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Caption
Robert Johnson (1994) - King of the Delta Blues
Number
2857
Prompt
Robert Johnson, the figure in the image, should look to his left and his right before turning back to the camera with a slightly sad look common to those who sing the blues. The musical notes in the background could gently drift upwards .
Body

This stamp, part of the "Jazz and Blues Singers" set in the "Legends of American Music" series, commemorates the legendary Robert Johnson. The First Day of Issue ceremony was held at the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival in Greenville, Mississippi, a fitting tribute to his roots. Johnson's life is shrouded in mystery, including the famous legend of him selling his soul to the devil at a crossroads to achieve his musical talent. His recordings from 1936 and 1937 have had a profound and lasting influence on blues and rock music, with his songs being covered by artists like The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin. The stamp art, by Julian Allen, is based on one of only two known photographs of Johnson. Controversially, a cigarette was removed from Johnson's mouth in the final artwork.