Robert Johnson best Blues Guitarist?

[RCBH928]

I read this in a book, and I am here to ask.
I heard stuff like they worship this guy for his skills.
I switched on iTunes to listen to bits and pieces, and although I like Blues
I am not sure what is so amazing about his skill in playing the guitar...

was it that he was first to come with such style of music?

I do not know the basics of playing music, but when they said that about Jimmy Hendrix, I can understand because at least his notes are complex and maybe fast. Although I doubt that others can't be on par with him.

[ubelaffe]

Robert Johnson did things before other people did them and was kind of ahead of his time that way.

Jimi Hendrix was similar. His skill level is easier to attain now, but back then, he was doing things that no one else could do.

[dsheinem]

most influential? yes.

best? no.

[RadarScope1]

most influential? yes.

best? no.

Yeah. Johnson just has this legend about him because he came around in a time when recorded music was possible but pop culture and good documentation of it weren't developed yet. So we have his records but not all the details, and there's this aura about him. He was the first to do (and certainly record) a lot of blues conventions.

[Hatta]

Probably not the best blues guitarist, but definitely the best blues songwriter.

[bennythejet]

His vision of the blues was way ahead of his time.

The blues can encompass many different styles within it's structure. Robert Johnsn's particular style was very intricate, whereby he would be playing two (maybe three) seperate rythymns simultaneously, the bass with his thumb and the rythymn and lead with his fingers. - I'm sure the man had two brains.

Eric Clapton was, and still is obsessed by him and that's good enough for me!

[Octopod]

Robert Johnson is awesome. I dig old delta blues but my knowledge is very limited.

[dsheinem]

Eric Clapton was, and still is obsessed by him and that's good enough for me!

Anyone who like Johnson and/or Clapton should def check out Clapton's "Me and Mr. Johnson." It's a very enjoyable album with interesting takes on Johnson's canon.



(or find a link here: http://kennyg1971.blogspot.com/2008/12/ ... hnson.html)

[Mathius]

It was Clapton that made me aware of Johnson's influence on the Blues. Clapton would listen to Robert Johnson records when he was young and it made a huge impact on his playing.

[Hatta]

Clapton is a total wannabe. He hasn't done anything worthwhile since Cream. If I want to hear a white guy play the blues, I'll listen to Johnny Winter. At least he's actually from the South.
</music snob>