Image: Robert Johnson

Hooks Bros., Memphis, circa 1935

©1989 Delta Haze Corporation

Rat.: There are only three known photographs of Robert Johnson.

Hellhound on My Trail is the reason Mr. Johnson had such on influence on the Delta Blues form of music. It is Robert Johnson's most famous song out of the 29 songs recorded before his early death. Hellhound on My Trail is rated as one of the 100 greatest musical works of the 20th century by National Public Radio and as the best blues poetry by music historian Samuel Charters. Robert Johnson is a legendary figure who allegedly sold his soul to the devil in return for his musical talent. The song is meaningless if detached from his persona as his early death is believed to be related to the song—he had a hellhound after him because of his bargain with the devil. It is entwined with his mystique. There is no other image available either of him or the record. If it is justified for a general article on the blues then it is justified for the specific song he wrote that had such an effect on the blues. Mattisse 22:19, 25 August 2007 (UTC)

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Non-free fair use