The 10 best Robert Johnson songs of all time

Robert Johnson was a pioneering blues musician born on May 8, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, USA. He is one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the history of blues music. Johnson’s impact on the genre far outweighs his few recordings and short life.

Johnson’s legend revolves around his alleged pact with the devil at a crossroads, trading his soul for mastery of the guitar. This myth contributes to the mystique surrounding his life and music. His songs, often characterized by haunting lyrics and intricate guitar playing, showcase his unparalleled talent and innovation within the blues tradition.

Although he recorded only a few songs, such as “Cross Road Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” and “Hellhound on My Trail,” Johnson’s influence on later generations of musicians is immeasurable. His unique guitar techniques and soulful vocals laid the foundation for the development of rock ‘n’ roll, and his influence can be heard in the work of artists from Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton to the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.

Johnson’s life tragically ended very early when he died under mysterious circumstances in 1938 at the age of 27. Despite his short career, Robert Johnson’s musical legacy continues to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing his status as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.

1. They are red hot

“They’re Red Hot” is a blues song originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. The track features Johnson’s distinctive vocal style accompanied by his skillful guitar playing. “They’re Red Hot” is known for its fast tempo and playful lyrics describing the enjoyment of eating spicy tamales. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy melody make it a standout in Johnson’s repertoire. Over the years, “They’re Red Hot” has been covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a classic blues song.

2. Kindhearted women’s blues

“Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is a groundbreaking blues song recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. The track showcases Johnson’s masterful guitar playing and soulful vocals. In “Kind Hearted Woman Blues,” Johnson sings about his longing for a compassionate and understanding woman who will treat him well. The song’s melancholy melody and soulful lyrics capture the essence of the blues, expressing themes of love, longing, and heartbreak. With its soulful delivery and timeless appeal, “Kind Hearted Woman Blues” remains a cornerstone of Johnson’s catalog and a defining example of the Delta blues tradition.

3. Come into my kitchen

“Come On in My Kitchen” is a blues song by the legendary Robert Johnson, recorded in 1936. The song is one of Johnson’s best known works and showcases his exceptional talent as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. Known for its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, “Come On in My Kitchen” captures the essence of the Delta blues.

The song features Johnson’s distinctive fingerpicking guitar style, with a slide guitar accompaniment that adds to its eerie, melancholy atmosphere. The lyrics tell a story of love and longing, with the narrator mourning a lost lover and inviting her to seek refuge and comfort in his kitchen, as a metaphor for finding solace and companionship in hard times.

“Come On in My Kitchen” is celebrated for its emotional depth and Johnson’s expressive performance. The song has been covered by numerous artists across genres, including Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, and the Allman Brothers Band, underscoring its lasting influence and importance in the history of blues music.

The works of Robert Johnson, including “Come On in My Kitchen,” had a profound impact on the development of blues and rock music and cemented his reputation as one of the most important and influential musicians of the 20th century.

4. Mind wandering

“Ramblin’ on My Mind” is a classic blues song recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. The track features Johnson’s soulful vocals and complex guitar playing. In “Ramblin’ on My Mind,” Johnson reflects on the restless nature of his wanderlust, expressing a desire to wander freely, without ties or obligations. The song’s melancholy melody and introspective lyrics evoke a sense of longing and introspection typical of the Delta blues tradition. “Ramblin’ on My Mind” showcases Johnson’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music and remains a timeless example of his influential contribution to the blues genre.

5. Traveling Riverside Blues

“Traveling Riverside Blues” is a blues song written and recorded by legendary Delta blues musician Robert Johnson in 1937. Known for its striking lyrics and complex guitar work, the song became one of Johnson’s most famous and influential pieces.

“Traveling Riverside Blues” features Johnson’s masterful slide guitar playing and distinctive vocal style. The lyrics mix themes of travel, romance and the blues with memorable lines like “If your man gets personal, you want to have your fun” and “Sweet home Chicago.” The latter reference helped connect the song to the city of Chicago, a major center of blues music.

Although Johnson’s original recording did not receive widespread acclaim during his lifetime, “Traveling Riverside Blues” was later popularized by British rock band Led Zeppelin. Their version, recorded during a BBC session in 1969, introduced the song to a new generation of listeners and underscored Johnson’s lasting influence on rock and blues music.

Robert Johnson’s Traveling Riverside Blues remains a cornerstone of the Delta blues tradition and is celebrated for its raw emotional power, technical skill, and lasting influence on subsequent generations of musicians.

6. Hellhound on my trail

“Hellhound on My Trail” is a haunting and moving blues song recorded by Robert Johnson in 1937. The track features Johnson’s plaintive vocals and complex guitar work. In “Hellhound on My Trail,” Johnson sings about his struggle with personal demons and the feeling of being stalked by a menacing presence that is often interpreted as a metaphor for fate or the consequences of his choices. The song’s eerie atmosphere and stark lyrics convey a sense of foreboding and despair, capturing the essence of the Delta blues tradition. Considered one of Johnson’s most powerful and enduring compositions, “Hellhound on My Trail” showcases his mastery of the genre and ability to evoke deep emotions through his music.

7. Sweet Home Chicago

“Sweet Home Chicago” is a classic blues song that has been covered by many artists, but was originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. The track features Johnson’s signature slide guitar playing and soulful vocals. “Sweet Home Chicago” is an ode to the city of Chicago, referencing various landmarks and expressing a longing to return home. The song’s catchy melody and fast tempo make it a staple in the blues repertoire, and it has become one of Johnson’s most enduring and popular compositions. “Sweet Home Chicago” has been covered by countless musicians over the years and remains a timeless blues anthem.

8. I think I’ll dust my broom

“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” is a seminal blues song originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. The track is one of Johnson’s most influential works and a cornerstone of the Delta blues genre. The song is known for its driving rhythm, intricate slide guitar work, and evocative lyrics, which have achieved iconic status in the blues tradition.

Johnson’s version of “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” features his masterful slide guitar technique and haunting vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man determined to leave his problems behind and start over, with the phrase “Dust My Broom” symbolizing his intention to leave his current situation behind. This theme of travel and seeking change is a common motif in blues music.

The guitar riff at the beginning of the song, which has been imitated and adapted by many other musicians, is a defining element of the piece. Over the years, “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” has been covered by numerous artists, including Elmore James, whose electrified version in 1951 helped popularize the song and became a classic in its own right.

Elmore James’ rendition of “Dust My Broom” is particularly famous for its powerful slide guitar intro, which became a signature sound of electric blues. The song has also been performed and recorded by many other blues and rock musicians, further cementing its status as a blues standard.

“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” remains a testament to Robert Johnson’s lasting legacy and his profound influence on the development of blues and rock music.

9. Futile Love

“Love in Vain” is a blues song originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1937. The track is characterized by Johnson’s haunting vocals and complex guitar playing. “Love in Vain” tells the story of a man who is heartbroken and abandoned by his lover. The song’s sad lyrics and melancholy melody capture the pain and despair of unrequited love. Over the years, “Love in Vain” has been covered by numerous artists, including the Rolling Stones, who recorded their own version in 1969. Johnson’s original recording remains a prime example of the Delta blues tradition and shows his profound influence on the genre.

10. Cross Road Blues

“Cross Road Blues” is a groundbreaking blues song recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. The track features Johnson’s distinctive slide guitar playing and soulful vocals. In “Cross Road Blues,” Johnson sings about his struggle with loneliness and his search for meaning and direction in life. The song’s lyrics refer to a fork in the road where Johnson is faced with a choice between different paths, symbolizing the challenges and decisions we all face. The haunting melody and evocative lyrics have made “Cross Road Blues” one of Johnson’s most enduring and influential compositions, cementing his legacy as a pioneering figure in the blues genre.

Edward Tomlin is a regular contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.