. Robert Johnson even sang about it. All the musicians who've done it, usually sing about it. Ac/DC's music was written for them. They'd wake up to find it ready for them. They admitted to that! Bionce has a demon she calls Sasha, who comes out when she performs. She said she can't sing/dance as well during practice, etc. It's only when Sasha comes out. I saw Brittney Spears change personalities during an interview. It's a MK Ultra glitch. The list goes on & on! The illuminati promises these people fame & fortune. All they have to do is sign their name in blood, & be sodomized by executives. Child actors leave Hollywood from all the abuse, but are arg raid yo talk about it. Open your eyes & research this stuff. Satan controls Hollywood. The whole industry is satanic. I could give you examples all day long. Put your faith in Jesus. He's the only answer. If these celebs don't reach out to Jesus, they've lost their souls forever!
was it 2-3 years or 8 months that Johnson spent with Zimmerman? Son House recalls 6 to 8 months of Johnson missing and then returning. In the 2-3 years he would have enough time to develop that style and technique. Going away for a few months and being able to play like that afterwards seems quite miraculous on the other hand.
Right and this is Willie Brown saying this who was Roberts friend to become the greatest guitarist in 9 months after you couldn't string a note so him saying 2-3 years is ludacris
His closest friends said he basically sucked, but came back after a short period & was the best...And Robert Johnson alludes to this fact in his songs!
It's all metaphor people. We search for so many answers in life that we just can't find. Even the most dedicated of musicians say when they are performing something takes over them, that they no longer have control of their bodies. This is that sensation and it is not god and it is not the devil, it is your ability to feel. To feel the vibrations that the others around you are giving out. This is not specific to the guitar either. It can be done with any instrument as well as any voice.
Back when I was young, I couldn't play a lick. so I practiced every day for 5 or 6 hours. After about a year, I could pick and slide like nobody's business. My friends were amazed! One even asked if I sold my soul. I just practiced. Now I'm much better, but still remember how good it felt getting those accolades when I was young. But only I know that I wasn't as good as they said. They thought I was great! Then I got better and better.
Going to the cemetery at night playing he let them evil spirits get into him made him play better spirit's transpired to devil he only left for six months listen to the song Robert johnson and the devil he say himself.... Should just keep struggling got greater with time and practice
The idea of selling your soul is a metaphor for the lust the artist has for his or her art. To sell your soul is to sacrifice anything and anyone for your art. To put it above all other things, including yourself.
I'll bet the myth even cheated some people from practicing on their own; thinking that it had to be something you were born with or obtained mystically. It removed their motivation. Practice is the only way to get better. Perhaps some people will never get there, but most will if they practice.
He has said he made a tough bargain with the chief commander of this world and the next..Some people think he meant GOD..When you make a tough choice it is not with GOD..The GOD of this world is not the father GOD, it is the devil and he was the master of music in heaven..You all would be shocked to know who have met the devil and made a deal to be famous..Cross Raods is as real as it gets
Only a few people have actually met him (it), Only most have regret it because they can`t come back ever,Father and Mother time always reverse and never Dies,It was a Saturday evening before nine it walks the cross roads in the middle of life time ,Where life divides Truth from a lie.An old man with a crooked smile Hey I`ll bet you can`t do what you want too,I said yea right ,the Old man with a crooked smile changed his face,right then and there I`m shocked only to see what was a grown man ,is now A Woman ,it`s not magic or any mystery that The Devil can change it`s face instantly..........
I saw another video saying it was a 6 month time span...now that's insane but 2-3 years is not hard to believe at all if being taught by a great teacher. I remember summet of 2008 i just bought an acoustic everyday i played it practicing by the end of summer my skills were so much better. I did the same learning Jimi Hendrix summer of 2009 , same results major improvement. It is not hard to believe especially if he was terrible to begin with.
Some people can pick up music playing pretty fast because they are smart and talented. An example is the little girl on here 7 yrs old and playing a harp as well as Harpo Marx..Mr Johnson must have been real talented once he met Zimmerman and learned stuff from him. The old sell your soul tales are urban legends. The only way your soul can become the devil's property is that you die not repented or sin against the Holy Spirit ever what that is. God is very merciful.....
It's understandable they think that because he himself made it his marketing strategy. Shoruded himself in mystery, became arrogant from success and slowly lost himself to his demons (of drinking and temper). This story ultimately led to his tragic death too.. Can't blame people for believing, people dig mystery and occult shit...
According to Wikipedia: To enhance his fame, Tommy Johnson cultivated a sinister persona. According to his brother LeDell, he claimed to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his mastery of the guitar.[3][6] This story was later also associated with Robert Johnson, to whom he was unrelated. Tommy Johnson also played tricks with his guitar, playing it between his legs and behind his head, and throwing it in the air while playing.[2]
You mean there's no crossroads!?!?Damn it, t's the only chance i have now, i've been practing like cazy for 7 yrs. ad till freakingoen miking! UUUGGGHHH!
Steven, his story says his first wife and his son died when she got birth and then he got marry for second time and I don't know if he had more children.
I love the explanation! Devil can't pass out no talent. Only God gives such gifts. Same thing goes for Freddy Mercury. Devil only made Freddy his slave. Freddy already had the voice of an angel and mastery of music.
If Robert were alive during the electric era and played electric, he would've been an electric guitar hero
ever heard of jimi Hendrix?
+Roger Aceves you obviously know nothing about Rock n Roll.
+Roger Aceves hes blues and rock n roll which both merge together you must be deaf or have only heard a few hendrix songs and think you understand his whole craft
Listen to 'Hear My Train A Comin'' and tell me what's not blues about that.
Are you?
I honestly think that the story sounds good but takes away from the hard work and dedication it must have taken from johnson to become as good as he was in such a short period of time. It truly is mind blowing the things man can accomplish when they completely submerge themselves into their work and I think Mr. Johnson is no exception.
Having Asperger's, I can completely relate.
I'm a musician as long as we get our name out there we dont give a car about anything taking from our hard work.
I disagree - This story does not take away the hard work and dedication that Robert did to become as good as he was. Rather, it takes away the myth of the crossroads/devil meeting and says that Robert practiced hard during his time in the cemetery with Ike Zimmerman.
The myth adds so much to his music. It’s what’s made him not only his music stay but where more then just blues fans want to continue to hear his music. The story of the myth is everything. His hard work in a perfect world is outstanding but his music alone would have died long ago unfortunately.
The myth of Robert Johnson is the reason he's stayed alive all these years later, and this legend will never die.
I wish I could've met him I'm really into history of different cultures I'm a closet nerd🤓
Was this not a retelling of the legend of Faust .Charlie Daniel's reshaped it into " The Devil Went Down to Georgia " . There's tales now of similar " business transactions " taking place in Bohemian Grove .
The guy wanted to be FAMOUS, voodoo snake witch told to him you would be famous, but not now, after Stones recorded his songs he became A LEGEND A FROZEN IN TIME.
Robert Johnson is the father of Rock and Roll
Jose Lopez No Johnson no rock.
Not really. He’s the king of delta blues. His influence in rock didn’t come until Clapton.
To be exact he is the Grandfather of Rock and Roll.
Robert's life was so mysterious, I honestly don't believe he had any children.
I mean that’s his grandson, so.
@@zeeman1280 during that time, there was no DNA testing.
@@theworldsgonemad_ they could test it now
@@Blank-km4qr they don't know where his exact grave is
He left a son, Claud. Claud's obituary mentions Steven among his sons so Robert Johnson has at least 4 grandsons out there.
Ike sounded like an awesome person. Very few people would go to that kind of effort, especially on someone who initially showed no promise. Rare breed even today.
That story has been common knowledge and ignored for years. I am a white guitar player from Missouri and I just want to tell you that your grandfather was amazing. Totally overlooked and it is a dirty shame. You should be beyond proud. He was and will always be one of the few true masters..
Modern blues, rock and roll, all those bands from the 60s, they all owe a debt of gratitude to Robert Johnson.
Bless you, Robert Johnson.
Bless you Steven Johnson, for keeping your grandfather's legacy alive.
Blaming the devil for his ability just takes takes away from all the hard work and dedication he put in to get better. He loved the instrument and a man needs a soul to play the way he did. A true original. Thank you for posting this.
Exactly
@@YakThaWiseman72 lol eyes wide shut 😂😂😂
He didn't sell his soul, he simply honed his craft.
Makaveli Soldier he was a bad guitarist and went away for a year and came back the best guitarist
@@peturoliver9695 it was two years!! Practice, yeah, hell yeah, but you can't deny the sound you get from that guitar, the lyrics
I honestly agree with this comment the story's about how he would wait for the blues players to have a break and go play and sound like shit only gives more evidence to that fact how people think that's proof he was bad then he was suddenly good like how can you misinterprete that? He clearly loved music so much it was everything to him... It only makes sense that a man with such passion who never got the chance to learn or the support he needed to learn when someone noticed his drive and determination and passion they decided I will teach this man everything I know. And him being so determined and driven to play guitar he would definitely take that opportunity with both hands and commit 100 percent. Its upsetting that such a amazing man who deserves all the credit in the world for his achievements is boiled down to some mysterious bullshit... The reason people did not want to accept how good he got was because it was mean accepting that its possible with loads of effort and they have to accept they could not put the effort in and that's hard for people to accept that anyone with hard work can achieve greatness... It's just people's inability to accept there own lack of determination and passion for something.
Yep if you can already play a bit of guitar, with a decent teacher and 2 years of practice you can become a fingerstyle blues player. The difficult bit is keeping the thumb strumming and coordinating with the right hand fingers but once you've got that down, the rest is pretty straightforward.
@@LewReviews I totally agree plus. He practiced and was determined to get good to have a career and people loved his music he earned it. That is more realistic. Let's remember he was at a very racist time in American history, where people would very likely make up any reason and story to tear down a successful and talented determined black man.
Awesome video. Robert Johnson's legacy needs to be more recognized in music today.
I've been saying he just practiced to get better. I'm gonna listen to his family and desendents before I listen to some random person regurgitating an ghost story. I think Robert Johnson made me and the devil blues because he joined the music industry in 1937. So he was definitely part of the occult or had knowledge of it...He didn't die until he joined the record label and finished recording all his music in 1938. I think the book Brother Robert will give you the best description of him.
Coach Johnson...(my coach Terry high 2002-2003). I remember coach was telling us about his grandad and I thought it was the coolest story. I know he's proud of his grandad and vice-versa
Thank you for this wonderful posting... Robert Johnson was so great...
I enjoy every story I come across from Robert Johnson’s story of life as a musician. I for myself believe more of the myth because to me he wanted it that way. For one thing who goes back. Especially when venturing out into the world. His fairytale story is the last famous one we ever hear, every other whether true or not is showing they will all fade. Nothing’s living on no more.
I think when he says he sold his would to the devil it makes him seem almost other worldly and and even more of a legend
Steven Johnson, Grandson of a LEGEND!
No one will never know about his learning. NO ONE KIDS! There's 4 or 3 different stories. God only knows :I
or satan
This man ate Robert Johnson, the devil, the crossroads, and the guitars
Before Robert Johnson it was Nicolo Paganini and the myth of the devil and their instruments...."Long live Rock and Roll"!!
Did NOT sold his soul to the devil....he PRACTICED, PRACTICED, PRACTICED, just like MANY greats, like Louis Armstrong for example....
jazzwatch64 idiot he practiced for 17 years and did not become good do you think he became that good in two years from practicing impossible
Well that's YOUR opinion.... he praticed and MANY great got good QUICK (again I think of Louie)......and I got your idiot!!!!!
Did you not just read what I said 17=average 2=god
Not possible bakayarou
He IS a god, as far as MANY rock performers said, many imitating him ;)......
jazzwatch64 Bro he practiced it in the name of the devil/with the devil.
He met the devil, no doubt, and the devil told him " i will keep your music and your name alive in the entire world forever "
I believe it!!!
I believe it too because not only did he get real good in a short amount of time when he use to suck he got famous too, legend has it that he met the devil at the cross roads gave his guitar to the devil let him tuned it and gave it back to him and told Robert to serve me for the rest of your days and you'll be the greatest and he died young at 27 selling out comes with a price
My favorite Robert Johnson songs are Cross Road Blues, Sweet Home Chicago, Me and the devil blues, Kind hearted woman blues, Love in Vain, Traveling Riverside Blues, Hellhound on my Trail, and I believe I'll Dust my Broom.
Have you heard of minnie Memphis mccoy (check her out I think you'll like it 😉
Everyone is entitled to their beliefs HOWEVER, the devil is real and R. Johnson wouldn't make records after records of the devil if it wasn't true.
The devil wants credit for his work and in return, us humans want success and notoriety so we choose a shortcut and sell our soul for instant gratification.
We're human, it's normal to have these urges and it does exist.
Amen
The devil is God's bad side, same being
no they arent. that is not true my brother.
@@PrestonDTLT then the devil is the evil of the mind.... Humans inner evil
@@greatwaheguru1295 well the devil is a being, he is a fallen angel. Hes not always in your mind although he can have his angels do that. He wants to be like God but hes not, hes an individual being just like we are and hes not apart of us.
Bruh, he's not the only one that sang devil blues, just because you hear the word devil in a song doesn't mean they sold their soul, chill
Very good. Your grandfather would be proud of you. Take care.
"My dear brothers, never forget, when you hear the progress of enlightenment vaunted, that the devil's best trick is to persuade you that he doesn't exist!". Charles Baudelaire
Ok
Spent time in the woodshed!! Glad to hear that!!💙
Awesome video that's awesome loving Robert Johnson music now
it was two years!! Practice, yeah, hell yeah, but you can't deny the sound you get from that guitar, the lyrics, the tone, the screech, the lick, the bends, the notes. It all feels like a man that has something to say. I man that may or may not have sold his soul to the devil... But his music sure sounds like he met the devil...
💯
This story made more sense. Now a spirit could have taught him in the graveyard who knows. He ain't scared of no ghost and now he's one. The Legba? like I said who knows.
Just practice. That's all. Every day. There's no devil in it.
Yes I play harp and it takes hours of practice to get problem in learning. God gives us the talent but we have to earn it. I have practiced a piece and did not get it but days later it came like a knife in warm butter...
Wow that's cool to know, many thanks Steven.
The idea that the greats are born or given something that makes them great is a discounting of their efforts at the only thing that can do the trick: Practice combined with imagination.
The music speaks for itself buddy .
Just now finding this video.. and I whole heartedly agree. I can appreciate the mythology surrounding Robert Johnson but I can most appreciate seeing first hand what a dedicated young man or woman in their prime is capable of mastering.
I respect anyone who improves themselves to become a better version of themselves. As a musician for most of my life I know that it is crucial to get a mentor or teacher for any craft especially music. With the right team around you and the will to become better, there are no limits to what you can do:)
Articulated beautifully! He should be remembered as the legendary guitarist he was/worked hard to be! Thank you for this video!!!
i would have never believed he sold his soul but for his own lyrics
But still he could play and sing at the same time. Like no other
Only Robert Johnson knowns the truth
well son it's better to regret something you have done than regret something you haven't done.
Chillllllllllle those buttons are holding on for dear life
Whether Robert Johnson
"sold his soul to the devil"
is anyone's guess...
...however,
he still did a number of things that
were very peculiar, strange and odd
especially for the time period & subculture
he grew up and lived in:
1) Practicing with an almost complete stranger like Ike Zimmerman.
2) I can't help but wonder what Zimmerman saw in an incompetant novice Johnson that sold him on the idea to invest the amount of time & hard work necessarily to instruct him for numerous years required for Johnson to make the improvements in his performance that he made when he had a reputation for not being able to "carry a tune in a bucket".
3) It should also be noted that the accomplished bluesman / musician continued to use and was known by his given name, Ike Zimmerman, and did not use a stage name as did his other blues contemporaries such as Son House, Blind-Lemon Jefferson, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Lead Belly.
4) Practicing his guitar in a nearby graveyard?? Who does that... and why??
5) His songs & lyrics were full of occultic references to the devil, death, hell and the grave... which was odd, if not unheard of... especially in the black communities of the Jim Crow-era Deep South who's cultural songs were either based in gospel music, 'chain-gang' work-hollars, or "hoochie-coochie" songs found in or about the "juke-joint" lifestyle.
I agree with all that but there is no way to prove he sold his soul.
I mean is it even possible to do that? Even if the devil is real?
I dunno bro, I don't think it needs to be that complicated
True enough. I'm not gonna lie i would actually live Johnson that much more if the case was that he did in fact sell his soul to mr satan.
Like*
VredesStall .
Waters Indeed. I agree with you 110%
So can u explain me what his lyrics mean when he sings me and the devil blues... he clearly saying he sold it
@Ben Welch he sang about the devil though
@@dylansmith4447 and how many other hundreds of artist have... really?
Ummm ... wrong answer...You tried it lol and of course you have simpletons that have no clue that will agree...smh
teamreckdjipod his lyrics about the devil and hellhounds are about Lynch mobs and the KKK
Why are most of his songs about the devil? I wonder.. thanks for the video.
Hmmmmmm playing music in the cemetery?
Blues music is often dark, depressive and full of despair. It makes perfect sense that they would practice in a cemetery in order to "get into the blues".
RIGHT! Thts hella satanic
@@peculiarone not satanic at all you idiot. Lots of musicians did and still do it due to the isolation and silence, has nothing to do with your superstitious BS
💯 % correct !
I actually thought that Ike Zimmerman was the devil in the form of a man
He was just a genus on the guitar. No devil involved.😸
Of course Robert practiced over and over and got better just like anyone would doing anything like music, sports etc. but its funny that he said Robert learned in 3 yrs. But Son the musician says in another documentary that Robert was bad, left for 6-8 months, came back to Arkansas and was good. One story is based off of research, and the other is someone who actually knew and played with Robert. Very interesting.
Yeah, i get it that it's his grandson but with all the other information. It was under a year. Not three years. He isn't exactly telling anyone ANY factual information upon where he researched this all from. He did move around but it wasn't for three years. I think this is just to purify RJ.
Where is his information and study coming from? Where is the proof?
Practice and good hard work is always a great thing.
Maybe he left his hometown because the people there mocked him because they believed that he sounded horrible. So, he decided to leave his hometown to get more practice. Once his guitar skills improved he decided to return to his hometown to show the people how practice makes perfect. Maybe....but Mr.Johnson did join the 27 club along with Jimi Hendrix, and that dude from The Doors.. I think it's Jim Morris.
With the mockery, it may have motivated him to practice day and night until he found it...
Thanks for this video, very interesting.
Gotta admit, it was a damn good gimmick
Sorry. This is family trying to restore face.
some legend i love yr g4abd daddys music its soul .ans am whute person and i understand
This is a great bio.
Practice, practice practice that's how you become great at ANYTHING
Well, some people are naturally gifted in comparison to others, but i agree.
Thank you Robert. Thatt kind ofma relief.
He would of played alot of music. Jazz soul, funk, gospel....
Robert Johnson the baddest man!!!!
Hard work. As a drummer/percussionist since childhood I believe that, sure, you are born with some level of talent but only through practice can you ever hope to be a "good" or great musician
fantastic!! Thank you I enjoyed this
I love how people act like you cant get good at guitar in a 2 year span. what else did he have to do back then? the internet didnt exist. and black people were segregated from using libraries and schools in those times. so he probably just played guitar a lot in 2 years and just got really good.
Well, he did study music for a while, since he was a kid, which can make learning the guitar a lot easier. But yeah, if I was in GD Mississippi, I too would play my guitar all day.
He sold his soul his songs clearly say it. You just trynna not to admit it to yourself at this point.
I think this fellow is on the right track, and it was proven in court that R.J. did have a son also, so he may very well be Robert's grandson. The legend is pretty awesome though and as i've always heard, "When the legend becomes the truth, print the legend!". That story actually started with another bluesman named Tommy Johnson. No, not the one in "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou", but the real guy with that name. Robert simply borrowed the story to explain how he became proficient at something he had really spent 3 years learning.
He's lying. He's trying to cover up his Grandfather name.
ME AND THE DEVIL BLUES
Early this morning
When you knocked upon my door
Early this morning, ooh
When you knocked upon my door
And I said "hello Satan
I believe it's time to go"
Me and the Devil
Was walkin' side-by-side
Me and the Devil, ooh
Was walking side-by-side
I'm going to beat my woman
Until I get satisfied
She said "you don't see why
That I will dog her 'round"
Now baby you know you ain't doin' me right, now
She say "you don't see why, hoo
That I would dog her 'round"
It must-a been that old evil spirit
So deep down in the ground
You may bury my body
Down by the highway side
Baby, I don't care where you bury my body when I'm dead and gone
You may bury my body, hoo
Down by the highway side
So my old evil spirit
Can get a Greyhound bus and ride
I would be so down to practice playing at a cemetery! Robert was a beast!
Not me I'm to 🐓🤣
I didn't know Biggie Smalls was Robert Johnson's grandson...
OMG, I laughed for half an hour after reading ur comment!
😆😆😆
Lol
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE GOIN STRAIGHT TO HELL FOR THIS COMMENT
Jeremiah Robinson straight to the abyss*
ike Zimmerman, I have heard that story and written about it in my book. I find it a great coincidence that Robert Zimmerman (aka Bob Dylan) has some interesting things to say about the Robert, the crossroads the deal and Legba, scratch, the devil whatever you call him. look up Dylan and the devil on
you tube
Whatever people choose to believe is they're business and I respect that completely. My opinion is that Johnson might have really had a raw talent for playing guitar but he might have not taken himself too seriously in the beginning and when you combine that with hard liquor and random people's different instruments (that your not used to) than it might have seemed like he didn't sound that good. So...could Johnson have really practiced for almost a year, get a guitar that suits him, work on his technique and find the guitarist within himself? I would say yes.
Everyone in town said he sucked. Came back playing one day extremely skilled. Yea sounds like some hidden talent locked away behind a paywall.
Matty's Jukebox He sold his soul to the devil! His grandson can deny it all he wants to but Johnson couldn't play well until he asked the devil for help! He probably practiced with those people like he said, but he didn't get that good from practice. Satan gave him the edge he needed. Robert Johnson even sang about it. All the musicians who've done it, usually sing about it. Ac/DC's music was written for them. They'd wake up to find it ready for them. They admitted to that! Bionce has a demon she calls Sasha, who comes out when she performs. She said she can't sing/dance as well during practice, etc. It's only when Sasha comes out. I saw Brittney Spears change personalities during an interview. It's a MK Ultra glitch. The list goes on & on! The illuminati promises these people fame & fortune. All they have to do is sign their name in blood, & be sodomized by executives. Child actors leave Hollywood from all the abuse, but are arg raid yo talk about it. Open your eyes & research this stuff. Satan controls Hollywood. The whole industry is satanic. I could give you examples all day long. Put your faith in Jesus. He's the only answer. If these celebs don't reach out to Jesus, they've lost their souls forever!
@@discobikerAndRosie I just wanna know how he did it, I'll take an eternity of fire to play that kickass
Plus Ike Zimmerman helped him
@@kingj521 Well said..
was it 2-3 years or 8 months that Johnson spent with Zimmerman? Son House recalls 6 to 8 months of Johnson missing and then returning. In the 2-3 years he would have enough time to develop that style and technique. Going away for a few months and being able to play like that afterwards seems quite miraculous on the other hand.
Frank if your a normal human not an intelligent black man with rthym.
Its not hard to learn guitar and create if you got the mindset and skill.
Not saying i doooo
Right and this is Willie Brown saying this who was Roberts friend to become the greatest guitarist in 9 months after you couldn't string a note so him saying 2-3 years is ludacris
He simply honed his craft.., ‘cause he sold his soul to the devil.
amazing story !
His closest friends said he basically sucked, but came back after a short period & was the best...And Robert Johnson alludes to this fact in his songs!
If he wasn't dead, I could have sworn Biggie was doing the intro.
It's all metaphor people. We search for so many answers in life that we just can't find. Even the most dedicated of musicians say when they are performing something takes over them, that they no longer have control of their bodies. This is that sensation and it is not god and it is not the devil, it is your ability to feel. To feel the vibrations that the others around you are giving out. This is not specific to the guitar either. It can be done with any instrument as well as any voice.
That 'Practice' finisher was a sweet touch. There are no short cuts.
Practice finisher???
Greatest lie ever told is the devil doesn't exist.
I'd sell my soul too to be a guitar master. No lie. Too bad the Devil don't give a damn about me.
pain what it was sorrow sadness made him
You dont win anything by selling your soul to the devil, you only loose the salvation that Jesus Christ bought for you with His body and blood
Back when I was young, I couldn't play a lick. so I practiced every day for 5 or 6 hours. After about a year, I could pick and slide like nobody's business. My friends were amazed! One even asked if I sold my soul. I just practiced. Now I'm much better, but still remember how good it felt getting those accolades when I was young. But only I know that I wasn't as good as they said. They thought I was great! Then I got better and better.
Going to the cemetery at night playing he let them evil spirits get into him made him play better spirit's transpired to devil he only left for six months listen to the song Robert johnson and the devil he say himself.... Should just keep struggling got greater with time and practice
The idea of selling your soul is a metaphor for the lust the artist has for his or her art. To sell your soul is to sacrifice anything and anyone for your art. To put it above all other things, including yourself.
I'll bet the myth even cheated some people from practicing on their own; thinking that it had to be something you were born with or obtained mystically. It removed their motivation. Practice is the only way to get better. Perhaps some people will never get there, but most will if they practice.
He has said he made a tough bargain with the chief commander of this world and the next..Some people think he meant GOD..When you make a tough choice it is not with GOD..The GOD of this world is not the father GOD, it is the devil and he was the master of music in heaven..You all would be shocked to know who have met the devil and made a deal to be famous..Cross Raods is as real as it gets
Amen Borther.
Right on
Great vid!!
Only a few people have actually met him (it), Only most have regret it because they can`t come back ever,Father and Mother time always reverse and never Dies,It was a Saturday evening before nine it walks the cross roads in the middle of life time ,Where life divides Truth from a lie.An old man with a crooked smile
Hey I`ll bet you can`t do what you want too,I said yea right ,the Old man with a crooked smile changed his face,right then and there I`m shocked only to see what was a grown man ,is now A Woman ,it`s not magic or any mystery that The Devil can change it`s face instantly..........
I saw another video saying it was a 6 month time span...now that's insane but 2-3 years is not hard to believe at all if being taught by a great teacher. I remember summet of 2008 i just bought an acoustic everyday i played it practicing by the end of summer my skills were so much better. I did the same learning Jimi Hendrix summer of 2009 , same results major improvement. It is not hard to believe especially if he was terrible to begin with.
Plain old blind 🙌
Why did some of his songs referenced the devil - If they are not true? The grandson is trying to protect his grandfather.
lol Nation of Islam calls the White Man Devil. In his time Our people were getting lynched
Songs can be written about everything and anything
Surprisingly mundane explanation behind the legend, but I'm glad his teacher got his dues
I swear some of these folks are wild with all their superstitions and conspiracy theories lol. The tales in the video
exactly right.
Some people can pick up music playing pretty fast because they are smart and talented. An example is the little girl on here 7 yrs old and playing a harp as well as Harpo Marx..Mr Johnson must have been real talented once he met Zimmerman and learned stuff from him. The old sell your soul tales are urban legends. The only way your soul can become the devil's property is that you die not repented or sin against the Holy Spirit ever what that is. God is very merciful.....
Anyone that believes he sold his soul, is belittling Johnson's talent.
It's understandable they think that because he himself made it his marketing strategy.
Shoruded himself in mystery, became arrogant from success and slowly lost himself to his demons (of drinking and temper).
This story ultimately led to his tragic death too..
Can't blame people for believing, people dig mystery and occult shit...
According to Wikipedia:
To enhance his fame, Tommy Johnson cultivated a sinister persona. According to his brother LeDell, he claimed to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his mastery of the guitar.[3][6] This story was later also associated with Robert Johnson, to whom he was unrelated. Tommy Johnson also played tricks with his guitar, playing it between his legs and behind his head, and throwing it in the air while playing.[2]
You mean there's no crossroads!?!?Damn it, t's the only chance i have now, i've been practing like cazy for 7 yrs. ad till freakingoen miking! UUUGGGHHH!
Good point. But he also seems happy to encourage the idea that he sold his soul.
Steven, his story says his first wife and his son died when she got birth and then he got marry for second time and I don't know if he had more children.
I love the explanation! Devil can't pass out no talent. Only God gives such gifts. Same thing goes for Freddy Mercury. Devil only made Freddy his slave. Freddy already had the voice of an angel and mastery of music.