Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 – August 16, 1938) was an American
blues singer-songwriter and musician. His landmark recordings in 1936 and 1937 display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that has influenced later generations of musicians. Johnson's shadowy and poorly documented life and
death at age 27 have given rise to much legend, including the
Faustian myth that he sold his soul to the devil at a
crossroads to achieve success. As an performer who played mostly on street corners, in
juke joints, and at Saturday night dances, Johnson had little commercial success or public recognition in his lifetime.