The highly anticipated museum dedicated to Delta blues master Robert Johnson opened May 5 in Crystal Spring, Mississippi. Johnson’s grandson, Steve Johnson, presided over the opening ceremonies for the Robert Johnson Blues Museum and spoke of the important role the facility will have in honoring the blues, his grandfather’s legacy, and the revitalization of Copiah County, Mississippi. Johnson is currently vice-president and chief operating officer of the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation, which was established by the family and heirs of the blues guitarist, who died in 1938.
The museum opening kicked off two days of blues performances that included Crossroads, Robin & Toney, Rocky Lawrence, SoulShot, Kapori, Jessie Robinson and the 500 lb. Blues Band, House Rockers, Sunny Rydell, and Vasti Johnson. A special treat for fans in attendance was an electrifying performance by 91-year-old Robert Lockwood, Jr., who studied and often performed with Robert Johnson. A special gospel concert included performances by the Straitway Inspiration Choir and God’s Soldiers, the Magnolias, the Harmony Echos, Vernon Moore & the Urgency Project, the Canton Spirituals featuring Harvey Watkin and Lee Williams, and the Spiritual QCs.
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Steve Johnson with Patrick Droney
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Carrying on the blues tradition, the festival showcased several young musicians, including the recipients of the Gibson-Robert Johnson Blues Foundation New Generation Award. This year’s winner, 13-year-old Patrick Droney, was given a Gibson guitar and performed at the museum’s opening ceremony while Jacqueline Nassar, the 2005 recipient, took center stage at the festival.
Often referred to as “the King of the Delta Blues,” Johnson was born in Hazelhurst, Mississippi on May 8, 1911. One of the most admired and revered musicians of all time, Johnson’s classic recordings for Columbia Records inspired countless blues and rock musicians including the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton. “Crossroads,” “Stop Breaking Down,” and “Terraplane Blues” are but a few of his songs covered by other artists.
Guitarist Johnny Winter will headline next year’s event, which is set for May 5 and 6. For more information about the foundation, visit www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org.
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