#10: Robert Johnson




Johnson was the king of the Mississippi Delta Blues musicians. He made innovations to guitar playing that many musicians have pointed to as the foundation of rock and roll. His music inspired the creators of rock, including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. Later generations of rock artists recorded his songs, including Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.

Johnson died at the young age of 27 in 1938. There are no videos or films of him, and only two known photographs.