Ike Zimmerman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ike Zimmerman
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Isaiah Zimmerman |
| Born | April 27, 1907 Grady, Alabama. U.S. |
| Died | August 3, 1967 (aged 60) Compton, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Blues, Delta Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist |
| Years active | 1920s to 1950s |
| Known for | Mentor of Robert Johnson |
Isaiah "Ike" Zimmerman (born April 27, 1907 – died August 3, 1967) was an American blues guitarist. He is famous for being the main guitar teacher of the legendary musician Robert Johnson.
Ike was born in Grady, Alabama. In the late 1920s, he married Ruth Sellers. They lived with their children near Beauregard, Mississippi. Ike played the guitar and harmonica in local music spots called juke joints. He often practiced his guitar at night in cemeteries. This way, he wouldn't bother anyone. Ike became very skilled at playing the guitar. He also gave guitar lessons. Around 1931, Robert Johnson, another famous musician, came to the area. Robert wanted Ike to teach him how to play guitar better. He specifically wanted to learn fingerpicking and bottleneck guitar styles.
Teaching Robert Johnson
Ike Zimmerman and Robert Johnson first met in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Robert asked Ike to teach him how to play the guitar. Ike agreed, and Robert moved in with Ike's family. He stayed for about a year to learn. Ike's daughter said that Robert fit in well with their family. She remembered hearing them play guitar together. It sounded like they were having a friendly competition.
While living with Ike, Robert Johnson became known as "R.L." They often practiced together. They would sit on tombstones in Beauregard Cemetery. This practice spot later led to a famous story. Some people believed Robert "sold his soul to the Devil" to play so well. After much practice, Ike and Robert toured together. They played in local lumber camps and juke joints. Soon, Robert began performing on his own.
Robert Johnson's Success
When Robert Johnson returned home to Clarksdale, Mississippi, people were amazed. His guitar skills had improved a lot. In 1936 and 1937, Robert recorded many songs. These recordings made him one of the most important blues performers ever.
Ike Zimmerman's family has said that some of Robert's songs were actually written by Ike. For example, they believe "Ramblin' on My Mind" was Ike's song. They also claim that other songs, like "Dust My Broom" and "Come On In My Kitchen", were written by both Ike and Robert together.
Later Life and Legacy
Ike Zimmerman never made any recordings himself. However, he performed widely across Mississippi. In the 1950s, he stopped playing blues music. He became a Pentecostal minister. Around 1960, Ike moved to California. He passed away in Compton, California, in 1967. He was 60 years old. Ike Zimmerman's influence on Robert Johnson helped shape the history of blues music.
