Robert Johnson and the Myths Surrounding the Blues Jamie Haworth

Key Themes ‘Romanticism’ towards the Blues Commercial character Technology’s significant impact on the blues

Robert Johnson Background King of the Delta Blues Incredible vocal delivery and guitar-playing style Sharp dresser Influence on later musicians

Crossroads Legend An enduring and attractive myth

Romanticism Imagines an art immune to commercial considerations, transcending people from differing social backgrounds. Prevalent in music history and journalism regarding the blues. A tempting concept, but distorts harsh realities.

Commercialism Deconstruct these narratives by charting Johnson’s conscious engagement with the commercial music industry. Why? Replaces emphasis back onto the cultural practices and social relations key to blues’ development. The Johnson name. Explored various existing musical styles.

Technological Change Johnson and the blues’ fortunes heavily tied to technological developments. Lynn Abbott and Doug Seroff. Record companies see potential in black record buying market, pushed for blues to gain a coherent theme. Artists like Johnson in the late 1920s and 1930s could be innovative within this framework.

Conclusion Romanticism muddies the waters. Johnson commercial and professional. Technology’s importance. ‘Blues can remain something from the heart without losing its history’. David Monod