www.youtube.com A very good bio-doc (from 1992) effort to untangle the life and myths of blues legend Robert Johnson. This is a challenging task, as not a lot is known about Johnson except through his music and through lore. There is speculation at times, but this is inevitable. It still uncovers a lot, from his rejection by his family (blues was the work of the devil) to the darkness of his lyrics and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. I would have preferred the original music of Johnson, but narrator John Hammond does a very satisfactory job in his renditions. Relatively minor players "Honeyboy" Edwards and Johnny Shines give classic delta blues performances that stand out. Appearances by Eric Clapton and Keith Richards help to emphasize Johnsons lasting impact on blues and rock. Johnson was never interviewed, and his performance was never captured on film. Beside his music, all that are left are oral accounts, peppered by exaggeration and myth. An accurate, objective bio may be impossible to achieve. But The Search for Robert Johnson comes about as close as might be expected, and has great entertainment value as well.
Search For Robert Johnson (Part 4 of 5)
17 thoughts on “Search For Robert Johnson (Part 4 of 5)”
Posted On in Uncategorized with 17 Comments.
I was thinking about posting something like this but you already did haha. If you wanna hear some of JH Jr.’s most awesome stuff check out his tom waits cover album
@c0l3r05zk09 Wrong !!
I don’t think the point was to show his skills, but Johnson’s. Sure people can slightly get Johnson’s music by listening to it, but seeing it performed is something else.
I think the purpose of the live performances is for the sake of visual learners. Real musicians can hear how insanely intricate Johnson’s recording are, but people who aren’t musicians would definitely want to actually see these songs being performed to better understand them. I’ve been listening to Johnson a lot recently, and even though I don’t particularly love Hammond’s voice (he can’t do the high notes) his performances have helped me appreciate Johnson even more.
Hellhound on my trial sounds like a Children Of Bodom song
Man, what is with all the reverse racism over this documentary? Would you rather no one make a documentary about the man? This guy can’t sing worth a crap, but he can play. I’ve seen some pretty sick comments to about White people shouldn’t play the blues, etc etc. It’s MUSIC and it’s the universal language of all races.
I had to fast forward the guys playing. It’s just him showing off. We get it, 6 songs ago.
i think they should have played more original recordings (from other delta men too maybe) and less live demonstrations.. bah i dont know in anyhow this was very good documentary.
not too many people can play these songs just because they’re old and intricate so i think it serves the purpose of relaying the act of live performance and spirit.
amen brother!
good point :) he sure was playing his fiddle way too many times.
is this a documentary about Robert Johnson or the narrator showing off his imitation skills?
Hammond ain’t being condescending. But they’re from from totally different backgrounds.Hammond- college educated blues musician from well connected family who have been long term supporters of civil rights and equality.He loves these guys,the music and feels for what they went through but he ain’t lived like them. David "Honeyboy" Edwards IS a Delta Bluesman. He has lived the life, fought and suffered for what he has. Which is the difference between them they both understand.
john hammond is a great musician. apparently he played with hendrix
mate, shut up and let’s hear honey boy
and i’d gladly join that project 🙂 or any other blues documentary project! that would be a dream come true.
"It ain’t easy bein’ sleazy" haha
Man, if I wasn’t living on borrowed money, I’d fly straight to the US and put together a noncondesending documentary about the legendary Mr Edwards… and I’d have you script it