Jesse Collins Entertainment and Concord Originals are collaborating on the first-ever authorized biopic of blues legend Robert Johnson, known as the King of the Delta Blues.

Born in 1911 in Mississippi, Robert Johnson rose from poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history. Despite facing the harsh realities of being a Black man in the American South, Johnson transformed his experiences into groundbreaking blues music that would later influence rock legends like The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin.

The film, written by Ridgeway Wilson ("Black Girls Rock!" writer/producer), will explore both Johnson's remarkable life story and the famous myth that he sold his soul to the Devil for his exceptional guitar-playing abilities. Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon from Jesse Collins Entertainment, along with Sophia Dilley and Charles Hopkins from Concord, will produce the film.

Johnson's legacy, though brief, was profound. He died at age 27, allegedly murdered by a jealous rival, but his recordings later premiered at Carnegie Hall. In 1986, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, recognized as potentially the first rock star in history.

Michael Johnson of the Robert Johnson Estate emphasized his grandfather's significance: "Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones — they will all tell you that Robert Johnson's music helped to define the foundational roots of blues and rock n' roll. He was one of the innovators of this musical genre and depicting the Black experience in America and his life is an important story that is significant to American history."

CEO Jesse Collins and President Dionne Harmon of Jesse Collins Entertainment expressed their enthusiasm: "We are elated to partner with Concord Originals and The Robert Johnson Estate to tell this story with Ridgeway Wilson. Robert Johnson's impact on music culture is unmatched."

Related Articles

Previous Articles