Q 01/05

According to the most famous legend about him, what did Robert Johnson trade for his musical talent?

A) His eyesight

B) His first-born child

C) His soul

D) His guitar

Answer · why

C) His soul

The story mirrors the Faust legend and was borrowed from another Delta singer who actively promoted the tale himself.

Q 02/05

How old was Robert Johnson when he died in 1938?

A) 29

B) 27

C) 41

D) 33

Answer · why

B) 27

His early death at that age makes him the first name on the so-called 27 Club roster.

Q 03/05

The hall of fame that first inducted Robert Johnson calls him perhaps the first ever what?

A) Guitar hero

B) Rock star

C) Crossover artist

D) Singer-songwriter

Answer · why

B) Rock star

Its citation puts him alongside the earliest rock pioneers even though he never played an electric guitar.

Q 04/05

How many recording sessions did Robert Johnson have in his entire career?

A) Four

B) Two

C) One

D) Six

Answer · why

B) Two

Both took place in makeshift Texas studios, and everything he ever recorded fits comfortably on two CDs.

Q 05/05

What did Robert Johnson mostly do for a living as a performer?

A) A radio station house band

B) Recording jingles for a label

C) Street corners and juke joints

D) Touring vaudeville theatres

Answer · why

C) Street corners and juke joints

He also played Saturday night dances, and would happily play pop standards or country tunes if that was what the crowd wanted.