The Robert Johnson Blues Festival was the place to be, to hear, and to see amazing talent on the blues scene and festival circuit. The scene was downtown Hazlehurst, Mississippi, across from the historic train depot where the famous New Orleans train still stops twice a day. (It is at this same stop that Robert Johnson frequently traveled to Chicago and other cities beyond to spread the magic of his music.) Along with the great music heard during the blues-filled day, the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation and Gibson Guitar were please to announce their 2007 New Generation winner.

Sixteen-year-old guitar prodigy Tyler Bryant of Honey Grove, Texas was presented with the Gibson Guitar Robert Johnson New Generation Award for aspiring young blues artists. He received a Robert Johnson Edition Gibson, a certificate of achievement, and a chance to take the stage during the third annual spring music festival. Bryant gave a stellar acoustic solo performance, and was then joined by 2006 winner Patrick Droney for a half hour set.

“This is such an amazing honor,” said Bryant. “I feel so blessed to receive this. I'm lucky because I was born knowing what I want to do.” Chosen through a contest that saw entries from several countries, Bryant was judged by a blue ribbon panel that included Grammy-winning producers, songwriters, and artists.

Tyler will return to Europe this summer for his second invitational tour. He’s played with many guitar greats including Albert Lee.

About Robert Johnson and the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation

The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation was founded by the family and heirs of blues legend Robert Johnson to provide services to all generations of blues artists and to preserve and perpetuate the rich heritage of Delta Blues Music. Robert Johnson, “King of the Delta Blues Singers,” was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi in Copiah County, on May 8, 1911. To commemorate the birth of the Mississippi Blues Legend, the Foundation holds the Annual Blues Festival in Hazlehurst.

Despite his short life and the small number of recordings that he left behind, Johnson is one of the most admired and influential Delta blues artists. His songs, such as “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Come on in My Kitchen,” and “Crossroad Blues,” are blues classics—played by thousands of blues artist and adapted by rock ’n’ roll artists such as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton.

Robert Johnson was a gifted singer, guitarist, and songwriter whose life story is wrapped in mystery and legend. Only two photographs are known to exist of him, and he recorded only 29 songs before his death in 1938 at the age of 27. Many of his contemporaries believed that he met the Devil at a lonely crossroads at midnight and made a deal to sell his soul in return for becoming the greatest blues musician of all time. More likely, he was blessed with enormous talent and spent a lot of time learning from other blues masters and honing his skills. He achieved some success and fame from recordings and performances during his life and was scheduled to perform at the first “Spirituals to Swing” concert at Carnegie Hall when he died. Although his burial place remains uncertain, it is generally accepted that his death was not accidental. Johnson was poisoned by a jealous husband (or girlfriend) while performing at a juke joint near Greenwood, Mississippi and died on August 16, 1938.

Visit www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org.

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