|
|
Article: On 60th anniversary of his death, Robert Johnson's legacy continues to fascinate scholars, performers and photo-scroungers.(Originated from Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service)
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service
- Article date:
- August 14, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1998 Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
One of the spookier coincidences in rock 'n' roll happened when Elvis Presley died in his bathroom 39 years _ to the day _ after Robert Johnson died from drinking from an enemy's mysterious whiskey bottle. Both events took place Aug. 16, and Presley's death was just another footnote in the bizarre, unexplained life of Johnson.
By now, all blues fans and most rock 'n' roll fans know of the Johnson myth. Supposedly, as a young man who could barely play the guitar, he agreed to meet the devil at the crossroads of highways 49 and 61 near Clarksdale, Miss. The devil tuned the guitar, handed it back to him, and suddenly Johnson was the most talented player in town.