History of Sorts

Two truly legendary musicians are connected by the date of August 16. Robert Johnson died on August 16, 1938. Elvis Presley died on August 19, 1977. Both men had a lasting impact on music.

Robert Johnson: The Myth, the Man, and the Music

Robert Johnson, often hailed as the “King of the Delta Blues,” is a figure whose life and legacy have become the stuff of legend. Despite his brief career and the mystery surrounding his life, Johnson’s influence on music—particularly the blues and rock genres—remains profound. His music not only captured the essence of the Delta blues but also helped to shape the future of American music.

Early Life and Background

Born on May 8, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, Robert Leroy Johnson came from humble beginnings. His parents, Julia Major Dodds and Noah Johnson, were sharecroppers, a common occupation for African Americans in the South during that time. His early life was marked by hardship and instability, as his mother moved frequently, and young Robert was often separated from his family. These experiences of poverty and transience would later influence the haunting and melancholy tone of his music.

Johnson’s early interest in music was nurtured by his experiences in the Delta, where the blues was a vital part of the culture. However, his initial attempts to master the guitar were met with ridicule from his peers. This rejection was a turning point for Johnson, as he disappeared for several months, only to return as an extraordinary guitarist. It was this transformation that gave rise to one of the most enduring legends in music history.

The Legend of the Crossroads

The myth that Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his musical prowess is one of the most famous stories in blues folklore. According to the legend, Johnson met the devil at a crossroads—commonly thought to be at the junction of Highways 49 and 61 in Clarksdale, Mississippi—where he made his Faustian bargain. The idea of selling one’s soul to the devil is a theme that runs deep in Southern folklore, especially in the blues, which often grapples with themes of sin, redemption, and the supernatural.

While there is no evidence to support this legend, it has contributed to Johnson’s mystique and has been a compelling narrative for understanding his sudden rise in musical skill. The truth, however, is likely more mundane: Johnson was a dedicated musician who honed his craft through relentless practice and learning from established bluesmen of the time, such as Son House and Ike Zimmerman.

Musical Contributions

Robert Johnson’s recorded legacy is small, consisting of just 29 songs recorded in two sessions in 1936 and 1937. Yet these recordings are some of the most influential in the history of American music. Songs like “Cross Road Blues,” “Hellhound on My Trail,” and “Love in Vain” showcase Johnson’s virtuosity on the guitar, his expressive vocal delivery, and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music.

Johnson’s style is characterized by its intricate fingerpicking, rhythmic sophistication, and innovative use of slide guitar. His ability to blend melody and rhythm into a seamless whole was revolutionary, influencing countless musicians across various genres. His lyrics, often dealing with themes of love, betrayal, and existential despair, are poetic and rich with imagery, reflecting the struggles and hardships of life in the rural South.

Despite his talent, Johnson’s music did not achieve widespread success during his lifetime. He performed mostly in small juke joints and on street corners, with little recognition outside the Delta. It was only after his death that his music gained the acclaim it deserved, thanks to the efforts of archivists and musicians who recognized his genius.

Robert Johnson’s influence on music cannot be overstated. His work has been cited as a foundational influence by some of the greatest rock and blues musicians, including Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Bob Dylan. Eric Clapton, who called Johnson “the most important blues musician who ever lived,” recorded an entire album of Johnson’s songs titled Me and Mr. Johnson in 2004, a testament to Johnson’s enduring impact.

The mythic aspects of Johnson’s life, particularly the crossroads legend, have also permeated popular culture. Films, books, and songs have all explored the themes of deals with the devil and the idea of trading one’s soul for artistic brilliance. These stories have helped to cement Johnson’s place in the pantheon of American cultural icons.

Robert Johnson’s death on August 16, 1938, is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, much like his life. He died at the age of 27, a detail that places him among the first members of the “27 Club,” a term later used to describe famous musicians who died at that age. The exact cause of his death remains unknown, and the circumstances surrounding it have fueled numerous speculations and legends.

Theories and Circumstances of His Death

The most widely accepted theory is that Johnson was poisoned, possibly by a jealous husband or lover. According to accounts from those who were with Johnson in his final days, he was playing at a juke joint near Greenwood, Mississippi, when he was given a bottle of whiskey that was allegedly laced with poison. The story goes that the poisoning was motivated by revenge, as Johnson was known to have a reputation as a ladies’ man, and it was not uncommon for him to pursue relationships with married women.

Son House, a fellow blues musician, recounted that he had warned Johnson about accepting open bottles from strangers, but Johnson reportedly ignored the advice. Shortly after drinking the whiskey, Johnson began feeling ill and had to stop performing. He suffered for several days before succumbing to his condition on August 16, 1938. His death certificate lists “no doctor” as the attending physician and notes that the cause of death was unknown, although some speculate that strychnine poisoning was involved.

Another theory suggests that Johnson may have died from complications of syphilis, a common and often deadly disease at the time. A study conducted years later by medical researchers indicated that syphilis was a likely contributor to his death, as his symptoms in his final days were consistent with the disease.

The ambiguity of Robert Johnson’s death only adds to the mystique that surrounds his life and career. The idea that he might have been murdered in a jealous rage, combined with the legend of his pact with the devil, creates a narrative that has captivated fans and historians alike. His untimely death also prevented him from achieving widespread recognition during his lifetime, leaving his music to be discovered and celebrated posthumously.

Johnson’s burial site is also a matter of uncertainty, with at least three different locations in Mississippi claiming to be his final resting place. The most widely accepted location is in the graveyard of the Little Zion Church near Greenwood, Mississippi, but the lack of concrete records leaves room for doubt.

In the decades following his death, Robert Johnson’s music was brought to a wider audience through reissues and covers by influential artists, solidifying his status as one of the most important figures in the history of the blues. His mysterious death, coupled with his legendary talent, has ensured that his story remains an enduring part of American music folklore.

Elvis Presley: The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Elvis Aaron Presley, widely regarded as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” is one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His influence extends far beyond music, shaping the worlds of fashion, film, and even social movements. Elvis’s rise from humble beginnings to global stardom encapsulates the American dream, while his unique blend of musical styles and charismatic persona left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Early Life and Musical Influences

Elvis was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to a poor but loving family. His early life was marked by financial struggles, yet it was also enriched by the cultural diversity of the South. Elvis grew up surrounded by gospel music in church, country music on the radio, and rhythm and blues in the African American communities of the region. These diverse influences would later meld into his groundbreaking sound.

As a teenager, Elvis moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee, a city rich in musical heritage. It was here that Elvis first encountered the vibrant blues and R&B scenes on Beale Street, which played a pivotal role in shaping his musical style. In 1953, he walked into Sun Studio to record a song as a gift for his mother. The studio’s owner, Sam Phillips, recognized Elvis’s potential and saw in him the opportunity to bring the raw energy of African American music to a broader audience. This led to the recording of Elvis’s first single, “That’s All Right,” in 1954, which is often cited as the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.

The Birth of a Star

Elvis’s early recordings, a fusion of R&B, country, and gospel, were unlike anything the world had heard before. His deep, emotive voice, combined with his provocative performance style, captivated audiences and broke racial barriers in a segregated America. With hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” Elvis quickly became a national sensation.

His appearances on television shows such as “The Ed Sullivan Show” further solidified his fame, though they were not without controversy. Elvis’s gyrating hips and sensual stage presence shocked conservative audiences, who deemed his performances too suggestive for the time. However, these controversies only fueled his popularity, particularly among young people, who saw him as a rebellious figure who challenged the status quo.

Cultural Impact

Elvis’s impact on music and popular culture cannot be overstated. He helped to popularize rock ‘n’ roll at a time when the genre was still in its infancy, bridging the gap between black and white music traditions and bringing them into the mainstream. His success opened the door for other artists, both black and white, to follow in his footsteps.

Beyond music, Elvis influenced fashion with his flamboyant style, which included flashy jumpsuits, slicked-back hair, and a penchant for eye-catching accessories. His image became iconic, embodying the spirit of youthful rebellion and freedom that defined the 1950s and 1960s.

Elvis also had a significant impact on the film industry, starring in over 30 movies, including “Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Viva Las Vegas.” While his films were often criticized for their formulaic plots, they were commercially successful and furthered his appeal as a versatile entertainer.

The Later Years and Legacy

Despite his immense success, Elvis’s life was not without its struggles. By the late 1960s, his career had begun to wane, and he faced personal challenges, including a dependence on prescription drugs. In 1968, however, Elvis staged a comeback with a television special that reminded the world of his extraordinary talent. This was followed by a successful run in Las Vegas, where he performed regularly until his untimely death.

Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy has only grown in the years since. Today, Graceland, his Memphis home, is a pilgrimage site for millions of fans from around the world. His music continues to inspire new generations of artists, and his influence is evident in the work of countless musicians across genres.

Elvis Presley, died on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. His death marked the end of an era and shocked millions of fans worldwide. Elvis was found unresponsive on the floor of his bathroom at Graceland, his mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. He was discovered by his then-fiancée, Ginger Alden, who immediately called for help. Despite attempts to revive him, Elvis was pronounced dead at Baptist Memorial Hospital later that afternoon.

Cause of Death

The official cause of death listed on his death certificate was a heart attack, but the underlying factors leading to this were more complex. An autopsy revealed that Elvis had suffered from severe health issues, including an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, and significant damage to his liver. Additionally, he had been battling a long-term addiction to prescription drugs, which had taken a severe toll on his health. The toxicology report showed high levels of various drugs in his system, including opiates, barbiturates, and tranquilizers.

While the immediate cause of his death was cardiac arrest, the role that prescription drugs played in his deteriorating health has been the subject of much discussion and debate. Dr. George Nichopoulos, Elvis’s personal physician, was later found to have prescribed thousands of doses of various medications to Elvis in the months leading up to his death. This raised questions about the responsibility of those around Elvis in enabling his addiction, a topic that remains controversial to this day.

Public Reaction

The news of Elvis’s death sent shockwaves around the world. Fans gathered outside Graceland to pay their respects, and tributes poured in from fellow musicians, celebrities, and political leaders. Elvis’s funeral, held on August 18, 1977, was attended by close family, friends, and a few celebrities, with thousands of fans lining the streets of Memphis to catch a glimpse of the procession. He was initially laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, but after an attempted theft of his body, his remains were moved to Graceland, where he was buried next to his mother, Gladys Presley.

Legacy and Aftermath

Elvis’s death had a profound impact on popular culture. For many, it symbolized the end of the rock ‘n’ roll era. However, it also cemented his status as a cultural legend. Graceland became a site of pilgrimage for fans, and his music saw a resurgence in popularity. Over the years, conspiracy theories emerged, with some fans refusing to believe that Elvis had truly died, claiming instead that he had faked his death to escape the pressures of fame. Despite these theories, Elvis’s influence continues to be felt in music, fashion, and film, and his legacy as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll remains undisputed.

Elvis Presley’s death was a tragic conclusion to a life that had seen extraordinary highs and devastating lows. His untimely passing highlighted the dark side of fame, but it also reinforced his enduring impact on music and culture. Even in death, Elvis remains one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the history of popular music.

Sources

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/the-27-club-a-brief-history-17853/

https://ig.ft.com/life-of-a-song/crossroads.html

https://www.quora.com/Why-did-Robert-Plant-visit-the-crossroads-where-Robert-Johnson-is-supposed-to-have-sold-his-soul-for-virtuosity-playing-his-guitar

Biography

https://www.graceland.com/biography

https://people.com/music/elvis-presley-death-everything-to-know/

https://www.theguardian.com/music/elvispresley

https://www.rte.ie/special-reports/elvis/