LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

"King of the Delta Blues Singers" is a compilation album by the legendary blues musician Robert Johnson, released in 1961 by Columbia Records. Although Johnson recorded these tracks in the 1930s, this album brought his music to a wider audience, profoundly influencing the blues and rock musicians of the 1960s and beyond. The album is considered a seminal work in the history of blues music.

Robert Johnson's music is characterized by his innovative guitar playing, emotive vocals, and poignant songwriting. His use of slide guitar and complex fingerpicking patterns set him apart from his contemporaries. Johnson's lyrics often delve into themes of love, betrayal, travel, and the supernatural, reflecting the struggles and experiences of life in the Mississippi Delta.

"King of the Delta Blues Singers" played a crucial role in introducing Robert Johnson's music to a new generation of listeners. The album's release in 1961 sparked a resurgence of interest in Johnson's work, influencing a wide range of artists, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones. Johnson's songs have been covered and adapted by countless musicians, cementing his status as a foundational figure in the blues genre.

Track listing:

• A1 Crossroad Blues 2:28
• A2 Terraplane Blues 2:58
• A3 Come On In My Kitchen 2:46
• A4 Walking Blues 2:28
• A5 Last Fair Deal Gone Down 2:38
• A6 32-20 Blues 2:50
• A7 Kindhearted Woman Blues 2:50
• A8 If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day 2:34
• B1 Preaching Blues 2:50
• B2 When You Got A Good Friend 2:35
• B3 Rambling On My Mind 2:49
• B4 Stones In My Passway 2:25
• B5 Travelling Riverside Blues 2:43
• B6 Milkcow's Calf Blues 2:14
• B7 Me And The Devil Blues 2:30
• B8 Hellhound On My Tail 2:36