[CD] Robert Johnson - The Complete Recordings - Centennial Collection

Columbia/Legacy CLEG 85907, 0886978590725 - Blues CD - "Robert Johnson was like an orchestra all by himself. Some of his best stuff is almost Bach-like in construction ... a brilliant burst of inspiraton." — Rolling Stones' guitarist Keith Richards May 8, 2011, marked the 100th birthday of Mississippi Delta bluesman Robert Johnson, who, according to legend, sold his soul down at the crossroads of Highway 61 and Highway 49 in a midnight bargain that has haunted the music world for three-quarters of a century. The ‘deal' brought forth Johnson's incandescent guitar technique and a run of 10-inch 78 RPM singles for the Vocalion, Oriole, Conqueror and Perfect labels recorded in San Antonio in 1936 and Dallas in 1937. Those songs have become a cornerstone of Columbia Records' identity, and they're celebrated on commemorative Centennial releases from Columbia/Legacy. Over the years, Johnson's influence has resounded in the music of Muddy Waters ("32-20 Blues"), Elmore James ("I Believe I'll Dust My Broom"), Junior Parker ("Sweet Home Chicago"), John Hammond Jr. ("Milk Cow's Calf Blues"), the Rolling Stones ("Love In Vain," "Stop Breakin' Down Blues"), John Mayall ("Ramblin' On My Mind"), Cream ("From Four Until Late"), Eric Clapton ("Cross Road Blues"), Johnny Winter ("When You Got a Good Friend"), and others. It is by far the most empowering body of work in American history to emerge from one solitary blues figure. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Robert Johnson's birth, Columbia/Legacy pays homage to his spirit with stand-alone vinyl, CD and DVD components, including this updated two-CD set of the Grammy winning The Complete Recordings. All 42 known recordings of Johnson's music are here, exquisitely remastered.